How Satisfied Are Homeowners with Remodeling Projects?

Americans spent $603 billion improving their homes last year but were they really happy with the results?

We all know home improvement projects result in larger living spaces, updated amenities and improved homes – sometimes all three – yet once a project is done are homeowners satisfied with what was done?

That’s what the National Association of Realtors set about to find out in its new 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, as it devised a Joy Score to find out the level of satisfaction and happiness with these home improvement projects.

“Homeowners are discovering significant value and joy in these investments,” said NAR president Jason Hensler, “from smaller upgrades, such as front doors and windows, to major renovations like kitchens and primary suites.”

NAR calculates the Joy Score based on homeowners’ reported happiness with completed renovations. Forty-three percent of homeowners feel happy when they see their completed project, while 38 percent report feeling satisfied, the association said. The average Joy Score is 8.2, while three renovation projects – the addition of a primary bedroom suite, kitchen upgrade and new roofing – achieved perfect Joy Scores of 10.

NAR also supplies the Recovered Project Cost percentage which estimates the likely dollar value each renovation project will add to the house at resale, according to published reports. The survey found a new steel door has a 100 percent cost recovery, followed by a closet renovation with 83 percent. Bathroom renovations lag behind with only a 50 percent cost recovery.

“Homeowners undertake remodeling projects for numerous reasons, but what remains intriguing is the disparity between the joy experienced post-remodel and the actual cost recovery,” Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research said in a report. “While homeowners take pride in seeing their personal tastes and design choices come to life, realtors may recommend different strategies to enhance the property’s resale value.”

The NAR report also found that 29 percent of homeowners hired a professional to complete the entirety of a remodeling project, 24 percent hired the labor but purchased the materials and 24 percent completed the entire project themselves. It said that 28 percent of owners report that the most important result of remodeling is increased functionality and livability, while 23 percent say durable and long-lasting results, materials and appliances; and 23 percent cite beauty and aesthetics as the primary result, the report said.

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