With interest rates holding steadily high and home prices still above average compared to before the pandemic, many homeowners are turning to additions and renovations instead of buying and selling.
“Moving is expensive with Realtor commissions, closing costs, lenders’ fees, appraisals, inspections, title insurance, surveying fees, moving expenses, and utility hookups adding up quickly. Uncertainty in the market and rising interest rates also play a role in the decision-making process,” she said.
Other factors pushing homeowners to stay in their current abode are loving their neighborhood, keeping children in the same school system, emotional attachments to the home, and relationships with trusted neighbors.
“2025 is ushering in a new wave of house renovations, particularly kitchens, bathrooms, and creating more usable square footage by building out unused attic space or basements,” McCormick said.
Kitchens are an increasingly popular room to renovate, she said, since they are the center of activity for meals and entertaining.
“Even minor updating will increase the value of the home. Much thought is put into making the kitchen more functional as well as beautiful, with customizations of cabinets and storage for exactly the way a family uses the space,” she said.
Beside your basic update of cabinets and countertops, homeowners are building new islands to increase seating, storage or move a sink or cooktop. They are also installing new appliances for energy efficiency. They may even be knocking down a wall to create a new, open space for an updated flow through the house.
“Cabinets can be outfitted with spice racks, cutlery drawers, drawers for pots and pans, trash and recycling units, microwave drawers, and dishwasher drawers,” McCormick said. “A kitchen is less chaotic when everything has its own space. While renovating can also be stressful, detailed planning before construction begins ensures that all of the materials will be on hand before demo to minimize disruption to the household.”
The other room being frequently renovated is the bathroom.
“In particular, removing massive whirlpools with a large footprint of decking and surrounds is the number one change homeowners are requesting,” she said. “This allows for the creation of an entirely new floor plan. Removing the bathtub in favor of a large luxurious shower.”
Instead homeowners are installing steam showers which are becoming popular for the health and relaxation benefits. They are also focusing on the practical aspect of the bathroom.
“Outlets in vanity drawers keep the countertop clear of hair dryers, electric shavers, and electric toothbrushes,” McCormick said. “Vanities can also include drawers for towels or pajamas. Curbless showers, properly pitched, are a smart investment for aging in place. Extra blocking in the shower walls allow the addition of grab bars if they’re ever necessary.”
No matter what renovation a homeowner takes on, they all help customize a home to support the resident’s lifestyle and current taste.
“Renovations take time and patience, but are very worth it,” she said.
