NAR report – Remodeling Helps Even if not Selling

Remodeling projects can also be a major benefit for homeowners who choose to remain in their homes

WASHINGTON – December 9, 2015 – Homeowners preparing to sell often make home improvements that can help yield positive results and garner top dollar from buyers.

But according to the 2015 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), remodeling projects can also be a major benefit for homeowners who choose to remain in their homes.

"Realtors know that certain home upgrades and remodels can be beneficial to get more buyer eyes on a property, potentially bring in more offers or gain more equity from a home," says NAR President Tom Salomone, broker-owner of Real Estate II Inc. in Coral Springs, Florida. "But remodeling projects are just as valuable to homeowners who simply want to get more joy out of their dwellings. Regardless of the situation, Realtors know what remodeling projects bring the biggest bang for the buck and what projects are most likely to improve a homeowner's impression of their current place."

According to NAR's report, 64 percent of homeowners said they enjoyed their home more after completing a remodeling project. Additionally, 75 percent said they felt a major sense of accomplishment when thinking about their completed project. Fifty-four percent felt happy about the changes to their home, and 40 percent felt satisfied.

As for their reasons to complete a remodeling project, 38 percent of homeowners said they wanted to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials; 17 percent wanted to add features and improve livability; and 13 percent believed it was time for a change.

Realtors named kitchen upgrades, complete kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations and new wood flooring as the interior projects that most appeal to potential buyers. Realtors also ranked projects based on expected value at resale (without accounting for project price). They include complete kitchen renovations, kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations and the addition of a bathroom.

When looking at interior projects that yield the biggest financial results upon resale, Realtors ranked hardwood flooring refinishes (100 percent of project cost recovered upon resale), insulation upgrades (95 percent recovered), new wood flooring (91 percent recovered), and converting a basement to a living area (69 percent recovered) as projects to consider.

Looking at the exterior of homes, Realtors said new roofing, new vinyl windows, new garage doors and new vinyl siding appeal most to potential buyers and are highly valued upon resale (considering project price and disregarding project price). Upon resale, Realtors said new roofing would recover 105 percent of its project cost, a new garage door would recover 87 percent, new vinyl siding would recover 83 percent and new vinyl windows would bring back 80 percent of their cost.

As for exterior projects that bring the most happiness for those not necessarily intending to sell, homeowners said new fiber-cement siding, new fiberglass or steel front doors, new roofing, and new garage doors brought the most satisfaction.

The 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, the first of its kind from NAR and available online, surveyed Realtors, consumers who have completed their own remodeling projects, and members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

"Realtors know that remodeling projects aren't just done to get more money for a home once it's time to sell – a home is your sanctuary, the place you raise your family and where you make lifelong memories, which is why the report can also help consumers decide which projects could enhance their current quality of life and happiness," says Salomone.

© 2015 Florida Realtors® All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.