Renovation Trends Report

These are the most profitable remodeling projects for Austin homeowners

Projects that improved curb appeal or energy efficiency proved to be the most worthwhile investments.

Photo by Jenifer McNeil Baker

Thinking of taking on a remodeling project this year? Read this first. A new report from the Texas Association of Realtors outlines the renovation trends that were the most profitable for homeowners in 2015, simply put, where you get the most bang for your buck.

To determine which projects had the greatest return on investment, the report analyzed 2015 renovation recoup costs in Austin, Dallas, Houston, El Paso, McAllen, and San Antonio. Remodeling projects that increased the functionality and sustainability of the home by improving curb appeal or energy efficiency proved to be the most worthwhile investments for a homeowner.

Austin showed the highest recoup costs among Texas’ major markets (finally some good real estate news). The most profitable renovation projects were stone veneer accents, recouping 163 percent of the total project cost. Rounding out the top five were fiberglass attic insulation (158 percent recoup), upscale garage door replacement (109 percent recoup), basement remodel (92 percent recoup), and fiberglass entry door replacement (92 percent).

In Texas, fiberglass attic insulation ranked among the top five projects in most markets, recouping up to 163 percent of project costs. Manufactured stone veneer projects were also popular across the state, recouping up to 158 percent of project costs.

Where should you not spend your money? In 2015, backup power generators were the least profitable project, recouping less than half of the total project cost. Additionally, wood deck additions showed the largest decline in recoup cost in Austin, recouping only 71 percent. Other unwise renovation projects for Austin included master suite additions and bathroom additions.

You can view the full Texas Remodel Valuation Report here before you dive into your next home renovation project.

trends reports texas

Mini Meatballs

IKEA to debut new smaller-format store in Central Texas city

IKEA

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People in San Marcos will be getting their own "new format" IKEA store designed for a smaller city, according to a press release. It'll be 35,000 square feet — that may sound big, but IKEAs are often around 300,000 square feet.

The store will open this spring at the San Mar Plaza shopping center (917 SH-80 N.), and it'll be the ninth IKEA unit in Texas. It should be easy to find, since the release says it's "accessible off SH-80, and visible from IH-35."

Ikea's loyal following is generally thanks to its relative budget-friendliness and practical design. In San Marcos, more local sensibilities will be introduced, although it isn't clear exactly what that will mean for how the store is curated. The release promises "local living solutions, tailored to local preferences that reflect the unique everyday needs of the San Marcos community."

That'll be reflected in the store's 2,500 products on the sales floor, 2,000 of which will be immediately available. Everything will be available to order for home delivery or pickup. There will also be a chance to enjoy some of the store's Swedish Food Market finds, presumably including the famous meatballs.

This isn't the first small store in the Austin area, but the one at The Domain (3306 Esperanza Crossing) is really tiny at only 5,010 square feet. It's designed for placing and picking up orders, rather than browsing and then taking something home. The San Marcos store sounds more like a regular IKEA, but smaller.

"The opening of IKEA San Marcos exemplifies our strategy of developing smaller, more accessible urban store formats in this journey towards a more connected and accessible IKEA experience for the many," said IKEA U.S. CEO and chief sustainability officer Javier Quiñones.

The release discusses a commitment to adding "customer meeting points and locations that complement each other," plus e-commerce and service improvements. Overall, IKEA seems to be presenting a goal of greater diversity and accessibility in its shopping experience.

san marcos ikea shopping home design