Why Denver homeowners are investing more in renovation projects

A report from Instant Roofer reveals that Denver homeowners spend the most nationally on renovations.

They spend 4.5 times the national average on room conversions ($900 vs. $200), while renovation projects cost an average of $14,200 or 11.5% of household income annually.

“Denver has seen a significant rise in remote work opportunities over the past few years, naturally driving residents to invest more in their homes,” said Jacob Petrosky, Instant Roofer founder.

“When you’re working from home all day, you want it to be a nice space, and of course, you need that proper home-office setup.”

Choose improvements that make you happy

When considering home upgrades, Nick Painz, managing Broker at META Homes with RE/MAX Alliance, emphasizes the importance of enjoying the improvements while living in your home.

He advises homeowners to thoroughly vet vendors, since not all contractors are equal, and quality often correlates with cost.

It’s crucial to ensure that contractors are insured and that a written contract outlining the expected work is in place.

Your real estate agent can be a valuable resource for vendor referrals, as they have firsthand experience and can recommend highly rated professionals. Opting for locally owned service providers can be more beneficial, as larger companies often have overhead costs that inflate prices.

If you are considering selling your home, consulting a professional about design choices can help you align your upgrades with potential buyers’ tastes.

Painz cautions homeowners to avoid remodeling pitfalls.

Attempting DIY projects, particularly in critical areas like electrical or plumbing work, can lead to costly mistakes and safety hazards.

Avoid succumbing to high-pressure sales tactics; if a contractor pushes you to sign a contract immediately, it may indicate that you’re being overcharged.

Painz also recommends avoiding cosmetic changes that Painz calls “putting lipstick on a pig.”

He said buyers will be keenly aware of any DIY projects and may question the overall quality of the home if they perceive that corners have been cut elsewhere.

A 2025 Thumbtack report reveals that homeowners prioritize renovations for happiness over resale value.

A survey found that 84% favor joy-focused projects, even among those planning to sell.

Contributing factors include not planning to sell soon (32%) and spending more time at home (25%).

One-third plans to spend over $10,000.

The most popular projects include interior painting, replacing windows, installing new floors, updating light fixtures, walk-in closets, sunrooms, dedicated hobby spaces, in-ground swimming pools or hot tubs, built-in bookcases, and home gyms.

Avoid making remodeling mistakes

Liam Smith, a color and print expert at Aura Print, says aesthetic choices can affect the value of a property when you sell or rent. He recommends:

Wall colors: Use neutral tones instead of bright or dark colors.

Wallpaper: Opt for simple designs over outdated or busy patterns.

Themed decor: Avoid strong themes; keep spaces neutral to enhance appeal.