Home Improvement Projects of 2026: Top 5 and Costs

New year, new you—and a new and improved home

Get quotes from contractors near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from contractors near you
No obligation · 100% free
Need Help With a Project? Connect With a Pro
  • About 32% of homeowners plan maintenance projects in 2026, prioritizing your home's condition over relocations as mortgage rates inspire renovation instead of moving.

  • Bathroom remodels cost $6,600 to $17,600 on average, while interior painting ranges from $960 to $3,100, and new flooring installation averages $5,000 for your 400-square-foot room.

  • Your home improvement priorities reflect a shift toward maintaining property value and adapting living spaces for multigenerational families and remote work needs.

  • Hiring a local gutter cleaning professional provides reliable support for routine maintenance tasks, with costs between $120 and $235 keeping your home in top condition.

Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Another year is underway, and with that comes new resolutions, new routines, and exciting new projects. As homeowners prepare to take care of their houses, Angi’s State of Home Spending report sheds light on the most popular improvement ideas of the year. 

As it turns out, home maintenance is at the top of people's minds as they write up their 2026 to-do lists, with about 32% of survey respondents planning at least one maintenance project this year. Homeowners are also spending money on home improvement, as many are choosing to renovate rather than relocate. 

From large remodels to small upgrades, here's how your neighbors plan to spend their home budget in 2026.

What Projects Are Homeowners Planning in 2026?

In 2025, many homeowners put regular maintenance tasks at the top of their home improvement list, and we’re expecting much of the same in 2026. Other popular improvement tasks include interior painting, flooring installation, bathroom remodeling, and new appliances. Let’s break down the top five home improvement ideas on the horizon in 2026. 

1. Embrace the Ordinary: Maintenance Leads the Way

Last year, homeowners spent an average of $2,041 on home maintenance—an increase from $1,750 in 2024. They also completed more maintenance projects, such as HVAC unit servicing and gutter cleaning, indicating they’re prioritizing the care and quality of their home. While maintenance tasks were popular for all age groups surveyed, Millennials spent the most money on them. 

The cost for routine maintenance varies widely based on the project scope. Many home maintenance tasks, such as repairing drywall and replacing window screens, are DIY-friendly and relatively affordable. But more time-consuming and tricky projects, like cleaning gutters, can cost between $120 and $235 if you hire a professional gutter cleaner near you. Many homeowners also hire professionals for lawn work, with local landscapers charging between $100 and $500 for routine monthly maintenance.

2. Interior Painting

Man painting interior home
Photo: Bill Oxford / E+ / Getty Images

Interior painting ranked second among the most popular home projects planned for 2026, with about 20% of homeowners planning to take it on. While interior painting is a feasible DIY project for handy homeowners, there’s no shame in calling a local interior painter to take on the job. The cost to paint the interior of a house ranges from $960 to $3,100, with most homeowners spending an average of $2,000

Painting the interior of your home can breathe new life into your walls. And with many popular paint colors available, you’ll be sure to find one (or many) that work well with your existing decor.

3. Bathroom Remodel

About 14% of surveyed homeowners reported that they were planning a bathroom remodel in 2026—one of the more expensive projects that tops our list. The cost of a bathroom remodel ranges from $6,600 to $17,600 on average, depending on the size and scope of the work. While you can tackle some basic upgrades yourself, like changing out showerheads, it’s always best to call a professional bathroom remodeler to discuss more in-depth projects.  

4. New Flooring

A person installing new hardwood flooring
Photo: Keep It 100 / DigitalVision / Getty Images

About 14% of surveyed homeowners plan to upgrade their floors in 2026. New flooring installation costs about $5,000 on average for a 400-square-foot room, depending on the type of flooring materials. The least expensive option is vinyl ($2 to $14 per square foot), while hardwood is the most costly ($6 to $25 per square foot).

It may be tempting to save money by doing the floor installation yourself, but it’s best to call a local flooring pro for this type of work. Professionals can offer advice on popular flooring trends based on your lifestyle, and they’ll make sure that the installation is done correctly to avoid costly mistakes, future repairs, and potential structural damage. 

New floors offer a significant improvement to the look and comfort of any room, and they can also increase the value of your home if you’ve got listing plans on the horizon.

5. Updated Appliances

For 2026, about 14% of surveyed homeowners said updating their appliances is on their to-do list. Some people might start with smaller appliances, such as a microwave. The average cost of a microwave is between $50 and $2,000, depending on the model. 

For a larger upgrade, you can replace your dishwasher for $400 to $4,000 if yours is on its last legs. And if your refrigerator is not working correctly, you can update it for $600 to $2,300 on average—or you can spend up to $7,000 for a top-of-the-line model.

modern kitchen luxe appliance
Aldeca Productions - Stock Photography.adobe.com

What’s Driving Homeowners to Tackle These Projects? 

In past years, homeowners stated that the biggest driver of home improvement was maintaining their property’s condition. With the rise of remote work, they wanted to improve their at-home quality of life. 

Homeowners also prioritized sustainability, with many focusing on eco-friendly, energy-efficient upgrades. There's been a clear shift toward modern and adaptable living spaces, paving the way for multigenerational families to live comfortably under the same roof. 

Most of these drivers are still relevant in 2026, but another rising motivator for home improvement work is also at play: elevated mortgage rates are inspiring renovation rather than relocation. This is especially true for Millennials, who are working to make their homes better suit their current needs.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.

The homeowners guide to contractor services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.