The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), in collaboration with the National Association of Realtors®, released the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, highlighting the top remodeling projects that bring homeowners the most satisfaction and the best cost recovery. Projects like adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and installing new roofing received perfect Joy Scores of 10, indicating high homeowner satisfaction. In terms of cost recovery, installing a new steel front door led with a 100% return, followed by closet renovations at 83% and new fiberglass front doors at 80% .
The report also sheds light on the motivations behind home remodeling. The primary reasons include upgrading worn-out surfaces (27%), improving energy efficiency (19%), desiring a change (18%), and preparing to sell within the next two years (18%). Interestingly, despite rising mortgage rates, 89% of consumers reported that housing affordability was not a deciding factor in their decision to remodel. Instead, many leveraged their home equity to finance projects, with 54% using home equity loans or lines of credit, 29% relying on savings, and 10% using credit cards .