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Many millennials, Generation X, and baby boomers share an interest in improving their homes. But they don’t share the same renovation strategies.
Great Day Improvement’s first State of American Home Renovation report found that while about 65% of homeowners completed a renovation last year, the nature of those renovations and the motivations behind them differ by generation. Let’s take a closer look at the goals and values driving the various generations to improve their living spaces, and why renovations for younger homeowners are usually much different than renovations for older homeowners.
Why Do Renovation Goals Change Throughout Life?
Priorities and values can change in life, especially in terms of what homeowners want and need in their homes. Here are some of the factors that affect how homeowners across all generations make home renovation choices.
Budget
Cost-effective renovations are often top of mind for homeowners, especially those looking to take on large projects. Our report found that among those respondents planning a renovation in 2026, 59% expect to spend $10,000 or more, while 40% expect to spend upwards of $20,000.
“Even in an uncertain economy, homeowners are still choosing to invest in the places that ground them,” said Brady Morris, a Factory Rep for Champion Windows & Exteriors. “In the years since the pandemic, the home has taken on a deeper emotional and practical significance. These planned budgets show that people aren’t putting those priorities aside—they’re doubling down. They want spaces that support their well-being, their routines, and the way they live.”
Family Size
Unless a home already has ample room for all members of the household, homeowners will often prioritize projects that optimize the existing space to make it more livable. This may include adding or reconfiguring space to make the home comfortable for everyone. On the flipside, when children grow up and move out of the home, empty nesters might be drawn to reimagine their space or even downsize to accommodate a smaller household.
Resale Value
Homeowners with “starter homes” or those looking to downsize in the near future may be more discerning with their choices so that they can reap a higher return on investment (ROI) when they put their homes on the market. However, a homeowner who has just moved into their “forever home” might not be as concerned about resale value.
In fact, our survey of homeowners found that more were motivated by aesthetics (19%) and comfort/livability (18%) than resale value (8%) when making home improvements. This shows that not only are homeowners prioritizing their own comfort and enjoyment of their homes, but they also may also be planning functional home upgrades so they can stay in those homes for the long term.
Wants vs. Needs
Budget-minded homeowners often consider renovations in terms of their wants and needs, although sometimes it’s hard for some to distinguish between the two. It would make sense to prioritize needs, such as upgrades that make living in their homes easier and more comfortable, like energy-efficient doors and windows. But then there are projects that are more focused on wants, like cosmetic enhancements and other upgrades that will make life at home more fun and enjoyable.
What homeowners want and need for their homes will evolve as their priorities shift. But in order for homeowners of all generations to make the right home updates for themselves, they’ll need to find a balance between their emotional and practical needs before embarking on any renovation.
Ready to upgrade your starter home? Request a quote from the reliable Great Day Improvements team for your next renovation project.
What Young Homeowners Want in Their Renovations
Whether they’ve just purchased a starter home or they’ve moved into their forever home, young homeowners are eager to get settled and create spaces they love.
Aesthetic Upgrades & Personalization
Millennials are not afraid to renovate their homes just the way they like them. “Younger homeowners are at a stage where they’re establishing routines and shaping spaces that reflect who they are,” said Rose Cooper, Customer Experience Manager. “For them, renovation is tied closely to identity and expression—something we see clearly in the data. 59% of homeowners ages 30–44 say their home ‘completely’ reflects their personality and lifestyle, compared with just 44% of those 60 and older.” This could mean that they are more open to “splurging” on renovation choices if it means the upgrade will bring them more joy.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades Are More Popular Than Ever
Amid rising energy costs, homeowners are eager to make home upgrades that will save money. Even though federal tax incentives expired at the end of 2025, energy-efficient appliances can still save money on monthly utility bills, and appliances will pay themselves off over time.
Popular Projects for Young Homeowners
Younger homeowners scrolling home trends on TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest are often inspired to tackle DIY projects, especially those that are budget-friendly and can be completed in a weekend or even an afternoon. This includes painting or wallpapering rooms, updating light fixtures, installing smart devices and appliances, improving landscaping and curb appeal, and creating comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces for entertainment and relaxation.
How Do Renovation Priorities Change for Older Homeowners?
As older homeowners retire and seek to live full lives on fixed incomes, their renovation goals reflect priorities different from those of younger generations.
Less Aesthetics, More Comfort & Functionality
While older homeowners appreciate projects that enhance their home’s appearance, they will likely reserve their renovation budgets for upgrades focused on comfort and function. This also may include features that require little to no maintenance. The desire to have fewer homeowner responsibilities often drives older generations to downsize to smaller homes, especially after the last of their children moves out.
Key Projects That Help Homeowners Age in Place
Those who prefer to stay in the homes they’ve lived in for decades will pursue home improvements that allow them to comfortably age in place. As such, their home renovation budget will likely be focused on universal design, with decisions like:
- Making bathrooms and kitchens safer and more accessible, such as installing grip bars, transforming tubs into walk-in showers, and lowering cabinet and counter heights
- Widening doorways to permit wheelchairs and walkers
- Adding ramps or stair lifts
- Reconfiguring multistory homes, putting the primary bedroom on the first floor
How Millennial, Gen X, and Boomer Renovation Trends Compare
Here are some of the major takeaways from our survey of home renovation trends across the generations.
Millennial Home Renovation Trends
Our annual report found that younger homeowners (age 30–44) had not only the highest rate of completed projects (72%), but also the highest budgets reserved for projects in 2026. Approximately 18% indicated they would be spending between $10,000 and $20,000 on home improvements.
Gen X Home Renovation Trends
Millennials and baby boomers often dominate discussions of home trends, but it’s the Gen Xers who are actually doing the most renovating. Our survey found that homeowners ages 45–60 are the most likely to tackle bigger renovations for their home, with 15% anticipating that they will spend $50,000 or more, which is the highest renovation budget of the three generations.
Baby Boomer Home Renovation Trends
For those looking to age in place or sell their home for the highest resale value as they prepare to downsize, practicality is king. Survey respondents ages 60 and older are particularly eager to remodel their bathrooms, with 16% saying a redone bathroom would give them the “most joy,” as compared with 12% of both millennial and Gen X homeowners.
Priorities change over the course of a lifetime, and this is evident in homeownership. As renovation projects become more about personal preference than following trends, homeowners across the generations are creating spaces they love on their own terms.
View some of our renovation work in our Great Day Improvements gallery to see what our team can do for your home!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do renovation goals differ between the generations?
Renovation goals differ across generations due to shifting life priorities. Many younger homeowners, for example, are focused on raising families and need living spaces that accommodate a growing household. Senior homeowners often look to downsize to smaller homes or renovate their current homes to age in place comfortably.
What are the best cost-effective renovations for starter homes?
Home projects don’t have to be expansive or expensive to make a difference, especially for those living in their starter homes. Simple, budget-friendly upgrades include swapping light fixtures, painting or wallpapering walls, replacing bathroom and kitchen faucets and hardware, and installing smart lighting and thermostats.
What functional home upgrades benefit long-term homeowners the most?
Anything that makes a home more energy-efficient will help homeowners in the long run by saving money on energy costs. While functional upgrades aren’t always tied to improving a home’s aesthetic, projects that combine the two are desirable, such as those that add to or optimize living space.
What is the State of Home Renovation Report?
Great Day Improvements surveyed thousands of homeowners in the United States with the goal of measuring their desires, priorities, preferences, and more. This annual report reveals 2026 trends in home renovation by generation and region, as well as how homeowners feel about the renovation process.
