This local trend reflects a broader national shift. According to recent analysis from the National Association of Home Builders, remodeling companies now represent more than half of all residential building construction companies, capturing 56% of the market in the first quarter of 2025. That figure has climbed dramatically from the mid-2000s housing boom when remodelers consistently hovered around 38% to 39% of the sector.
“Half the time, it feels a little bit sentimental,” said Molly Lucas, interior designer and owner of Maison de Molly in Cranberry Township. “People are comfortable where they are and are willing to stay where they are and make it what they need it to be. People are realizing that home is inherently tied to a specific space. They’re slower to pick up and move because of it.”
Lucas recently worked with a client in the North Hills who exemplifies this growing preference. The family had been actively shopping for new homes but ultimately decided to renovate their existing property instead. “They live close to McKnight Road in a prime location, but they have the quintessential Pittsburgh home that’s just tiny,” Lucas explained. The family’s commitment to their neighborhood and community connections outweighed the appeal of a larger house elsewhere.
The Economics of Staying Home
The shift toward remodeling represents more than sentiment. As the nation’s housing stock ages and new homes remain financially out of reach for many buyers, renovation has become a more practical and cost-effective alternative to improve housing conditions.
Dan Meade, owner of Prime 1 Builders of Pittsburgh, sees the economic factors firsthand. “Because of low inventory of desirable homes and high interest rates, people are looking to stay in their existing spaces,” he said. “So, more people are looking at ways to add more space to their homes.”
The NAHB’s analysis of 25 years of Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data reveals that this trend reflects a sustained structural shift rather than a temporary response to recent market conditions. Over the past 25 years, the number of remodeling companies has nearly doubled, from fewer than 69,000 in 2000 to more than 128,000 in the first quarter of 2025.
The remodeling sector proved more resilient than home building during the 2008 housing crash. Between 2007 and 2012, the number of remodeling establishments fell just 8%, while roughly one-third of home builders went out of business. The sector’s market share rose sharply after the crash, reaching 46% in 2011, and has continued climbing steadily since.
During the post-pandemic housing boom, driven by low mortgage rates, the rise of remote work and renewed demand for larger living spaces, remodelers and home builders experienced solid growth.
Adding On Rather
Than Moving Out
For Meade’s design-build company, additions have become the most frequent request. “The most frequent call we get is adding onto their existing home and the most often requested project is adding a master bedroom and bath with more living space or an expanded kitchen being the next one on the list,” he said.
The addition trend often creates a ripple effect in neighborhoods. “We do a lot of design-build additions in our company and so people see us adding on to their neighbors’ homes and get the idea to do the same,” Meade noted.
Many homeowners face limited options due to how older Pittsburgh homes were originally constructed. “Often, people have very limited space, thus making a lot of sense to add on to the existing home,” Meade said. When expanding the footprint is possible, it has become the preferred direction for clients seeking more room.
Kitchen and Bath Renovations Still Dominate
Despite evolving homeowner priorities, some constants remain. Lucas and Meade confirmed that kitchens and bathrooms continue to lead remodeling projects in terms of frequency and investment. However, the approach to these renovations has shifted.
For homeowners seeking cost-effective updates without major construction, Lucas recommends starting with cabinetry. “Painting your cabinetry is a popular choice right now,” she said. “Then, update the hardware. It’s the biggest bang for your buck and can make you feel like you have a new kitchen. It saves thousands of dollars on cabinetry costs, and it makes a huge difference.”
Hardware updates alone can transform a space. “People underestimate updating their hardware,” Lucas noted. “But if you swap it out with something more modern or unique, it can give you the update you need, even without painting your cabinets.”
Lighting presents another frequently overlooked opportunity for significant impact. “So many homeowners have the builder-grade lighting that’s lacking personality and structure,” Lucas said. “Investing in another style can change things drastically.”
For bathroom remodels, Lucas pointed to outdated features from homes built in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s as prime candidates for replacement. “It’s the old vanities with the round, oval, white sinks and the low ’60s faucets,” she said. “I’ve been updating a lot of those.”
A budget-friendly approach involves painting existing wood cabinets and replacing the sink, faucet and countertop. “You can pull in a Carrara marble for the top without the extra expense of the cabinet underneath,” Lucas explained.
Meade emphasized that while kitchens and bathrooms offer the most impact, decisions should align with a homeowner’s needs. “If they don’t have enough bedrooms for everyone to have a comfortable place to sleep, adding more space to the home is really the only way to go,” he said. For those planning to resale in a few years, kitchen and bath updates remain the most frequently requested projects.
Aging in Place Takes Priority
One of the most significant factors driving current remodeling decisions involves planning for long-term accessibility. Lucas confirmed that aging-in-place considerations factor heavily into client conversations, even among younger, able-bodied homeowners.
She’s currently wrapping up a kitchen addition in Bridgeville that includes a full bathroom with a curbless shower and grab bars. “They’re both able-bodied and younger but they want to stay in this house as long as possible,” Lucas said of her clients. The kitchen design incorporates adequate space and sizing to accommodate someone in a wheelchair should that become necessary in the future.
Meade has witnessed how the aging-in-place trend has reshaped his business. “First-floor living with master bedrooms and baths have become so common for our business,” he said. “Surprisingly, elevator installation has become hugely popular and also helpful when bedrooms and baths are not located on the main floor and the client isn’t interested in the investment of an addition.”
His company has also completed several in-law suites and accessory dwelling units so that family members can live on the same property while maintaining their own space.
This forward-thinking approach represents a practical response to the reality that many homeowners plan to remain in their properties for decades. Rather than facing the disruption and expense of retrofitting for accessibility later, they’re incorporating universal design principles from the start.
Lucas emphasized that material selection plays a crucial role in aging-in-place renovations. Matte finishes in bathrooms prove particularly important for safety considerations, reducing slip hazards that glossy surfaces can create.
New Priorities: Home Offices and Dedicated Spaces
The shift to remote work has created new remodeling priorities. “Now that many people are working from home, offices have become a very popular priority for people,” Meade said. “Also, some people already have one office, but some homeowners both work from home and need their own dedicated workspace and so people are trying to get creative to find a way to create that second office.”
Solutions often involve converting lower-level spaces or areas above garages into functional work environments. “People are thinking of ways to use that space as well,” Meade added.
Lucas noted that clients are also creating spaces dedicated to relaxation and wellness. Home gyms and spa-like bathroom features reflect a desire for refuge from increasingly hectic lives.
“What brings you peace?” Lucas asked. “The world is so busy, and everything is pulling you in a million directions. People want to come home and find a space that doesn’t feel overwhelming and helps them relax.”
Balancing Character and Modernity
Pittsburgh’s older housing stock presents unique challenges when incorporating modern amenities while preserving original charm. Lucas approaches this balance with careful attention to coordination rather than competition between old and new elements.
“In some cases, it can be tricky,” she acknowledged. “You don’t want to have to redo your entire home, so it’s about making sure that any new flooring or tile you pick coordinates with existing flooring.”
She never recommends covering original hardwood flooring. Instead, she advises choosing tile that complements natural wood without competing with it. “Consider it a supporting actor that allows the original characters to shine through,” she said.
For homes with dark wood accents, Lucas suggests pulling that dark wood into new vanities or kitchen islands, so updates blend seamlessly without feeling jarringly new.
Meade agreed that character doesn’t need to be disrupted. “There are many new products that are made to look like what some original material was used on homes but does have much less need for upkeep,” he said, pointing to exterior finishes as a prime example.
His clients are also replacing outdated features. “Small bedrooms and closets are consistently upgraded as is old brick fireplace surrounds from the ’60s through the ’80s,” Meade said. “We are replacing them with stone or tile surrounds in place of the brick.”
Current design trends include painted brick exteriors and black windows. “I find it humorous when I see all of these homeowners painting their brick homes white these days,” Meade observed. “I wonder how long white brick will be in style. It really does give a new look to a lot of old homes. Black windows are huge right now as well. I like the look but again, it is one of those design choices that you wonder, how long will it be in style.”
Open Concepts with Purpose
The open-floor plan trend continues, but with more nuance than simply removing all walls. Lucas noted that people still want better flow between kitchens and living rooms, but they’re also seeking ways to designate each space with a clear purpose.
“Instead of having a dining table in the middle of the open space, you might consider having two large openings from the dining room that opens into the kitchen or living room, so it still feels separate but together,” she explained.
This approach acknowledges that while families value connection and sightlines between spaces, they also appreciate some degree of definition and separation for different activities.
Personal Expression Over Resale
A notable shift in homeowner psychology involves decreased concern about potential resale value. Lucas observed that clients increasingly commit to bold color choices and distinctive tile selections that bring them joy rather than playing it safe with neutral palettes.
“They’re committing to color or a fun tile that makes them happy instead of worrying about being neutral for a future potential sale of their living space,” Lucas said. It doesn’t appear to be a turn-off for home buyers, either. “The majority of people, if they see a well put together room, even if it’s not their style, they can see what’s possible for the space.”
This confidence to personalize spaces reflects the intention to remain in homes longer and a belief that quality design transcends individual taste preferences.
For no-demo renovations focused on refreshing rather than rebuilding, Lucas sees clients prioritizing quality over quantity. “Someone will spend more on a sectional sofa they know will last longer than what you can get in big box stores,” she said.
Sustainability Through Durability
While some homeowners seek energy-efficient upgrades like new windows and doors, Lucas noted that sustainability considerations often center on durability rather than eco-friendly materials alone.
“It’s not necessarily that the material is made from sustainable things so much as how long will it last, so they don’t have to keep replacing it and creating more remodeling waste,” she explained. “It’s a good idea to be cautious about how products are rated.”
She emphasized the importance of selecting appropriate materials for specific applications. “Never put in tile that’s not rated for wet areas in a bathroom,” she warned. Taking time to understand materials and finishes helps avoid premature replacement and the resulting waste.
Meade echoed this emphasis on durability, particularly for budget-conscious homeowners. “Flooring is another material that offers a wide variety of price points but selecting a material that will withstand the daily wear and tear of life, is a better investment than choosing the least expensive material and having to replace it in two years,” he said.
He recommended researching appliances online before purchasing and choosing well-made cabinetry that can stand up to daily use. “Counter tops can more easily be updated if a lower priced material needs to be selected,” Meade noted.
For major renovations or additions, windows and doors warrant consideration. Updated windows and doors improve style and energy efficiency. “In a lot of these older homes, the windows are compromised,” Lucas noted. “They’ve functioned well for a long time, but they don’t last forever.”
Budget-Friendly Impact
For homeowners with limited budgets seeking maximum impact, both designers offered practical advice. Lucas recommends investing in flooring. While hardwood remains expensive, it delivers substantial value. She also sees growing acceptance of luxury vinyl tile, which has improved dramatically in quality and appearance. “It’s come a long way and doesn’t look like plastic flooring,” she said. “A lot of them have a real wood veneer. It’s water-resistant or waterproof, which makes it a good choice.”
Meade suggested several cost-effective updates that deliver significant visual impact. “Lighting can be updated fairly inexpensively and it will give a much different look to the space,” he said. “A coat of paint in a modern color goes a long way to change the look of a space. Wallpaper has become very popular again. There are lots of options online as well.”
As national data confirms and local designers observe, the trend toward remodeling over relocating reflects economic realities and emotional connections. Pittsburgh homeowners are making peace with smaller square footage and older construction in exchange for staying in communities they love. With thoughtful design and strategic investment, they’re transforming houses built for different eras into homes suited for contemporary life while planning for the decades ahead. NH