A new survey released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows common remodeling projects have increased over 2010 levels. The survey, released last month in conjunction with National Home Remodeling Month, describes the changes the remodeling market has undergone in recent years.

Remodelers report that kitchen and bathroom projects remain the most popular remodeling jobs, with homeowners increasingly upgrading both rooms and making major repairs as they decide to stay in their current homes longer. Nearly 50% of remodelers report seeing an increase in the number of homeowners who undertake remodels to avoid moving, compared to the 2010 findings.

Both kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects were up 17% from two years ago, with bathroom remodels cited as a common job by 78% of remodelers; 69% were kitchen remodels. Since 2009, bathrooms and kitchens have switched places in popularity, with bathroom remodels moving into the top spot as the most common type of remodeling project.

“As the priorities of homeowners shift, remodelers have to adjust to the needs of their clients,” said George “Geep” Moore Jr., GMB, CAPS, GMR, NAHB Remodelers chairman and owner/president of Moore-Built Construction & Restoration Inc. “And while the motivation behind a homeowner’s decision to remodel may have changed, their desire for quality, professional results have not. Professional remodelers remain committed to the highest industry standards.”

Repairs and replacements of old components and the desire for upgraded amenities were cited as the top reasons for customers to hire a remodeler. More than 60% of remodelers reported increased demand for repairs and replacements of old components in the past two years, while more than half of remodelers said that the desire for upgraded amenities increased. In contrast, more than 20% of remodelers said there was a decrease in customers remodeling to increase home values as an investment.

In addition to kitchens and baths, other popular remodeling categories included window/door replacements (44%), whole house remodels (35%), room additions (33%) and handyman services (31%).

“Homeowners are repurposing spaces and making more efficient use of their home’s square footage,” Moore said. “Whether it be young families or couples aging in their homes, people want to let their house adapt with their needs as they change over time.”

For more information about remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel. For complete survey results, visit www.nahb.org/rmi.