10 Home Renovations That Make Homeowners the Happiest

Who says money can’t buy happiness? Investing in your home can yield rewards far beyond your basic ROI. After all, it’s not always about increasing resale value—sometimes enhancing your own enjoyment is the most rewarding.

On the fence about where to invest? The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)’s Remodeling Impact Report tracked the happiness reported by homeowners after a remodel and assigned a “Joy Score” based on the feedback. Here are the top 10 home improvement projects that scored the highest.

1. Painting the Entire Home Interior—Joy Score: 10

Colors offer an amazing spectrum of mood-enhancing benefits, and simply switching up the paint throughout your home can turn it into a totally different space. It’s also one of the most affordable home projects, yet it still boasts a major impact, as NARI’s survey revealed. 

With a Joy Score of 10, the highest ranking of joy for the survey, it’s easy to see that homeowners found great satisfaction in this renovation. 

On top of that, painting is one of the most DIY-friendly home projects to undertake, and there’s something special about admiring your own handiwork. Of course, if you don’t have the time or desire to roll up your sleeves, a local interior painter can help you achieve the color story of your dreams.

2. Painting One Interior Room—Joy Score: 10

Whether you’re painting your bedroom a calming blue or finally changing that ugly chartreuse in the powder room, painting a single room can completely transform the space. 

Plus, it’s a simple project you can knock out in a weekend that provides the ultimate ROI of joy, according to NARI. Painting one room might not seem like much, but you’ll likely find yourself revisiting it and admiring the result, over and over. Aaaaaahhh.

3. Adding a New Home Office—Joy Score: 10

According to a Pew Research Study, 76% of people in the workforce prefer working from home, so it’s no surprise that a new home office can be an extremely joyful addition. Since the space is totally yours, you can customize your home office from top to bottom and show off your personality. 

What’s more, surrounding yourself with your favorite things is sure to maximize your productivity. Furnish it in rich mahogany, add bright neon accessories, line your shelves with your vintage stuffed animal collection—the choice is yours.

4. Refinishing Hardwood Flooring—Joy Score: 10

Looking at dull, dingy wooden floors can be pretty depressing, especially if you remember their former glory. That’s why investing in the cost to refinish your wood floors can have you over the moon with the refresh.

Handling this on your own can be tricky, so consider contacting a local hardwood floor refinisher to ensure a smooth, beautiful result that brings you happiness every time you see it.

5. Installing New Wood Flooring—Joy Score: 10

Sick of that ratty old carpeting that still has a wine stain from six years ago? Does that scratched-up laminate leave something to be desired? 

Installing new wood floors can bring next-level warmth, class, and timelessness to your home—as well as the highest level of happiness and joy, according to NARI. Get in touch with a wood flooring installer near you to get the ball rolling.

6. Renovating a Closet—Joy Score: 10

It’s incredibly frustrating staring at piles of crumpled clothes and not knowing what to wear. Without the right closet space, you end up shoving items wherever they’ll fit and losing them (some never to be seen again).

When you rebuild and reorganize your closet, you’ll finally be able to see all the clothing you own and build your outfits accordingly. You can even bring in a local professional home organizer to help you develop a whole new system. What we wear makes a big difference in how we feel, so this is one home renovation that keeps on giving.

7. Upgrading Insulation—Joy Score: 10

Can’t argue with being warm and toasty in the winter and cool as a cucumber in the summer. Plus, upgrading your insulation can save you big on your energy bills, and who doesn’t love saving some cash? 

Contact an insulation installer near you to get this project started. After all, it’s one of the top home improvement projects that bring joy to homeowners—so it’s a win-win. 

8. Converting an Attic Into Living Space—Joy Score: 10

Within that spider-ridden space of old junk lies endless potential for a new living area. By redoing your attic, you’re essentially creating a home addition for far less than a new build. 

As NARI reports, homeowners get maximum joy from turning their attic into liveable space. Design a serene reading area, a playhouse for the kiddos, or anything else you can dream up—your attic is a blank slate.

9. Fully Renovating the Kitchen —Joy Score: 9.8

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so if yours doesn’t suit your flow, it can seriously cramp your style. 

Whether it’s an awkward layout or outdated appliances and flooring, a complete kitchen renovation can be seriously life-changing and provide you with a whole lot of happiness too. Get in touch with a local kitchen remodeler to get this project cooking.

10. Upgrading the Kitchen—Joy Score: 9.8

If you’re sick to death of those old oak cabinets or tired of those countertops that you never liked, an upgrade can make a huge difference. 

In NARI’s survey, upgrading the kitchen filled homeowners with nearly the maximum level of joy (9.8/10), making this a top home improvement project for your to-do list. 

Changing one or two things you can’t stand in your kitchen can totally refresh the look. You’ll be thrilled to cook, gather with loved ones, enjoy morning coffees, and hang out in your new space.