Top 5 Home Remodeling Projects Homeowners Are Searching For
Homeowners are still spending money on their homes, but they are being more intentional about it.
That is the biggest thing I notice when looking at remodeling trends right now. People are not just updating a room because they are bored. They are trying to make their homes more functional, more comfortable, more energy efficient, easier to maintain, and more valuable long-term.
The 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Renovation Trends Study shows that more than half of homeowners renovated in 2025, with median renovation spend holding at $20,000. It also shows that half of homeowners plan to take on projects in 2026, with planned median renovation spend at $15,000. You can see the full report here: 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Renovation Trends Study.
Houzz also released a 2026 Renovation Plans Report showing that 91% of homeowners are confident or somewhat confident about moving forward with their projects, 75% plan to spend more than $10,000, and 93% plan to work with professionals. That tells me homeowners are still serious about improving their homes, but they want the project to make sense. You can review that report here: 2026 U.S. Houzz Renovation Plans Report.
There is no official public Google list that says, “These are the exact top five home remodeling searches right now.” So I am not going to pretend there is. But when you look at homeowner search behavior, remodeling reports, remodeler surveys, resale-value data, and the types of projects people are prioritizing, these five keep showing up:
- Kitchen remodeling
- Bathroom remodeling
- Basement finishing or added living space
- Flooring installation
- Window and door replacement
Some of these projects are about looks. Some are about function. Some are about resale value. Some are about energy efficiency. The best projects usually do more than one thing at the same time.
At Perfect Choice Home Solutions, we do not remodel kitchens, finish basements, or install flooring. But we do specialize in two of the biggest projects on this list: bathroom remodeling and window replacement. Those are two projects that can help homeowners check major things off the list because they affect daily comfort, home value, curb appeal, energy efficiency, and the way the home actually feels to live in.
1. Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen remodeling is always near the top of the list because the kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in the home.
It is where people cook, eat, gather, entertain, help kids with homework, talk with family, and spend a lot of everyday life. When a kitchen feels outdated, cramped, or poorly laid out, it affects the whole house.
A kitchen remodel can mean a lot of different things. Some homeowners want a full layout change with new cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, appliances, and an island. Others are not trying to tear the whole room apart. They may want cabinet updates, new counters, better storage, improved lighting, a backsplash, or updated fixtures.
That is one reason kitchen remodeling stays so popular. It can be a small update, a medium-sized project, or a full transformation.
From a resale standpoint, kitchen remodels can perform well, but bigger is not always better. The 2025 Cost vs. Value data shows a minor midrange kitchen remodel with a national cost recouped of 113%, while a major midrange kitchen remodel had a national cost recouped of 51%. You can see those numbers in the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report.
That is an important lesson for homeowners. You do not always need the most expensive version of a project to get value from it. Sometimes the smarter move is updating worn-out parts, improving function, and making the space feel clean and current without overbuilding for the neighborhood.
A kitchen can absolutely help a home feel more valuable, but it is also one of the easiest rooms to overspend on. Cabinets, stone countertops, appliances, flooring, plumbing, electrical work, custom lighting, and layout changes can add up quickly.
If resale value matters, you have to think about what future buyers will care about, not just what looks good online. A practical kitchen update can be a great investment. A kitchen remodel that is overbuilt for the home or area may not return as much as people expect.
2. Bathroom Remodeling
Bathroom remodeling is one of the biggest home improvement categories right now, and it makes sense.
The bathroom is one of the few rooms in the house that every person uses every single day. When it is outdated, hard to clean, unsafe, cramped, or just plain worn out, you notice it constantly.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, bathroom remodeling was the most common remodeling project in 2025, with 73% of remodelers rating it common to very common. Kitchen remodeling and whole-house remodeling followed behind it. You can read more in NAHB’s report here: Top 5 Remodeling Projects in 2025.
That lines up with what we see from homeowners too. A lot of older bathrooms still have high-sided tubs that are hard to step over, stained grout, worn-out surrounds, outdated vanities, poor lighting, and layouts that do not work anymore.
A bathroom remodel can be about appearance, but it is not only about appearance.
It can help with:
- Better daily function
- Easier cleaning
- Safer bathing and showering
- More storage
- Better lighting
- A more modern look
- Improved resale appeal
- Accessibility for aging homeowners
The 2026 Houzz renovation trends study also shows that primary bathroom spending increased. It reports that primary bathroom median spend rose to $15,000 in 2025, and major primary bathroom remodels reached a median spend of $30,000. That tells me homeowners are still willing to invest in bathrooms because they see them as important everyday spaces. You can find that information in the 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Renovation Trends Study.
From a resale standpoint, bathroom remodeling is also strong when it is done the right way. The 2025 Cost vs. Value data lists a midrange bathroom remodel with a national cost recouped of 80%. It also lists a universal design bathroom remodel at 61% and an upscale bathroom remodel at 42%. Those numbers matter because they show that a practical, well-planned bathroom remodel can be a good value project, while overbuilding can reduce the percentage you get back at resale. You can review those figures in the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report.
That does not mean every bathroom remodel should be designed only for resale. Most people remodel because they want to actually enjoy the bathroom while they live in the home. But if you can make the room safer, cleaner, better looking, and more useful while also improving buyer appeal, that is a strong project.
Real estate professionals are also paying attention to bathroom features. A recent Real Simple article noted that real estate pros see a spa-like walk-in shower in the primary bathroom as one of the bathroom upgrades that can make a strong impact on buyer appeal. You can read that here: The Bathroom Upgrade Real Estate Pros Say Adds the Most Home Value.
That is one reason walk-in showers are so popular. A nice walk-in shower can completely change the way a bathroom feels. It can make the room look newer, feel more open, and be easier to step into compared to an old tub and shower combination.
At Perfect Choice Home Solutions, this is one of the areas we focus on. Our bathroom remodeling services include tubs, showers, and bathroom remodels designed around the homeowner’s needs, style, space, and budget. We also offer accessible bathroom options, including walk-in tubs, low-threshold showers, grab bars, and other features designed for comfort and safety.
For a lot of people, the bathroom is one of those projects they have been putting off for years. They know it needs done. They see it every day. They just need the right company to help them finally check it off the list.
3. Basement Finishing or Added Living Space
Basement finishing and added living space are also high-priority projects, especially in areas where basements are common.
A basement can become a lot of things:
- Family room
- Home office
- Guest bedroom
- Kids’ playroom
- Home gym
- Rec room
- Theater room
- Extra bathroom
- Storage area that actually looks finished
The reason basement finishing is appealing is simple: the square footage is already there. You are not necessarily adding onto the house. You are taking space that already exists and making it useful.
That can be a big deal for families who need more room but do not want to move. With housing affordability still creating pressure, a lot of homeowners are asking, “How do we make the home we already have work better?”
The 2026 Houzz Renovation Plans Report supports that idea. It says 62% of homeowners planning renovations in 2026 plan to stay in their homes for more than 11 years after the renovation. That means many homeowners are not just remodeling to sell. They are remodeling because they plan to stay and want their home to fit their life better. You can read the report here: 2026 U.S. Houzz Renovation Plans Report.
From a resale standpoint, a basement remodel can also hold value when done correctly. The 2025 Cost vs. Value data lists a basement remodel with a national cost recouped of 71%. You can compare it to other projects in the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report.
The biggest thing with basements is that the work needs to be planned correctly. Moisture control matters. Lighting matters. Ceiling height matters. Code requirements matter. If someone adds a bedroom, egress requirements matter. If they add a bathroom, plumbing matters.
A basement can be a great project, but it is not something I would treat like a simple cosmetic update. It needs to be done the right way because mistakes in a basement can create bigger problems later.
4. Flooring Installation
Flooring is one of those projects that can change the look of a house almost immediately.
Old carpet, scratched hardwood, cracked tile, worn laminate, or mismatched flooring from room to room can make a home feel dated even if the rest of the house is in decent shape. New flooring can make the home feel cleaner, brighter, more consistent, and more move-in ready.
Flooring is also one of the projects homeowners search heavily because there are so many choices:
- Hardwood
- Engineered wood
- Luxury vinyl plank
- Laminate
- Tile
- Carpet
- Waterproof flooring
- Pet-friendly flooring
Each option has pros and cons. Hardwood can be beautiful and valuable, but it costs more and needs the right maintenance. Luxury vinyl plank is popular because it is durable, water-resistant, and often more affordable. Tile can work well in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and entryways. Carpet still makes sense in some bedrooms or basements, but a lot of homeowners are moving away from carpet in main living areas.
Houzz’s 2026 Renovation Plans Report shows that 30% of homeowners planning to hire professionals expected to hire carpet or flooring pros in 2026. That is a strong sign that flooring remains a major homeowner priority. You can see that data in the 2026 U.S. Houzz Renovation Plans Report.
From a home value standpoint, flooring can be a strong project when the material matches the home. The National Association of REALTORS reported that hardwood flooring refinishing had 147% value recovered at resale, and new wood flooring had 118% in its remodeling impact discussion. You can see those figures in NAR’s article here: Why Remodeling Homeowners Need a Real Estate Agent’s Guidance.
That does not mean every type of flooring returns that much. Those numbers are about hardwood refinishing and new wood flooring specifically. But the bigger point is still true: flooring is highly visible, and buyers notice it right away.
The risk with flooring is choosing something too trendy, too cheap, or inconsistent with the rest of the home. A good flooring choice should look good now and still make sense years from now.
5. Window and Door Replacement
Window and door replacement belongs on this list because it checks several boxes at once.
It can improve curb appeal. It can help with comfort. It can help with energy efficiency. It can reduce drafts. It can make the home quieter. It can improve ease of operation. It can help with resale appeal. And unlike some purely cosmetic projects, windows and doors are part of the home’s building envelope.
NAHB listed window and door replacement as one of the top five common remodeling projects, with 35% of remodelers rating it common to very common in 2025. You can see that in NAHB’s report on the Top 5 Remodeling Projects in 2025.
Houzz’s 2026 renovation trends study also shows that windows and skylights were a major exterior project category, with windows and skylights at 20% among exterior projects and median spend at $7,000. You can review that in the 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Renovation Trends Study.
From a resale standpoint, window replacement continues to be a strong project. The 2025 Cost vs. Value data lists vinyl window replacement with a national cost recouped of 76%, and wood window replacement at 70%. You can compare those numbers in the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report.
But home value is only one reason to replace windows.
Energy efficiency is another major reason. ENERGY STAR says replacing old single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows can lower household energy bills by an average of up to 13% nationwide. ENERGY STAR also says certified windows can improve comfort, help protect against winter chills, reduce summer heat gain, and reduce fading from ultraviolet light. You can read that on ENERGY STAR’s page for residential windows, doors, and skylights.
That matters here in the Midwest.
Whether your home is in Central Illinois, like Peoria, Bloomington, or Springfield, or a little farther southwest in Missouri, like St. Charles, Wentzville, or Chesterfield, your windows have to deal with cold winters, hot summers, high humidity, wind, rain, and temperature swings. Poor windows make all of that more noticeable.
Old windows can cause problems like:
- Drafts
- Cold spots near the glass
- Hot rooms in the summer
- Fogging between panes
- Difficulty opening or closing
- Broken locks or worn hardware
- Exterior rot around the opening
- Higher heating and cooling costs
- More dust and pollen getting inside
- Poor curb appeal
That is why window replacement is not just about “new glass.” It is about comfort and performance.
At Perfect Choice Home Solutions, our window replacement services are built around helping homeowners get high-performance, energy-efficient windows installed by local professionals. We offer multiple window styles, screen options, colors, hardware options, specialty glass, tint options, and energy-efficient window packages.
The goal is not just to make the house look better. The goal is to make the home more comfortable, easier to live in, and better protected.
A good window project should include more than just the window unit. The measuring matters. The installation matters. The exterior capping matters. The sealing matters. The glass package matters. The warranty matters. If those details are not handled correctly, even a good window can underperform.
That is one reason I think window replacement is one of the better projects for homeowners to prioritize. You see the difference from the outside, but you also feel the difference from the inside.
Why Bathroom Remodels and Window Replacement Stand Out
Every project on this list can be worth doing. Kitchens matter. Basements can add usable space. Flooring changes the way the whole house feels. But bathrooms and windows stand out because they solve problems homeowners deal with every day.
A bathroom remodel can fix a space that is old, uncomfortable, unsafe, hard to clean, or no longer functional. It can turn a worn-out tub or shower into something easier to use and better looking. It can make the home feel more current without having to renovate the entire house.
Window replacement can fix comfort problems that affect multiple rooms at once. Drafts, old glass, poor operation, noise, fading, and energy loss are not just cosmetic issues. They affect the way the house feels every day.
Those are the projects that help you check major things off the list.
If your bathroom is outdated, you know it every morning. If your windows are drafty, you know it every winter. If your windows are hard to open, fogged up, or ugly from the outside, you notice it all the time.
That is why these projects are not just popular. They are practical.
What Homeowners Should Think About Before Choosing a Project
Before starting any remodeling project, I would ask a few honest questions.
First, what problem are you trying to solve? Are you trying to improve resale value, comfort, energy efficiency, safety, appearance, or daily function?
Second, how long do you plan to stay in the home? If you are selling soon, you may want to focus on projects with broad buyer appeal. If you are staying for years, comfort and personal use may matter just as much as resale.
Third, is the project cosmetic or functional? There is nothing wrong with cosmetic updates, but projects that improve both appearance and function are usually stronger.
Fourth, is the contractor experienced with that specific project? A company that does great flooring may not be the right company for windows. A handyman may not be the right choice for a full bathroom transformation. The quality of the installation affects the final result.
Finally, what does the full project include? This matters with every remodeling job. Materials, labor, removal, cleanup, warranty, service, and finishing details should all be clear before you sign.
How Perfect Choice Home Solutions Can Help
At Perfect Choice Home Solutions, we focus on the home upgrades that make a real difference: bathrooms, windows, roofing, siding, and other exterior improvements.
For this blog, the two big ones are bathrooms and windows.
Our bathroom remodeling work helps homeowners update old tubs, showers, and full bathroom spaces into something cleaner, safer, more comfortable, and easier to maintain. We offer options for tubs, showers, bathroom remodels, walk-in tubs, low-threshold showers, grab bars, and other features that help the bathroom fit the homeowner’s needs.
Our window replacement work helps homeowners improve energy efficiency, comfort, curb appeal, operation, and overall home performance. We install high-quality replacement windows with options for different styles, glass packages, screens, colors, hardware, and finishes.
The reason we are a good fit is simple: we are not trying to sell every type of remodel to every homeowner. We focus on the projects we know, and we help homeowners make smart decisions based on their house, budget, and goals.
If you are looking at your home improvement list and trying to decide what to tackle next, bathrooms and windows are two of the best places to start. They are practical. They are noticeable. They affect daily life. And when they are done right, they can help your home feel newer, more comfortable, and more valuable.
Schedule a Free In-Home Consultation
If your bathroom is outdated or your windows are no longer doing their job, Perfect Choice Home Solutions can help you figure out the right next step.
We offer a Free In-Home Consultation with one of our Specialists. We will look at your home, talk through your goals, explain your options, and help you decide what makes the most sense for your project.
Whether you are ready for a bathroom remodel, new replacement windows, or you are still trying to decide which home improvement project should come first, we can help you check the right thing off your list.
Explore Further
