The residential remodeling market continues to grow in 2026, driven by an aging housing stock, homeowners choosing to improve rather than move, and a rising interest in energy efficiency and aging-in-place modifications. Whether you are planning a weekend bathroom refresh or a full kitchen overhaul, understanding the current trends will help you prioritize projects that add comfort, function, and resale value.

Home Remodeling Trends for 2026: What DIYers Need to Know

The Market Is Growing, and Homes Are Getting Older

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) projects that residential remodeling activity will increase 3 percent in 2026 and an additional 2 percent in 2027, in inflation-adjusted terms [1]. One of the biggest drivers is the age of the existing housing stock. According to NAHB economist Eric Lynch, the typical age of a home in the United States increased from 31 years in 2006 to 41 years in 2023 [1]. Older homes need more maintenance, more updates, and more repairs, which translates directly into work for DIYers.

The overall remodeling market expanded 3.7 percent to $574.3 billion in 2024, and Fixr projects it will reach $614.6 billion in 2026 [2]. The number of remodeling firms in the U.S. has grown from 69,000 in 2000 to 128,000 at the start of 2025 [1], which signals strong demand that trickles down to every hardware store and lumber yard.

For homeowners, home improvement spending’s share of total housing expenditures rose from 33 percent in 2007 to 44 percent in Q1 2025 [1]. People are investing more in the homes they already have.

Bathrooms and Kitchens Lead the Way

Bathrooms and kitchens remain the most popular remodeling projects heading into 2026. A bathroom remodel typically runs between $6,000 and $18,000, while kitchen remodels range from $15,000 to $45,000 [2]. For DIYers willing to handle demolition, tile work, and fixture installation, the savings can be substantial.

The design direction for 2026 kitchens is moving away from the all-white, stark minimalist look that dominated the past decade. Designers are embracing earthy warmth: rich clay tones, olive greens, terracotta, and deep plums paired with natural wood textures [3]. Thoughtfully designed storage is the top priority for 94 percent of home design experts surveyed by Fixr [2].

Spa-like bathrooms are the dominant bathroom trend, cited by 73 percent of experts [2]. Think walk-in showers with bench seating, heated floors, and rain showerheads. Many of these upgrades are within reach for an experienced DIYer with solid plumbing skills and a willingness to learn tile installation.

Bundling Projects Is the New Normal

One notable shift in homeowner behavior is project bundling. In 2025, it became far less common to renovate a single room in isolation [3]. Homeowners are increasingly tackling kitchens, bathrooms, and interior remodels together. This makes financial sense when you factor in contractor mobilization costs and the ability to match finishes across rooms.

For DIYers, bundling means planning your material purchases strategically. Buy tile, paint, and fixtures for multiple rooms in a single order to save on shipping and ensure color consistency.

Energy Efficiency Drives 19 Percent of Remodels

About 19 percent of remodels in 2025 were motivated by energy efficiency gains [3]. High-efficiency windows, improved insulation, and Energy Star-rated appliances are the most common upgrades. With utility costs continuing to climb, these investments pay for themselves faster than cosmetic changes.

If you are considering a window replacement, the 2025 California Residential Code, which takes effect January 1, 2026, includes stricter envelope requirements and expanded heat pump provisions [4]. Even if you are not in California, these standards often foreshadow national trends.

For workshop owners, insulating your garage workshop improves both energy bills and comfort during winter projects.

Aging-in-Place Modifications Are Surging

The aging-in-place trend is no longer niche. According to NAHB data, 56 percent of remodelers are now involved in aging-in-place modifications, and 96 percent report that consumers are familiar with the concept [1]. Over the past five years, 73 percent of remodelers say aging-in-place feature requests have increased significantly [1].

Common aging-in-place projects include wider doorways, curbless showers, grab bars in bathrooms, lever-style door handles, and improved lighting. Many of these are straightforward DIY projects that add both accessibility and resale value.

Best ROI Projects for 2026

If resale value is your goal, exterior projects deliver the strongest returns. The top-performing projects by return on investment in 2024 were garage door replacement at 193.9 percent ROI, steel entry door replacement at over 188 percent ROI, and manufactured stone veneer siding at over 100 percent ROI [2]. Four of the top five ROI projects are exterior work.

A steel entry door replacement averages just $2,355 [2], making it one of the most accessible high-return projects for any DIYer comfortable with door frame work.

Outdoor Living Continues to Expand

The pandemic-era push toward outdoor living shows no signs of slowing. Fifty-six percent of experts report that homeowners prioritize outdoor living spaces more than they did previously, and 98 percent of professionals say updated outdoor spaces significantly impact home value [2].

Deck repairs, pergola builds, and outdoor lighting installations are all projects that DIYers can handle. If you are planning a deck project, review the latest deck repair techniques and be aware that building codes for deck construction were updated in the 2024 IRC cycle.

What This Means for Your Workshop

With remodeling activity on the rise, now is the time to invest in your tools and workspace. Make sure your tool storage can handle the extra materials you will be staging, and consider adding a dedicated finishing area for the paint and stain work that comes with interior remodels.

Plan your projects thoughtfully, start with high-ROI exterior work if you are prepping for a sale, and focus on bathroom and kitchen upgrades if you are staying put. Always hire a licensed professional for electrical panel work, gas line modifications, and structural changes.

Sources

NAHB. “NAHB Expects Remodeling Growth in 2026 and Beyond.” February 2026. https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/02/nahb-expects-remodeling-growth-2026
Fixr. “Home Remodeling Statistics and Trends of 2025.” https://www.fixr.com/articles/home-remodeling-statistics-and-trends
Realm Home. “2026 Home Renovation Trends: What 2025 Taught Us and What’s Next.” https://realmhome.com/blog/2026-home-renovation-trends-what-2025-taught-us-and-whats-next
PlanCheck Solver. “2025 California Residential Code (CRC) Changes.” https://www.planchecksolver.com/codes/california-residential-2025