Get more joy out of your next home remodeling project with advice from the pros.
Photo by Doug King/King Contracting
Americans love to remodel their homes. In fact, they love it to the tune of $400 billion annually, according to the 2019 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors Research Group. To borrow the words of organizational guru Marie Kondo, remodeling sparks joy—and lots of it.
In 2017, the National Association of Realtors introduced the Joy Score, which ranks home renovations on a 1-to-10 scale according to the happiness they bring homeowners. Before you take on a remodeling project, consider these five upgrades that top the Joy Score ratings and some good advice from top remodeling professionals.
Open-concept kitchens
Joy Score: Kitchen upgrade 9.7; complete kitchen renovation 10
Houses built in the 1970s and 1980s may have kitchens as dated as the fashions from those decades, says Tim Ellis, president of T.W. Ellis Design/Build/Remodel in Forest Hills, Maryland.
“They were typically boxy—not really functional when it comes to entertaining. People were separated by the walls,” he says. “The kitchen is the heart of the house, where everyone is going to be. We’re designing around that so now it’s open and everyone is part of the conversation.”
Can you say ‘spa-cation’?
Joy Score: Bathroom upgrade/renovation 9.3; bathroom addition 9.2
Running a close second on homeowner wish lists is creating a haven at home that feels like a luxury spa, says Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics and behavioral insights at the Realtors association. “Adding or remodeling a bathroom is very popular. People feel happier in their home after they tackle that project.”
The possibilities for transforming a bathroom into a private spa retreat are endless, from simple options like painting the room in earthy colors and installing dimmer switches, to a full-on remodel that includes radiant heating underfoot and a luxurious rainfall showerhead above.
Storage, storage, storage
Joy Score: Closet renovation 10
Storage and finding ways to better organize the house are key concerns among homeowners. There simply is never enough storage space, no matter how big the house is.
“This is always on the wish list,” says master certified remodeler Dennis Gehman, owner and founder of Harleysville, Pennsylvania-based Gehman Design Remodeling. “Homeowners really want closets with organizing systems, and storage solutions in the attic and/or basement for off-season items.”
Freshly painted interior
Joy Score: Individual room 9.7; full interior paint job 9.8
A fresh coat of paint, especially when it is carried through the entire house, can make a home feel brand new. “Having a full interior paint job really brings a lot of happiness to people,” notes Lautz. “The only two items with a higher Joy Score are a kitchen reno and closet reno.”
Painting is one of the least expensive ways to give a home’s interior a facelift and keep it from looking dated, something no homeowner wants. Even targeting specific areas to paint—a single room, doors and trim—makes a difference and contributes to the goal of adding more personality to the home.
Currently reigning in popularity among homeowners, according to Gehman, is a lighter color palette of light whites, grays and light blues.
Wow-factor floors
Joy Score: New wood flooring 9.2; hardwood flooring refinish 9.5
When homeowners set their sights on upgrading their residence, wood floors and luxury vinyl flooring often spring to mind. “Real hardwood flooring has a huge wow factor,” says Lautz. “You notice it right away and it very much appeals to an owner.”
Replacing carpeting with wood or vinyl also makes cleaning easier, says Ellis.
“People want the lowest maintenance possible, from the flooring on up, and that means no carpet,” he says. “They don’t want to vacuum. They just want to run the Swiffer mop and be done with it.”