The most popular home improvements among US homeowners right now are kitchen updates, bathroom remodels, energy-efficient upgrades, and outdoor living spaces. Kitchens and bathrooms consistently top renovation surveys because they see daily use and have a strong influence on resale value. Energy-efficient projects, like insulation and window replacement, have grown in popularity as utility costs rise, while outdoor upgrades such as decks and patios reflect ongoing demand for usable space at home.
Interior Projects Homeowners Are Prioritizing
Kitchen updates remain the most requested interior project nationwide, ranging from full remodels to smaller refreshes like new countertops or cabinet refacing. Bathroom renovations follow closely, with walk-in showers and updated vanities among the most common requests. Flooring replacement, particularly moving from carpet to hardwood or luxury vinyl plank, has also become a common mid-size project for homeowners updating older homes.
Exterior and Outdoor Living Projects
Outdoor living space continues to trend upward, with decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens among the most popular exterior projects. Homeowners are also investing more in curb appeal improvements, including new garage doors, updated siding, and landscaping refreshes, all of which tend to offer strong visibility for relatively moderate cost.
Comparing Interior, Exterior, and Efficiency Projects
| Project Category | Popular Examples | Typical Motivation |
| Interior | Kitchen remodel, bathroom update, flooring | Daily comfort, resale value |
| Exterior | Deck, siding, garage door, landscaping | Curb appeal, outdoor living |
| Energy Efficiency | Insulation, windows, smart thermostats | Lower utility costs, comfort |
Why Energy-Efficient Upgrades Are Gaining Ground
Rising utility costs have pushed more homeowners toward projects like attic insulation, energy-efficient window replacement, and smart thermostat installation. These upgrades often pay for themselves over time through reduced heating and cooling bills, which makes them appealing even for homeowners not planning to sell anytime soon.
What Home Improvement Is Most Requested by Contractors?
Kitchen remodels remain the single most requested project by licensed contractors across the country, followed closely by bathroom renovations. Both projects combine high daily use with strong buyer appeal, which keeps demand steady year after year.
What’s Trending in Home Improvement This Year?
Smart home upgrades, such as video doorbells, smart locks, and app-controlled lighting, continue gaining traction alongside traditional remodeling projects. Outdoor kitchens and multi-purpose backyard spaces have also grown in popularity as homeowners look to extend their living space beyond the home’s interior.
Expert Advice: Where to Start If You’re Planning a Project
Prioritize projects based on how the space is actually used, not just what’s trending. A family that cooks often will see more day-to-day value from a kitchen update than an outdoor kitchen used a few times a year. If resale value is the primary goal, focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and curb appeal, since these consistently show strong buyer interest across most housing markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Home Improvement Adds the Most Daily Value?
Kitchen and bathroom updates tend to offer the most daily value since they’re used constantly and directly affect comfort and convenience at home.
Are Outdoor Living Spaces Worth the Investment?
For many homeowners, yes. Decks and patios extend usable living space and are consistently popular with buyers, particularly in regions with long outdoor seasons.
