As affordability issues continue to plague the housing market, many homeowners are choosing to make changes to their home rather than their address to get the living space they need.
According to a recent survey from Citizens Financial Group, nearly half of homeowners now say that renovating their house is the most realistic financial option for their family — compared with just 13% who plan to buy a new home — and seven in 10 expect to complete a remodeling project in the next two years.
“They can’t find another place to go,” says Linda Kody, a broker with Kody & Company in North Andover, Mass. “They love their neighborhood, and they want a home exactly the way that they want it.”
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The boom in renovations makes sense given the current state of the housing market. Home prices have jumped 54% since 2020, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.
Meanwhile, with mortgage interest rates hovering between 6% and 6.5% lately, many homeowners are reluctant to give up the 3% to 4% loans they scored before rates began climbing a few years ago. The resulting lack of inventory — there are 17% fewer homes for sale now than before the pandemic — also means there are fewer options available for those who want to move.
If you’re among the many homeowners contemplating a remodeling project in the next year or two, these strategies can help you decide which projects to tackle and how to keep costs manageable.
Choose renovations strategically.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Start by thinking about your immediate maintenance needs and the functionality required for your lifestyle. If you’re planning to stay in the house through retirement, for instance, consider adding design elements, such as a walk-in shower or zero-step entryway, that will make living there easier as you get older.
“The risk of having to move later can be significantly reduced if you prepare your home in advance,” says Louis Tenenbaum, president and CEO of HomeRenewed Ventures, a Washington, D.C., firm that offers consulting services for homeowners to age in place.
Tenenbaum recommends completing as many necessary projects as possible simultaneously, because trying to remodel in stages as health and mobility challenges arise ends up being more expensive and stressful. Basic upgrades and repairs, such as replacing old wiring or fixing a leaky roof, also help your home retain its value and reduce maintenance costs in the future.
After that, look at high-use areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. If resale value is important to you, focus on projects that will allow you to recoup a big chunk of your costs.
Recently, that included exterior upgrades (such as replacing garage doors or upgrading siding), minor kitchen remodels and installing a backup power generator, according to Zonda, a home-building data and marketing company.
Keep spending in check.
For larger projects, Alan Archuleta, CEO and president of Archuleta Builders in Morristown, N.J., recommends starting with an architect or design firm with experience in your municipality. Rates for this type of work vary depending on scope, but the average is about $6,600, according to HomeAdvisor.
“The architects and towns dictate what you can and can’t do to a home, from a zoning standpoint or an actual structural standpoint,” Archuleta explains.
Get quotes from at least three contractors, and ask for itemized bids that spell out costs. Then, add an extra 20% to your budget to allow for surprise expenses, such as water damage or structural repairs, especially in older homes. “Remodeling often prompts code upgrades that would not otherwise be required,” says Mari Adam, a certified financial planner in Boca Raton, Fla.
You can lower costs further by opting for midrange fixtures and materials, which balance quality and costs. If you can be flexible with your project’s timing, you may also find better contractor availability and pricing.
“The smartest approach right now is to renovate with intention, rather than rushing into a project,” says Elizabeth Gomez, owner of Bridge City Contracting in Portland, Ore.
If you’re planning a major renovation, comparing today’s refinance rates could help you determine whether tapping your home’s equity makes sense for your budget.
Use the Bankrate tool below to compare some of today’s top refinance offers:
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.