Energy-efficient, functional remodels profitable for Texas homeowners

​​AUSTIN – The most popular Texas home remodeling projects in 2015 were those that increased a home’s sustainability, according to the Texas Remodel Valuation Report released today by the Texas Association of Realtors.

The report analyzes the project recoup costs in 2015 for 30 different remodeling projects nationwide, in the West South Central U.S., and in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, McAllen and San Antonio.

The top home remodeling projects in 2015 were those that increased the functionality and sustainability by improving a home’s curb appeal or energy efficiency.

Fiberglass attic insulation ranked among the top five projects in most Texas markets, recouping up to 163.4 percent of project costs. Manufactured stone veneer projects were also popular across Texas, recouping up to 157.9 percent of project costs.

Overall, remodeling projects continued to be profitable, with a few projects in all markets recouping 100 percent or more of project costs. Home remodeling projects in Houston, McAllen, and El Paso showed the highest year-over-year growth in profitability in 2015, while a majority of remodeling projects in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas declined slightly in profitability from 2014 to 2015.

Unlike in previous reports, remodeling projects that maximized a home’s existing square footage were among the least profitable projects in 2015.

In general, upscale or luxury projects continue to be less profitable than smaller or mid-level projects.​