Home renovation activity remained steady in 2025, with more than half of U.S. homeowners (54 percent) undertaking renovation projects, according to Houzz Inc. The 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study found that median renovation spend held at $20,000 in 2025, while high-end activity gained momentum, with the top 10 percent of projects reaching $150,000 or more (up from $140,000 the year prior). Meanwhile, homeowners are taking a more measured approach to future projects, with 50 percent planning renovations (down from 52 percent last year) and intended median spend declining to $15,000 for 2026 from $20,000 in 2025.
“Home renovation continues at historic levels, even as homeowners take a more cautious approach to future projects,” said Marine Sargsyan, head of economic research at Houzz. “What’s driving this resilience is pent-up demand from homeowners who are finally able to act on long-planned renovations. At the same time, we’re seeing a clear shift toward investing in forever homes rather than moving, with many adapting their spaces to meet changing needs.”
Pent-up demand remains the strongest motivator for home upgrades, with 40 percent of homeowners saying they finally have the time to renovate and 36 percent reporting they now have the financial means to do so. One in five renovations is driven by a recent home purchase (20 percent) or damage due to home age (19 percent), while life events account for another 16 percent. Among those updating due to life events, homeowners most often cite health or accessibility needs (21 percent), increased remote work (21 percent) and income or employment changes (20 percent), followed by a child moving out (19 percent). The survey also found that homeowners are adapting their existing spaces to meet these evolving needs rather than relocating, with nearly two-thirds of homeowners (61 percent) planning to stay in their homes for 11 years or more and 44 percent describing their residence as a forever home.
The vast majority of renovating homeowners (91 percent) hire professionals to complete their projects, reinforcing the essential role of industry experts in delivering complex renovations—and the need for tools that support project coordination and transparency.
The annual U.S. Houzz & Home Study is the largest survey of residential remodeling, building and decorating activity published. Data gathered includes historical and planned spends, professional involvement, motivations and challenges behind building, renovation and decorating projects, as well as planned activities for 2026. The 2026 study includes more than 20,000 respondents in the U.S. alone. The 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home survey was sent to registered users of Houzz and fielded between January and March 2026.
The full report is available here.