Study Shows Remodeling Sparks Both Bliss and Battles for Couples

While renovation projects may cause stress, most couples say the payoff is more comfort, happiness and organization

Mitchell ParkerAugust 26, 2025

Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.

Remodeling can bring couples closer — or test their limits. New Houzz research shows that while most describe the process as rewarding, a small share admit it pushed their relationship to the brink. The 2025 U.S. Houzz Remodeling and Relationships Report reveals how budget battles, design disputes and finish-line payoffs shape the renovation journey for couples at every stage.

Gold Hill Builders

Many homeowners say some elements of a renovation put their patience to the test. Top stressors include staying on budget (31%), agreeing on products (28%) and agreeing on style and scope (20% each). And for about 1 in 6 (16%), the big debate is whether to DIY or call in a pro.

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Michelle Miller Design, Inc.

While many couples call renovating together “collaborative” (59%) or “fulfilling” (50%), 4% say the process had them considering separation or divorce. That figure rises to 12% among couples together five years or less, compared with just 2% for those married 30 years or more. Still, when asked if the end result made the effort worthwhile, nearly all homeowners agreed it did (96%).

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Sogno Design Group

Couples found different ways to work through remodeling disagreements. More than half compromised (56%), while many turned to visualization tools (44%), gathered photos on Houzz (41%) or sought advice from pros (38%). More than 1 in 10 respondents (11%) say they deferred to their partner’s opinion to navigate challenges.

“A home renovation is one of the most demanding journeys a couple embarks on together, with numerous decisions, budget considerations and trade-offs along the way,” Houzz staff economist Marine Sargsyan says. “The findings highlight how communication, compromise and visualization technologies help mitigate disagreements and support productive collaboration throughout the renovation process among couples and the pros they hire.”

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Sylvestre Remodeling & Design

Couples reported clashing over a range of home design choices. Paint colors (36%), furniture (33%) and flooring materials (29%) were the most common sticking points, often influenced by how long partners had been together.

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Ernst Brothers

When it comes to decor sparking relationship strife, statues, posters and other artworks lead the way (59%). Childhood toys and mementos are another common source of disagreement (36%), followed by personally created art (18%).

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Lark Interiors

Despite some disagreements, most couples were happy with the outcome of a remodeling project. A majority said they felt more comfortable (60%) and happier (52%), while many also reported feeling calm and stress-free (39%) and more organized (38%) in their newly renovated home.

Mark Design Co.

A strong majority of couples (80%) brought in a pro for their remodel. To help ease potential relationship stress, many homeowners feel the process would benefit from more transparent pricing (45%), clearer communication (42%) and more accurate timelines (39%).

The study, conducted in January 2025, collected responses from 541 registered Houzz users who, along with a partner, had completed a renovation, upgrade or decorating project in the past 12 months. Participants’ relationship durations spanned five years or less, six to 10 years, 11 to 20 years, 21 to 30 years and more than 30 years.

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