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You start with a Pinterest board and a budget. You end with a new kitchen—and a few new gray hairs. If you’ve ever wondered why remodeling can feel like couples therapy with power tools, you’re not alone. A new study highlights just how often home projects spark friction at home—and why a trusted real estate advisor can be the steady hand that keeps everyone focused on value, not just vibes.

The Surprising Stress Behind “Let’s Fix Up the House”

A recent Houzz study on couples who renovated in the last year found that 4% of respondents considered separating or divorcing during the process. The number jumps to 12% among couples together five years or less—proof that big choices, tight timelines, and living in a construction zone can strain even strong relationships. Still, almost all couples said the finished space was worth it.

What do people fight about most?

• Staying on budget (31%)
• Picking products, materials and finishes (28%)
• Agreeing on project scope or design (20%)
• Paint colors, furniture, and flooring are repeat offenders.

The culprit isn’t just money; it’s decision fatigue. One partner wants a waterfall island; the other wants to keep the powder room. Both are right… for different goals.

Renovate or Move? Make the Call with Market Data

Sometimes the real debate isn’t what to change—but whether to renovate at all or list and move. That’s where an agent adds real clarity. A market-savvy advisor can:

• Pull comps to show what nearby, similarly sized homes actually offer—and what buyers expect at your price point.
• Share ROI benchmarks from industry reports, so you invest in updates buyers will pay for later.

From the 2025 NAR Remodeling Impact Report, three takeaways help couples align on smart spend:

• Projects earning top “Joy Scores” (how happy owners feel after the work) include a kitchen upgrade, new roofing, and an added primary suite—all near the top of the satisfaction chart. NARI
• On cost recovery at resale, a new steel front door tops the list at ~100%, with closet renovations and new fiberglass doors also strong. Kitchen renovations often recoup ~60% in typical scenarios. NARI
• REALTORS® most often advise would-be sellers to paint (interior) and address roofing before listing—practical moves that position a home well without overcapitalizing.. 

Prefer different flooring? You’re normal. The Houzz report shows newer couples most often argue over furniture, while longer-term couples tangle more on paint and flooring—a reminder that tastes evolve and priorities shift with life stage. Visualization tools and simple compromise strategies go a long way. Houzz

At Preferred Homes Corp, here’s how we coach clients to keep harmony (and momentum):

• Start with the “sell-or-stay” question. If selling in 12–24 months, prioritize high-visibility, high-value updates (paint, floors, lighting, minor kitchen refresh) over major structural changes. Use comps and ROI data to stay objective. NARI
• Agree on a single North Star. Are you optimizing for daily joy, resale, or energy efficiency? Owners most often remodel to refresh worn surfaces, improve efficiency, or prep for a future sale—knowing the “why” minimizes mid-project pivots. NARI
• Define “done” before you demo. Lock scope, must-haves, nice-to-haves, and a 10% contingency. Most couples say transparent pricing, clear communication, and realistic timelines are what they want most from pros—insist on that in writing. Houzz
• Visualize early. Mood boards and 3D layouts reduce arguments about color and layout. The Houzz study found 44% of couples used visualization tools to make decisions faster. Houzz
• Pick your “one splurge.” If budget is tight, choose one signature element (range, statement lighting, shower system) and keep the rest classic.
• Stage the cash plan. Many owners fund projects with home-equity lines (HELOCs), followed by savings and credit cards. Know your rate, draw schedule, and payoff plan before signing. NARI
• Set a decision deadline. Limit selections meetings. Decision fatigue is real; calendars keep you moving—and married.
• Weekly “stand-up.” Ten minutes every Sunday: what’s done, what’s next, what’s blocked. Treat your remodel like a project, not a mystery.
• Escalation rules. If you deadlock, use one tiebreaker: resale value, maintenance burden, or total cost of ownership. Your agent can provide neutral data fast.
• Remember the finish line. Nearly all couples reported feeling happier and more comfortable once the project wrapped. Keep eyes on the prize.

Final Thoughts

Americans spent an estimated $603 billion on remodeling in 2024, and not every project runs on time. That’s why we encourage a contingency (10–15%) and milestone-based payouts. NARI

If you’re staying put, optimize for daily life: storage solutions, durable finishes, and energy-smart choices that lower monthly costs. If you’re selling soon, invest where buyers see and appraisers value; let the next owner personalize the rest.

Thinking about a remodel—or wondering if now’s the moment to move instead? Let’s talk through your goals, run the numbers, and create a plan that protects your investment and your peace of mind. At Preferred Homes Corp, we help you make smart decisions today that buyers will thank you for tomorrow.