Houzz announced findings from the 2026 U.S. Houzz Renovation Plans Report, revealing that renovation demand remains resilient despite ongoing economic uncertainty. More than 9 in 10 U.S. homeowners (91%) say they will move forward with their planned renovation projects in 2026.
Of those who plan to remodel, 67% report they will keep or even expand their project scope, and 33% are unsure if they will change the scope of their project or keep it as originally planned. Looking back on 2025, 44% completed renovation projects, 42% are in the midst of or about to start their project, and only 14% delayed or canceled their projects.
Among those holding off, top reasons cited for delaying or cancelling include that projects are not urgent (37%) or that timing (weather, work etc.) is not ideal (30%). Other concerns included high prices (17%), budget constraints (17%) and economic uncertainty (16%).
Homeowners’ long-term commitment to their properties is a driver for renovation activity heading into 2026. Nearly two-thirds expect to remain in their homes for 11 years or more after renovating (62%), and 45% consider their current home their “forever” home. Only 4% anticipate moving within the next year. While return on investment (28%) and affordability (26%) are often cited as reasons to renovate rather than buy a new home, the data reveal a widespread emotional pull: nearly 4 in 5 homeowners say they want to stay in their current home (79%) and 40% want to remain in the same neighborhood. Personalization plays a major role, with many homeowners tailoring their space and incorporating custom features to meet their changing needs.
“Homeowners are committed to their planned projects in 2026, fully aware of the challenges ahead,” said Marine Sargsyan, head of economic research at Houzz. “Since 2012, home equity has grown faster than mortgage debt, giving homeowners financial flexibility to invest in their spaces. At the same time, a shortage of U.S. housing supply persists and the housing stock is aging, with half of the homes being 40 years old or older. These long-term structural trends, paired with homeowners’ desire to stay put and personalize their living spaces, continue to support renovation activity, even as they navigate inflation and a shifting economic landscape.”
Confidence Rises With Income
Among households earning $150,000–$200,000, 64% describe themselves as very confident about moving ahead with renovations heading into 2026. By contrast, among households earning between $50,000 and $100,000, only 32% reported being very confident.
Homeowners Move Forward at Full Scope
Homeowners also plan to move forward with the originally planned scope of their renovations. More than half (54%) say they plan to maintain the same project scope heading into 2026, and 13% plan to expand it. High-budget households are even more bullish: 28% of homeowners planning projects over $50,000 intend to increase their scope.
Rising Material Prices and Limited Labor Top Homeowner Concerns
The majority of homeowners expect some challenges during their project (93%), with rising product and material costs topping the list (63%), followed by higher labor costs (31%) and finding available professionals (25%). Many also expect issues with product availability and disruptions to daily life during renovations.
Strong Reliance on Renovation Pros and High Standards for Transparency
More than 9 in 10 homeowners plan to work with professionals in 2026 (93%) and that number is even more widespread among projects of $50,000+. General contractors (55%), builders (33%), kitchen and bath designers (30%) and interior designers (20%) are the most common professionals hired for projects. Specialty contractors, such as electricians (52%) and plumbers (35%), also rank among the most frequently sought.
The survey also asked homeowners who had completed renovations in 2025 which parts of the process could have been improved. Top responses included better schedule tracking (44%), clearer communication (35%), greater cost transparency (26%), more effective visualization tools (14%) and easier digital payment options (12%). These findings highlight areas where professionals can differentiate through enhanced service and tools like Houzz Pro project management and design software.
The full 2026 U.S. Houzz Renovation Plans Report is available here.
The “2026 U.S. Houzz Renovation Plans Report” is a report of homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or recently completed a bathroom renovation. The online survey was fielded to U.S. Houzz users from October 10 to 22, 2025. n=1,034.
