NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
Return on Investment
Cost vs. Value Report (Journal of Light Construction, 2025)
This site compares average costs for 22 remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in 150 U.S. markets.
8 Home Renovations with the Best Return on Investment, According to Pros (House Beautiful, Sept. 1, 2026)
“Home renovations require more than just a healthy budget and the right team of pros in your back pocket. There’s also a fair amount of strategy involved, especially if you’re renovating to sell, whether that’s in five months or five years. A home renovation that benefits you both in the short and long term requires striking a balance between what you love, what suits your lifestyle, and what can pay off in dividends when you go to sell.”
12 Remodeling Projects that Offer the Best Value at Resale (NAR REALTOR® News, Apr. 9, 2025)
“The Remodeling Impact Report demonstrates that demand for remodeling remains robust,” as remodeling contractors continue to report an uptick in projects as well as larger scope projects over the last two years, says Jason Hensler, president of NARI. “Homeowners are discovering significant value and joy in these investments— from smaller upgrades, such as front doors and windows, to major renovations like kitchens and primary suites,” he says.
12 Home Improvements that Don’t Add Value (S News and World Report, Apr. 16, 2025)
Before you invest in an expensive renovation project, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell. Here are some common home improvement projects that could decrease the value of your home: too much wallpaper; built-in electronics; wall to wall carpeting; swimming pools; garage conversions; outdoor fire features; and more.
Remodeling Statistics and Trends
Homeowner Improvement Expenditures by Project Type (Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, Mar. 20, 2025)
“Home improvement and repair spending vaulted from $404 billion in 2019 to $611 billion in 2022, and is expected to remain above $600 billion through 2025. Homeowners remain focused on replacement projects such as roofing, windows, and HVAC, accounting for 49 percent of improvement expenditures in 2023. On average, homeowners spent almost $4,700 on improvements in 2023, nearly 9 percent above the previous market boom in 2007. [from press release]
Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) (Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University)
“The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) provides a short-term outlook of national home improvement and repair spending to owner-occupied homes. The indicator, measured as an annual rate-of-change of its components, is designed to project the annual rate of change in spending for the current quarter and subsequent four quarters, and is intended to help identify future turning points in the business cycle of the home improvement and repair industry. Produced quarterly since 2007, the LIRA is released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Center in the third week after each quarter's closing.”
NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) (National Association of REALTORS® of Home Builders)
The NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) is based on a quarterly survey of NAHB remodeler members that provides insight on current market conditions as well as future indicators for the remodeling market.
Home Improvement Spending Has Shifted Away From DIY (Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, Sep. 21, 2026)
“The do-it-yourself (DIY) share of home improvement spending has declined substantially since 1995. That decline, however, has not been uniform: It has been much steeper for discretionary improvement projects than for replacement work, and has varied by homeowner age. The shift has given professional contractors a larger share of the market, even as DIY spending remains substantial. Whether homeowners take on a project themselves or hire a professional can depend on project size and complexity, the skills and equipment required, and the value they place on their own time relative to the cost of labor. Smaller, lower-cost projects are more likely to be done by owners themselves, while larger or more technically demanding projects, particularly those involving roofing, electrical work, or structural changes, are more often hired out.”
Remodeling Impact Report (National Association of REALTORS®, Apr. 9, 2025)
“Homeowners and renters remodel, redesign, and restructure their homes for a variety of reasons. This report takes a deep dive into why homeowners remodel, the outcomes of taking on projects, and the increased happiness in the home once a project is completed. Make smarter remodeling decisions with this report, the definitive guide to home renovation ROI and homeowner satisfaction. Developed in partnership with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), this essential resource reveals which projects deliver the highest returns, greatest homeowner satisfaction, and strongest buyer appeal.”
Remodeling Websites
Better Homes and Gardens
One of the premier home and family sites on the web which includes a page dedicated to decorating tips and more.
HGTV
The source for the best do-it-yourself tips for home renovations.
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
Consumers can find remodeling tips, how to find a qualified contractor, frequently asked questions, and much more.
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Bathroom Remodeling For Dummies (eBook)
Be a Successful Remodeling Contractor (eBook)
The Complete Book of Home Inspection (eBook)
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Building and Remodeling (eBook)
Green Remodeling (eBook)
How to Increase the Value of your Home (eBook)
Remodeled Homes (eBook)
Trips & Traps When Renovating Your Home (eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.
No Regrets Remodeling: How to Create a Comfortable, Healthy Home That Saves Energy (Berkeley, CA: Energy Auditor & Retrofitter, Inc., 2013) TJ163.5.D86 N6
Not So Big Remodeling: Tailoring Your Home for the Way You Really Live (Taunton Press, 2009) TH 4816 Su8
Renovate to Riches (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2004) HF 5438 D88
Improve the Value of Your Home up to $100,000 (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2003) TH 3401 Ir9i
Remodeling Your Home: An Insider's Guide (Washington, DC: Home Builder Press, 1996) TH 4816 N21r
Have an idea for a real estate topic? Send us your suggestions.
The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this page complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
