California Home Makeovers: What's Really Trending for 2024-2025?
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- 30 sept
- 4 Min. de lectura
Actualizado: hace 4 horas
If you're a California homeowner, chances are you've got a renovation project on your mind. And you're not alone. Californians are investing more than ever in their homes, with recent surveys from Houzz showing that the typical renovation budget jumped by a whopping 60% between 2020 and 2023.
For a detailed breakdown of what it really costs and how long it takes to install new floors in California, check out our guide on flooring installation costs and timelines.
While we all know that kitchens and bathrooms get a ton of attention—and they're still the rooms we renovate most often—the real story is what's happening underfoot. When you look at where the money is actually going, you find a surprising king: flooring.
The Surprising Way Californians Are Splitting Their Remodel Budget
National surveys from places like Angi and Clever Real Estate show that for most Americans, the wish list includes interior painting, bathroom fixes, and new kitchens. But in California, while those projects are still popular, our priorities are a bit different, thanks to our love for open spaces and natural materials.
Here’s a rough breakdown of how a typical California renovation budget is being spent right now:
Floors (≈45%): This is the big one. Driven by the desire for wide-open, indoor-outdoor living spaces, Californians are tearing out old carpet and investing heavily in hardwood, luxury vinyl, and tile. It accounts for nearly half of all spending.
Interior Painting (≈15%): A fresh coat of paint is still the most popular and affordable way to transform a space. In fact, paint was the single most-purchased renovation item last year.
Kitchen Remodels (≈13%): Even though kitchens are the most frequently remodeled room, they take up a smaller slice of the overall budget compared to flooring.
Bathroom Remodels (≈10%): Upgrading primary and guest bathrooms for comfort and resale value continues to be a go-to project.
Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces (≈7%): It’s California—we live outside! Decks, patios, and drought-tolerant gardens are essential for that classic SoCal lifestyle.
Energy-Efficiency Upgrades (≈5%): Think new windows, better insulation, modern HVAC systems, and of course, solar panels.
Other Projects (≈3%): This covers everything else, like new lighting, security systems, and other small updates.
Why Flooring is Stealing the Show
So, why the massive focus on floors? It turns out, most of us aren't replacing our floors because we have to. Research shows that over half of all flooring projects are completely voluntary—they’re all about looks, quality, and lifestyle.
If you’re curious about how different flooring types affect your home’s resale value, see our 2025 Cost‑vs‑Value Report for a complete ROI analysis.
Here’s what’s really motivating people:
Just Making It Look Better (39%): The number one reason is pure aesthetics. Homeowners want beautiful floors that tie together a modern, open-concept layout.
Upgrading to Better Materials (24%): People are choosing to invest in durable, high-quality materials like hardwood or luxury vinyl that will last for years and feel great to live on.
To learn about the main types of hardwood, their costs per square foot, and how to care for them, read our complete California homeowner’s guide to hardwood floors.
The Old Floor Was Worn Out (20%): Sometimes, it really is just time for an update.
Better Performance (8%): Homeowners are looking for practical perks like water resistance (hello, kids and pets!) or better sound insulation.
Boosting Resale Value (7%): A beautiful new floor is a major selling point.
It’s clear that for Californians, floors aren't just a utility; they are the foundation of a home's entire style and feel. We want materials that are low-maintenance, durable, comfortable, and seamlessly connect our living rooms to our patios.
The Supporting Cast: Other Popular Upgrades
Of course, it's not all about the floors. Here are a few other key trends:
Paints and Finishes: Earthy tones and low-VOC paints are huge right now, keeping homes healthy and stylish. After paint, new light fixtures and faucets are the next most common purchases.
Kitchens and Bathrooms: While they don’t take the biggest piece of the budget pie, these projects are still a major focus. The trend is toward sustainable materials, smart appliances, and creating spa-like vibes in the bathroom.
Embracing the Outdoors: That California climate means our backyards are extra living space. Decks, patios, and drought-resistant gardens aren't just nice-to-haves; they're essential.
Smarter, Greener Homes: Upgrading a home's core systems—like plumbing, electrical, and home automation—is common. Californians are also investing in efficient windows and solar panels, driven by a desire to save money and meet the state's climate goals.
The Takeaway
While kitchens and bathrooms will always be popular projects, the heart of California home renovation right now is in creating open, sustainable, and beautiful living spaces from the ground up. Flooring has become the star player, setting the stage for a home that’s not just functional, but a true reflection of the modern California lifestyle.
Ready to Transform Your Foundation?
Feeling inspired? Choosing the right material is the most important step. You need a surface that can handle everything from pet paws to patio parties while looking incredible. Whether you're weighing the pros of waterproof LVP, the timeless beauty of engineered hardwood, or the scratch-resistant durability of porcelain tile, expert advice makes all the difference. Download our checklist of questions to ask before hiring a flooring contractor