The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry highlights that homeowners derive the most satisfaction from projects like adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and installing new roofing, each earning a perfect Joy Score of 10. In terms of cost recovery, replacing a steel front door offers the highest return at 100%, followed by closet renovations at 83% and new fiberglass front doors at 80%. While personal satisfaction drives many remodeling decisions, Realtors® often recommend projects such as painting and roofing to enhance a home’s resale value.
“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,” said Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research. “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 top remodeling projects that Realtors® recommend sellers complete before listing their homes include painting the entire home (50%), painting a single interior room (41%) and installing new roofing (37%). Additionally, the projects for which Realtors® have observed the highest increase in demand are a kitchen upgrade (48%), new roofing (43%) and a bathroom renovation (35%).