How Often Should You Remodel Your Home?

Your home is one of your biggest investments, and keeping it updated is essential for maintaining value, functionality, and comfort. But how often should you remodel? While a full home remodel is typically recommended every 15-20 years, the frequency of updates depends on several factors, including wear and tear, changing needs, and evolving design trends.

Key Factors That Influence Remodeling Frequency

1. Age and Condition of Your Home
   Older homes may require remodeling sooner due to outdated materials, aging structures, or inefficient systems. If your home is well-maintained, you might be able to extend the timeline before major renovations are necessary.
2. Quality of Original Construction
   Homes built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship will last longer and require fewer major remodels. However, lower-quality builds may need more frequent updates to maintain safety and appeal.
3. Lifestyle Changes
   As families grow or downsize, the layout and functionality of a home may need to adapt. Perhaps you need to make room for aging-parents. A growing family might need additional bedrooms or a larger kitchen. While empty nesters might consider downsizing spaces to be more practical or to make room for boomerang kids!
4. Market Trends and Resale Value
   Home design trends change over time, and staying updated can improve your home’s resale value. If you plan to sell in the near future, a strategic remodel of key areas like the kitchen and bathroom can help attract buyers and increase your home’s marketability.
5. Maintenance Indicators
   Signs such as detached tiles, leaking roofs, termite infestations, or chipped paint indicate that your home may require renovation. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further deterioration and maintain the structural integrity of your home.
6. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
   Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials not only reduces utility bills but also enhances the home’s value. Incorporating eco-friendly features can be a compelling reason to remodel, especially as technology and environmental standards evolve.

High-Priority Areas for Remodeling

• Kitchens & Bathrooms
  These rooms endure the most wear and tear, making them the first areas to show signs of aging. Experts recommend remodeling kitchens and bathrooms every 10-15 years to keep up with modern designs, improve energy efficiency, and replace outdated appliances.
• Living Areas & Bedrooms
  While these spaces don’t experience as much wear, updating paint, flooring, and lighting every 10-15 years can keep them fresh and inviting.
• Exterior & Curb Appeal
  The exterior of your home, including roofing, siding, and landscaping, should be maintained regularly to protect structural integrity and boost curb appeal. A full exterior update may be necessary every 20-30 years.

The Phased Approach to Remodeling

Instead of tackling a full remodel all at once, consider a phased approach. This allows you to spread out costs and make upgrades as needed. For example:

• Year 1: Kitchen renovation
• Year 2: Bathroom upgrade
• Year 3: Living room and flooring refresh
• Year 4: Exterior enhancements

Pro-Tip: Keep in mind, time and expenses increase when you remodel in phases. There are benefits to doing the project all at once: single permit to pull, bundling material orders and subcontractor work into one larger project is more cost effective. Additionally, it minimizes the amount of time that your home is in disarray and causes less noise and mess for neighbors.

Routine Maintenance to Extend Remodel Cycles

Regular upkeep can delay major remodeling projects and help maintain your home’s value over time. Simple tasks like repainting, resealing countertops, fixing minor plumbing issues, and cleaning gutters can go a long way in preserving your home’s condition.

Final Thoughts

While full home remodels are generally recommended every 15-20 years, smaller updates and maintenance should be done more frequently to keep your home in top shape. Whether you choose to remodel in phases or tackle a full-scale renovation, working with trusted professionals like Thomas Custom Builders ensures quality craftsmanship and stunning results. If you’re considering a home remodel, contact us today to discuss your vision and explore your options.