HousingWire

As homeowners continue to invest in upgrading their living spaces, a new report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) highlights home remodeling projects that offer the greatest personal satisfaction, and those most likely to recoup costs.

The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, released Wednesday, found that adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and installing a new roof were the projects that brought homeowners the highest levels of happiness post-completion.

In contrast, the projects with the strongest cost recovery were more modest in scale. Replacing a front door with a new steel model saw a 100% cost recovery rate, while closet renovations (83%) and new fiberglass front doors (80%) also offered significant returns, according to estimates from remodeling professionals.

"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."

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