We have entered an era of homeowners staying in place. The lock in effect is real and because of that, we are seeing trends in the market that are important to understand if you want to up your remodeling game.
2026 Market Intelligence & Homeowner Trends
Spending Trajectory (2020-2026)
Forecast: $522B
Homeowners are reinvesting Record Equity ($603B peak in 2025) to hedge against current mortgage rates.
Decision Drivers
Insurance Squeeze
A 48% hike in premiums is forcing owners to prioritize “Essential Maintenance” to keep policies active.
The 2026 Joy Matrix
Financial ROI vs. Psychological Utility
Psychology Factor
Primary Suites score a perfect 10/10 Joy. 64% of owners feel a renewed desire to stay home post-completion.
Equity Build
Minor Kitchen Remodels (113% ROI) and Wood Flooring (100%+) are the only reliable way to earn more than you spend.
2026 Strategy
Design for your soul first. Tenure is hitting 13 years; emotional ROI now outweighs resale value.
Homeowners are prioritizing joy over profit as they settle in for the long haul.
35%Upgrade Worn Surfaces
29%New Styling/Joy
18%Improve Function
13%Modernization
2026 Timeline Benchmarks
Project Phase Benchmarks
Managing expectations around timelines is the #1 way to improve the experience for the 41% of homeowners who cite it as a pain point.
The 2026 residential remodeling market is defined by intentionality. The era of speculative, frenzy-driven renovation has passed, replaced by a more calculated approach.
Looking to do a remodel soon, we’ve got your back.
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