Is Remodeling Worth it in Tacoma in 2026?
The decision of whether or not to remodel your Tacoma home is a big one. Home renovations are usually a great idea, increasing the function and value of your home. But a home remodel is also an investment in your home, and sometimes, you might wonder if it’s really worth it for you. That decision is a deeply personal one, depending on a variety of goals—financial, personal, and lifestyle-related. And this post will help you think through those factors, discussing the housing market, ROI, and when remodeling makes sense (or doesn’t!). Read on and get the clarity you need.
The Local Picture: Tacoma’s Housing Market and Home Values
Why does the state of the housing market matter when you’re deciding whether or not to remodel your home? Simply put: it matters because the local market affects your return on investment (ROI) and whether remodeling is a financially smart move.
The current housing market in Tacoma is competitive but moderated. Most homes are staying on the market for an average of 20 days, and homes listed for sale at $600,000 and under are selling more quickly than higher-priced homes. While the market is active right now, the high interest rates mean that it’s often a more appealing option for homeowners to stay in one place and remodel, rather than sell and try to find a new home.
On the other hand, if you want to remodel your home in order to be able to sell, the fact that the market is still competitive in our area will work to your advantage. Make sure you choose projects that will give you a great ROI if you’re planning to sell—more on that below. The great news for Tacoma homeowners who want to remodel and sell is that the mix of older and mid-century homes in the Tacoma area have great remodeling potential.
Your Personal Stage of Life: When Remodeling Makes Sense
Whether or not to remodel your home depends on your life stage and plans. If you’re planning to stay in your home for at least five years, remodeling your kitchen, bath, basement, or whole home might make a great deal of sense, increasing the value of your home and making it more functional for you. Other considerations include:
Young families: you might need more bedrooms or living space, another bathroom, or better functionality to make your home the best it can be.
Empty-nesters and retirees: remodels for this life stage often focus on accessibility, preparation for aging in place, main-floor primary suites, and easier-to-navigate layouts.
Forever home owners: if you know the home you have now is where you want to stay, a remodel is absolutely the right move for you. Focus on comfort, personalization, and liveability—not just ROI. Your home, even more than usual, should reflect the way your family lives in it.
At Massey Remodel + Design, we are careful to design and build home remodels that can grow with you. Our designers talk with you at length and help you nail down what you want now—and how your home can serve you in the future. It’s one of the benefits of working with a fully invested design-build team.
Remodeling with Financial Goals in Mind
If you’re remodeling for resale, or specifically to raise the value of your home, there are a few strategies to keep in mind. First, focus on high-ROI updates.
Kitchen refreshes that include new cabinets, a new faucet, and new countertops are great.
In Tacoma, outdoor living is important. Focus on decks, patios, and covered porches. These are very appealing elements for buyers.
Never underestimate the value of curb appeal. A new front door, fresh exterior paint, and great landscaping can go a long way toward making a strong first impression.
New garage doors and new windows also increase your home’s value (and help with energy efficiency as well).
Sometimes, smaller, strategic projects are better than full-scale remodels if you’re planning to sell. And remember, it’s all about balance. You want to invest enough in your home that you attract buyers, but not so much that you outprice the neighborhood.
Remodeling for Yourself: Function, Comfort, and Lifestyle
Maybe you plan to stay in your home long-term. If that’s the case, the ROI a remodel gives your Tacoma home should take a back seat to how well that home fits your life. Focus on functionality, added space, and comfort.
You want your home to have a great layout with open sightlines and improved flow. Your kitchen should fit your family and how you operate—how many people generally cook at the same time? Is it a place where you gather? What layout fits your taste best? Consider adding a home office or new primary suite, updating lighting and finishes, and making sure your storage solutions are top-notch. Remodeling in a home you plan to stay in is fun; you get to think about what you like and how you want to live in your space, and personalize the design around it.
And you’re not alone while you plan! Massey Remodel + Design’s collaborative and thorough design process is built to help Tacoma homeowners clarify their goals and design their home around them.
When Remodeling Might Not Be Worth It
As great as a home remodel can be, it can’t fix everything. Sometimes, moving is actually the better option. Here are some situations to consider where remodeling might be the wrong move:
If you don’t like your home’s location. Most things can be changed, but the location definitely can’t. If the schools don’t work for your kids, the commute is too far, or the neighborhood isn’t where you want to be, consider moving.
If the fundamental layout of the home doesn’t suit your lifestyle and would require significant structural overhauls to work for you, moving might be a better option.
If the cost of the remodel would greatly exceed what the home could reasonably be worth afterwards, the smart move financially might be to find another home.
What Every Remodel Should Accomplish
Regardless of scope or motivation, every kitchen, bath, or whole home remodel should accomplish the same basic goals. The best remodels improve daily function with better storage and smarter layouts, and increase your home’s energy efficiency (a win for the planet and your wallet!). Your team should prioritize personalized, well-designed spaces that enhance your comfort, your home’s livability, and your long-term enjoyment of your space.
Remember, a great design makes a remodel worthwhile, no matter the market.
Making the Right Move for Your Home and Your Future
Is remodeling the right move for your Tacoma home? You can confidently make that decision based on your personal goals and plans. Whether remodeling to sell and focusing on ROI, or remodeling to stay and focusing on personal enjoyment, the best remodels align with your dreams. If you still need help deciding if a remodel is right for you, or if you know it is and you’re ready to get going, we’re here for you. Contact us today and let’s explore what’s possible for your Tacoma home.