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For decades, home renovation decisions have been driven by one central question: Will this add value when I sell?
But according to findings from our 2026 State of American Home Renovation Report, that mindset is changing—fast.
These days, homeowners are renovating for themselves, not hypothetical buyers. Instead of chasing market trends, folks are choosing to stay put, personalize their spaces, and invest in comfort-driven upgrades that support their current living situation.
This shift represents more than a passing trend. It signals a fundamental change in home renovation motivations, priorities, and expectations. Here’s why homeowners are choosing to improve instead of move, and what that means for the future of home remodeling.
Why Is There a Shift in Home Renovation Motivations?
Remember “starter homes?” Maybe you can picture a faded photo of yourself or your parents, holding keys and grinning from ear to ear in front of your first house as newlyweds. Perhaps it was a one-story bungalow or a simple two-bedroom condo. The goal? Build home equity in a smaller space with the hopes of one day buying a bigger home for the long haul.
Today, the concept of a “starter home” is fading. Rising interest rates, limited housing inventory, and increased moving costs have made relocating less attractive. At the same time, lifestyle expectations for homes have never been higher.
Our annual report data shows that homeowners are asking a different question: “How can my home better support my life today—and tomorrow?” Instead of prioritizing home resale value, homeowners are focusing on day-to-day livability, long-term comfort, personal expression, and aging in place.
Home renovation is no longer just a financial strategy—it’s a quality-of-life investment.
For homeowners, current comfort outweighs future resale value. When deciding to start a home renovation, homeowners say aesthetics (19%) and comfort (18%) are stronger motivators than resale value (8%).
What’s Making Home Renovations So Personal?
Why have home renovation priorities shifted away from market appeal and toward personal convenience and usability? There are several reasons why folks are settling in place rather than thinking about their next move:
- More time spent at home: Hybrid work, multigenerational living, and home-based hobbies are setting higher expectations for comfort and function.
- Emotional attachment: After years of uncertainty, homeowners crave stability and familiarity.
- Customization over conformity: Cookie-cutter upgrades matter less than spaces that feel uniquely “yours.”
Why Are Home Aesthetics and Comfort a Priority?
Focusing on personal enjoyment and aesthetic appeal during a home renovation improves how your home feels—not just how it looks. Folks are spending more time than ever at home, and they want to live in an environment that feels peaceful, functional, and reflective of their own unique personalities.
The best part? These days, form and function go hand-in-hand. So if you’re looking for ways to upgrade your home’s functionality and ease of use, it’s likely that you’ll also be able to choose fixtures and appliances that beautify your space.
Homeowners Are Staying Put, Not Reselling
Many homeowners are choosing to renovate because moving no longer makes financial or emotional sense. High mortgage rates and low housing inventory mean staying put is often the smarter option.
Rather than compromise on a new home, homeowners are reinvesting in their current one—updating layouts, improving efficiency, and modernizing designs that reflect their lifestyle.
While resale value still matters, it’s no longer the main motivator. (Looking for ways to add comfort to your own home while increasing your return on investment? Here are our best tips for maximizing your home renovation value.)
Homeowners Want to Age in Place
Longevity is another reason folks are investing in comfort and function. Homeowners want renovations that grow with them—not work against them later. From safer bathrooms to energy-efficient windows, renovations that support aging in place provide peace of mind and reduce the need for future moves.
And as the Sandwich Generation grows, multi-generational homes are becoming more common. Aging parents, their children and grandchildren are all living under one roof. So a home that can meet all of their needs in one cohesive space? It’s a win-win.
Get inspired for your next project—view our project renovation projects in our gallery.
Why Is Home Resale Value No Longer the Top Priority?
Resale value hasn’t disappeared—it’s just been recontextualized. Homeowners increasingly recognize that market trends change faster than renovation cycles, and over-optimizing for resale can sacrifice personal enjoyment.
Plus, a lot of “value-boosting” upgrades don’t actually improve a home’s comfort for its current owners. They simply improve curb appeal for potential new buyers. And sometimes, popular upgrades don’t deliver the return homeowners expect. Understanding which home improvement trends truly add value can help you make more informed decisions.
Instead of chasing ROI alone, today’s homeowners are choosing projects that offer immediate, lived-in benefits—even if the payoff is emotional rather than financial.
Comfort-Centric Home Renovations to Consider
If you’re wondering, “What are the best reasons to renovate my home right now?” put yourself at the center of the conversation. What would make you feel more content in your home? Are there spaces that feel cramped, or could a new appliance streamline your daily chores? Could your home be better child-proofed, or are you thinking about upgrades for your aging parents?
Here are some of the most impactful, comfort-focused projects homeowners are investing in.
Adding Living Space with an Enclosure or Sunroom
Additional living space doesn’t have to mean a full-scale addition. Sunrooms and enclosed patios provide flexible, light-filled areas that can serve as home offices, relaxation spaces, entertaining areas, or year-round indoor-outdoor living.
These spaces bring nature in, giving you a greater sense of peace and calm in your own home. Even better? They also increase the usable square footage in your house, which means you’re checking two boxes at once: current livability and future resale value.
Increase Your Comfort with Temperature-Regulating Windows
The last thing anyone wants is a drafty house in the winter, or air conditioning that leaks in the summer. Not only do old windows sacrifice your indoor temperature control, but they’re one of the biggest culprits for rising energy costs.
Modern, energy-efficient windows:
- Improve indoor temperature control
- Reduce drafts and outside noise
- Lower heating and cooling costs
- Enhance natural light
This type of home remodeling upgrade improves contentment immediately while also offering long-term efficiency benefits.
Build Your Bathroom to Age with You
Bathrooms are one of the most personal and practical spaces to renovate. After all, it’s a room you use multiple times per day!
Comfort-driven bathroom upgrades make your home safer now, and as you age. Think about adding things like:
- A walk-in shower
- Non-slip flooring
- Better lighting
- Accessible layouts
Designing your bathrooms for ease of use throughout your life means your needs will always be taken care of without sacrificing style.
How Great Day Improvements Can Help You With Home Renovations
At Great Day Improvements, we understand that today’s homeowners are renovating for more than resale. They’re renovating for current convenience, longevity, and peace of mind.
Our team specializes in a wide range of home remodeling and home renovation services, including:
You can explore the full range of services we offer here.
As we learned in our 2026 State of American Home Renovation Report, homeowners are looking for comfort, craftsmanship, and care when upgrading their home. That’s an experience our team has been proud to offer to countless customers throughout the years.
Whether you’re planning a single upgrade or a long-term renovation strategy, our experts help you prioritize projects that align with your lifestyle, not just market trends.
Ready to Renovate for Comfort?
If you’re considering a renovation, now is the time to focus on what truly matters to you and your home.
- Get personalized recommendations: Request a free consultation and get a quote
- Find a local expert: Check out our service areas to connect with a trusted provider near you
- Get answers fast: Explore common questions on our FAQs page
Don’t just think about the next owners of your home. Now’s the time to focus on you and your needs. Comfort, aesthetics, and livability aren’t just trends—they’re the new foundation of modern home renovation. Get started today.
Request a quote from our team at Great Day Improvements today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common home renovation motivations today?
According to the 2026 State of American Home Renovation Report, homeowners are increasingly motivated by comfort and aesthetics rather than resale value. Improving daily livability, personalizing spaces, and creating a home that supports long-term needs are now top priorities for many homeowners.
Is it still worth renovating if I’m not planning to sell my home?
Yes. Many homeowners choose to renovate to enhance comfort, functionality, and enjoyment—even if they don’t plan to sell. Comfort-focused home upgrades can improve quality of life now while still supporting long-term home value.
Which home remodeling projects improve comfort the most?
Projects that directly impact how your home feels day to day tend to offer the biggest comfort benefits. Popular options include sunrooms or enclosures for added living space, energy-efficient windows for better temperature control, and bathroom renovations designed for ease of use and aging in place.
How do comfort-focused home upgrades affect home resale value?
While comfort-focused upgrades prioritize livability, many still contribute to overall home appeal. Features like updated windows, functional bathrooms, and additional living space can make a home more attractive to future buyers—without sacrificing personal comfort in the meantime.
What renovations support aging in place?
Renovations that support aging in place include accessible bathrooms, improved lighting, safer flooring, wider doorways, and layouts designed for long-term mobility. These upgrades help homeowners stay in their homes longer while maintaining comfort and independence.
How do I decide which home renovation priorities are right for me?
Start by evaluating how you currently use your home and where discomfort exists. Consider factors like temperature control, accessibility, space limitations, and long-term needs. A professional consultation can help align your renovation goals with practical solutions.
Can home renovations improve energy efficiency and comfort at the same time?
Absolutely. Upgrades like energy-efficient windows and doors help regulate indoor temperatures, reduce drafts, and lower energy costs—making your home more comfortable year-round while improving efficiency.
How do I get started with a comfort-focused home renovation?
The best first step is speaking with a trusted home remodeling professional. They can assess your home, discuss your goals, and recommend renovation options that fit your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. Get in touch today to start your own project.
