Home Renovation In 2026: 15 Facts & Stats To Consider Before Renovating

Table of contents

• Timely Home Renovation Stats & Facts For 2026 
• Evergreen Home Renovation Stats & Facts
• Next Steps To Home Renovations In NYC
• FAQs About Home Renovation Facts, Stats & Myths

Home renovation is fun. There’s art, design, sledgehammers. Bathroom renovations transform everyday spaces into mini-spas, and a well-implemented kitchen remodel can make every snack an event. But even the most mercurial clients aren’t commissioning renovation services every week. Home renovation is a large, sometimes-in-a-lifetime undertaking. And because of this, the topic can be mired in mystery.

To help anyone considering a remodel find transparency on key, high-level home renovation topics in 2026 and beyond, we’ve compiled 15 priority facts and home remodeling statistics offering valuable insights to point renovations in the right direction.

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[#Timely]Timely Home Renovation Stats & Facts For 2026[#Timely] 

1) The Price Gap Between Renovated And Unrenovated Homes Is Widening 

Current trends show a significant increase in homes reaching prime renovation age, creating substantial opportunities for investors and homeowners interested in fixer-uppers. By the mid-2020s, more than half of U.S. homes—and the majority of NYC apartments—are past their first major renovation cycle. This aging housing market is ripe for renovation, particularly in high-demand areas like New York City, where the need for renovations is growing, while the availability of properties remains limited.

For those interested in exploring the potential of fixer-upper properties in NYC, consider reading: Are Fixer Uppers In NYC Worth The Work?

2) Americans Renovate Their Homes Roughly Every 3-5 Years

According to sources, homeowners make incremental updates every few years, while major renovations tend to happen once every 15–25 years. These changes are often driven by life changes, aging buildings, or market conditions, reflecting a continual desire among homeowners to refresh their living spaces (READ: Interior Design Trends For 2026).

3) Increased Spend On Home Renovations Despite Challenges

Industry analysts expect renovation spending to stabilize and gradually rebound through 2026 after a softer 2025, driven by aging housing stock, high interest rates, and limited housing supply. In a recent article via Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies, industry forecasts suggest total homeowner renovation spending will continue to grow through 2026 by 2.4%, reaching record levels compared with 2025, with homeowner remodeling spending expected to reach around $524–$526 billion by early 2026.

• Further Reading: How Tariffs Are Raising NYC Renovation Costs—And the Smartest Way to Manage Them

4) Custom Kitchens for Enhanced Lifestyle

Despite rising costs and economic uncertainty, the NKBA’s most recent Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook reports point to continued growth in larger, professionally led renovations—driven less by trend-chasing and more by changing lifestyles. Survey respondents overwhelmingly agree that kitchens are evolving into personalized, multi-purpose hubs, with demand rising for features like dedicated beverage areas, eat-in layouts, pet feeding stations, and smarter storage solutions such as floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, walk-in pantries, and storage-heavy islands. Beyond the kitchen, homeowners are also prioritizing functional additions like mudrooms and flex-office spaces—projects that typically require professional planning, design coordination, and construction expertise rather than DIY approaches.

• Get More Ideas: The NYC Kitchen Accessories Guide: Smarter Storage, Sleeker Design

5) Generational Demand Is Shaping Kitchen Renovation Spending

According to the 2026 Kitchen Trends Report, Gen X and Baby Boomers continue to dominate kitchen renovation activity, accounting for the largest share of remodel projects (35% Gen X, 32% Boomers) and the highest renovation spending (90% Gen X, 71% Boomers). Remodeling priorities vary by generation: Millennials without children are more likely to renovate for entertaining space (35%), while Boomers prioritize accessibility and ease of use (31%). Design preferences also diverge—Boomers tend to favor classic aesthetics and premium materials, while Gen X focuses on functionality, resale value, and layouts that support multi-generational living.

• Further Reading: What Is The Right Approach For Your NYC Apartment Renovation?
• ‍Further Reading: How To Start The Apartment Renovation Process In NYC

6) Renovating Has Become a Strategic Alternative to Relocating

Recent data shows that most homeowners plan to remain in their current homes for the long haul, with nearly 79% reporting they want to stay put and only about 4% anticipating a move within the next year. This strong commitment to existing homes is driving renovation demand, as owners tailor their spaces to better suit their needs and avoid the disruption and costs of moving.  

7) New HVAC Refrigerant Rules (A2L Transition) And Why They’re Raising Install Costs

Starting in 2025–2026, NYC HVAC design is being reshaped by the mandated shift away from older high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A to next-gen A2L refrigerants (such as R-32 and R-454B), driven by New York State’s HFC phase-down rules and the federal AIM Act/EPA Technology Transitions program. These A2Ls meet stricter climate targets but are mildly flammable, so NYC code now layers in new safety requirements that directly affect how systems are routed and approved.  

What does that mean for your renovation? HVAC lines that run up through multiple floors may now need to sit inside fire-rated, sealed shafts, and those shafts often need venting and leak-detection sensors so any refrigerant leak gets cleared safely. Installers also have to protect refrigerant lines better than they used to (fewer “loose” runs, more rigid copper or protected chases), which can make routing trickier in pre-wars and high-rises. Even if the equipment price doesn’t jump, the design, fireproofing, and installation labor around these new refrigerants can add real cost in 2026, especially when you’re threading systems through older pre-war buildings with tight paths.

• Read More: Why Custom HVAC Solutions Are Essential for Pre-War Renovations in New York City

8) Renovators Expecting More From their pro partners

Recent data shows 93% of homeowners plan to hire professionals in 2026, especially for projects more comprehensive in nature. In the same survey, homeowners who recently renovated in 2025 reported various ways their projects 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 are exactly the gaps our design-build approach solves—by consolidating design, budgeting, approvals, and construction under one team, creating a more predictable, coordinated renovation experience from start to finish.

• See Our Advantage: View Our Full Design-Build Process From Start To Finish

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[#Evergreen]Evergreen Home Renovation Stats & Facts[#Evergreen] 

9) Kitchen Renovations Yield Significant Returns

According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value data, a minor kitchen remodel continues to be one of the top interior projects for return on investment, with homeowners recouping about 112.9% of the project cost in resale value nationally—meaning many owners can recover every dollar they spend (and in some cases more) when they sell. This reinforces how thoughtfully executed kitchen upgrades not only enhance daily living but also add significant financial value over time.  

10) Not All Contractors Are Created Equal

With various styles and options to select from, choosing a contractor in New York City is not easy. When looking to hire a contractor for a NYC renovation, consider the following 3 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Choosing General Contractors, along with the differences between design-build vs design-bid-build contractors. Keep in mind that not all design-build firms are truly full-service. Help yourself understand the distinction via our article, How To Distinguish True Design-Build Expertise For NYC Apartment Renovations.

11) Timelines Are Not Concrete

When renovating, the initial timeline should be considered a best case scenario. Even the most thorough contractors, who plan extensively ahead of time, can run into an unexpected hiccup that extends project length. For instance, see these Common Surprises When Renovating An NYC Apartment to understand certain unforeseen derailments simply cannot be planned for. Furthermore, the NKBA suggests timeline issues will only continue to escalate from highs seen in recent years, with product and labor shortages being the key factor. Quality contractors will always be transparent as possible about timeline issues, keeping everyone privy to all updates in a timely manner.

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12) Gut Renovations And Home Renovations Are Not The Same

A remodel or renovation can include updating specific aspects of the home, without completely tearing down the current version of the room looking to be updated. A gut renovation requires tearing down the entire property, down to the studs. More often than not, full gut renovations are not needed. For more information, read our full breakdown on Gut Renovations In NYC 101.

13) Choose Appliances Early In Renovation Process

Appliances often end up being a focal point in their space, which is why they should be chosen up front in the renovation process and incorporated into the design early. A full-service design-build firm will actually guide clients through the selection of appliances, making sure these key pieces offer both form and function upon installation at the outset of construction.

• Further Reading: Best Appliances For A Luxury Kitchen Renovation In NYC

14) Consider Resale Value 

While people often renovate for personal reasons, with no intent to sell, considerations beyond personal taste should still be weighed. While there are various renovation strategies to consider that will maximize resale value, make sure decisions aren’t drastic and too unique to sell down the line.

15) Check For Code & Building Requirements  

Before renovating, research code and permit requirements for your home or building. Otherwise your grandiose ideas may get squashed at a very inopportune time. A reputable design-build firm will help guide this entire process on behalf of their clients.

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[#Next]Next Steps To Home Renovations In NYC[#Next]

Looking to learn more about New York City home renovations before diving into your own? Find priority content in our Learning & Design Center, timely insights on our NYC Renovation & Design Blog and before + after breakdowns of Our Work. Or, if you’re ready to renovate, contact us today and start the process with one of our design consultants. 

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[#FAQs]Frequently Asked Questions About Home Renovation Facts, Stats & Myths[#FAQs]

Q: Is Now A Good Time To Renovate An Apartment In NYC In 2026?

Yes, and the data supports it on multiple fronts. More than half of U.S. homes, and the majority of NYC apartments, have passed their first major renovation cycle, meaning the housing stock is aging and the demand-to-supply gap for renovated properties continues to widen. Industry forecasters project total homeowner renovation spending will grow approximately 2.4% through 2026, reaching roughly $524 to $526 billion, even against a backdrop of elevated interest rates and material cost pressures from ongoing tariffs. For NYC homeowners specifically, renovating a fixer-upper remains a financially compelling alternative to purchasing turnkey, where inventory is limited and price premiums are steep. The window to act is strong, particularly for those prepared to plan early and work with a firm that can navigate 2026's cost environment effectively.

Q: How Long Does Co-Op Board Approval Take For A Renovation In NYC?

Co-op board approval timelines vary widely, but most Manhattan co-ops take 6 to 12 weeks to review and approve an alteration agreement, depending on the building's review cycle, the scope of work, and how complete the submission package is. Some buildings review monthly; others review quarterly. Incomplete or poorly prepared submissions are the single biggest cause of delays — missing insurance certificates, unsigned neighbor acknowledgments, or architectural plans that don't address the building's specific requirements will send an application back to the start of the queue. Gallery KBNY prepares and manages the entire board submission process, including coordination with building management, insurance documentation, and architectural plan sets formatted to each building's specific requirements.

Q: How Can I Avoid Budget Overruns During An NYC Apartment Renovation?

The most reliable way to prevent budget overruns is thorough pre-construction planning — identifying potential issues before demolition starts, not after. In NYC, the most common cost surprises include outdated electrical panels that require full replacement, deteriorated plumbing behind walls, asbestos in pre-war buildings that requires licensed abatement, and structural conditions that only become visible once finishes are removed. A well-run design-build process accounts for these risks during the planning phase through detailed site assessments, building history review, and contingency budgeting. Gallery KBNY's pre-construction planning is specifically designed to surface and price these variables before the contract is signed, which is why our projects rarely involve change orders.

Q: What Are The Biggest Challenges When Renovating A Pre-War Apartment In NYC?

Pre-war buildings present a specific set of challenges that don't exist in post-war or new construction: irregular wall framing that complicates cabinetry and millwork installation, plaster-and-lath walls that can't be patched the same way as drywall, original plumbing and electrical that may not meet current code, potential asbestos in floor tiles, pipe insulation, or plaster, and HVAC routing constraints in buildings that were never designed for central air. Starting in 2025–2026, new A2L refrigerant regulations add another layer — HVAC lines may now require fire-rated shafts with leak-detection sensors, which is particularly complex in pre-war buildings with tight mechanical chases. Gallery KBNY specializes in pre-war renovations and maintains in-house expertise in the structural, regulatory, and design challenges these buildings present.

Q: Should I Renovate My NYC Apartment Before Selling It?

It depends on the condition of the apartment relative to comparable listings in your building and neighborhood. A minor kitchen remodel returns approximately 112.9% of project cost nationally according to the most recent Cost vs. Value data, and in Manhattan, where buyer expectations for finish quality are particularly high, a well-executed renovation can meaningfully widen the pool of interested buyers and reduce time on market. That said, over-improving beyond what the building and neighborhood support is a common and expensive mistake. The most strategic pre-sale renovations focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring — the three areas buyers scrutinize most closely. If you're considering renovating before listing, a pre-construction consultation with a design-build firm can help determine which improvements will generate a return and which will over-capitalize.

Q: How Do I Choose The Right Contractor For A NYC Renovation?

Not all contractors are equal, and not all firms that claim to be design-build are truly full-service. When evaluating contractors for an NYC apartment renovation, the most important factors are transparency on pricing and timeline from the first conversation, a clear and structured process for board approvals and DOB permitting, demonstrated experience with your building type whether a pre-war co-op, condo, loft, or brownstone, and verifiable client reviews. Read How To Distinguish True Design-Build Expertise For NYC Apartment Renovations before signing with anyone.

Q: How Are HVAC Costs Changing For NYC Apartment Renovations In 2026?

Significantly. The industry-wide transition from older high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A to next-generation A2L refrigerants such as R-32 and R-454B, mandated by New York State's HFC phase-down rules and the federal AIM Act, is adding meaningful cost to HVAC installations in 2026. Because A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable, NYC code now requires refrigerant lines to run through fire-rated, sealed shafts with venting and leak-detection sensors, and imposes stricter requirements on how lines are routed and protected. In older pre-war buildings with tight floor plans and complex infrastructure, this adds real design, fireproofing, and labor cost even when the equipment price itself has not changed dramatically. Working with a firm that understands these requirements and accounts for them in pre-construction pricing is essential to avoiding budget surprises. Read more: Why Custom HVAC Solutions Are Essential For Pre-War Renovations In NYC.

Q: Should I Renovate With Resale Value In Mind, Even If I Am Not Planning To Sell?

Yes, even when the renovation is purely personal, decisions that are too idiosyncratic or costly relative to the market can limit your options down the line. The most durable approach is to make choices that reflect your taste and lifestyle within a framework that a future buyer would reasonably value. High-quality finishes, functional layouts, and well-executed kitchen and bathroom renovations consistently translate to both better daily living and stronger resale performance. Avoiding overly niche design choices such as unusual color schemes, heavily customized layouts that reduce bedroom count, or finishes that require specialized maintenance protects the investment regardless of when or whether you sell. A good interior design team helps clients strike this balance naturally throughout the selection process.