Every year homeowners ask me the same thing: Should I renovate, repair, or just leave things alone for now?
Angi’s 2025 State of Home Spending Report shows homeowners are still investing in their homes but being more intentional about where their money goes. Households spent an average of $12,472 on home projects in 2025, with many prioritizing projects that improve daily life and prevent bigger expenses later.
Start with convenience. Smaller upgrades can have the biggest impact. Smart thermostats, lighting automation, and leak detectors help manage energy use and avoid costly damage. Kitchen storage improvements—such as hidden pantries—are becoming popular because they solve everyday frustrations without requiring a full remodel. This feature, along with continuous countertops, is among the top planned kitchen trends that homeowners are considering for 2026.
Bathrooms are following a similar pattern. According to Angi’s 2025 State of Home Spending Report, walk-in showers and rainfall showerheads are gaining attention not just for style, but for accessibility and ease of cleaning. Homeowners increasingly want upgrades that improve comfort and usability, not just appearance. Many people are adapting their current homes to fit their needs instead of moving.
Before focusing on finishes, look at how your home performs. Energy-efficient appliances, sealing drafts, and better insulation can lower monthly costs and improve comfort year-round. Durable materials are also growing in popularity because they require less maintenance. In fact, maintenance spending rose to $2,041 per household in 2025, as homeowners focus more on prevention.
Younger homeowners are helping shape many of these choices. Millennials now lead all generations in total home project spending per household, and 77 percent say they plan to take on a major home project within the next five years—far above the 49 percent average across homeowners. Their interest in technology upgrades and eco-friendly materials is influencing broader design trends, but it’s important not to overlook the basics while planning bigger upgrades.
Before starting a renovation, make sure your home’s structure and core systems are in good shape and plan for any upgrades. Next, focus on maintenance. Maintenance remains the most common type of work, with 44 percent of homeowners completing at least one maintenance project in 2025. Schedule routine servicing for HVAC systems, check drainage around your foundation, and keep up with exterior upkeep such as gutter cleaning and sealing. These preventive steps protect your home and help you avoid costly repairs that might delay the projects you’re excited about.
If you’re unsure where to begin, walk through your home without thinking about budget for now and ask three questions: What frustrates me every week? What costs me money each month? And what keeps me from enjoying my space?
