Spring Home Improvement Guide 2026;
Helpful tips to make your project a success

Spring Home Improvement Guide 2026
By Tim Spitzack | Editor | March 2026

Late winter and early spring are ideal times to plan your indoor and outdoor projects. Here’s what’s trending locally in 2026 and tips for finding a contractor that can help you transform your dream into reality.

Kitchens – The kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in a home and people are constantly looking for ways to make this space more functional. Trending are larger islands and dedicated food prep zones, and improved storage spaces to help reduce countertop clutter.

Basements – Families are maximizing space by turning basements into comfortable living areas, offices, gyms or guest suites.

Bathrooms – Look for spa-inspired features such as rainfall showers and soaking tubs.

Design is trending toward modern and enduring, with warm color schemes (soft neutrals, earthy greens, rich browns) and tile work in larger formats and neutral tones. Nostalgic elements such as classic wood paneling and architectural millwork are blending the old with the new. Warm and medium wood tones and darker stains are resurging.

Smart technology – Popular features are smart lighting and thermostats, and enhanced air quality monitoring systems.

Energy efficiency products – Look for advanced insulation (closed-cell spray foam and dense-pack cellulose), triple-pane windows, energy-efficient doors, and water-saving fixtures.

Outdoor living – Patios and decks remain the focus and are designed to create smooth transitions between them, the house and yard. Outdoor kitchens and fire pits are popular additions.

Top 10 steps to prepare for your next project
Whether you are planning to add a fence or deck, doors or windows, or undergo an extensive remodel, these tips from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry will help save you time, money and headaches on your project.

Research – Taking time to research projects on the internet and nari.org will provide a good sense of what is involved regarding cost, scope of work, return on investment and material options. You should also research property values in your neighborhood to make sure your project is in line with other homes in the area.

Long-term plan – To ensure your project is worth the investment, consider how long you will stay in your home and how your neighborhood and family structure might change over time.

Set your budget – Deciding on a realistic budget and arranging finances to support your project are essential. Share your budget with your remodeler.

Finding professionals – Ask friends, family and neighbors for referrals and research the recommended individuals or companies online. Professional remodelers take their reputation seriously and hold credentials beyond licensing, such as certifications, memberships in trade associations and additional training. Check online reviews to see how they interacted with past clients and peers.

Ask the right questions – Ask your professional remodeler about their educational background, training, experience, specialties or past issues with clients, and how the remodeling process will work.

Verify your remodeler – Check the information you receive, including references, license numbers, insurance information and certifications by calling providers to verify. If you are undertaking a large project, you might want to request a visit to an active client’s jobsite and talk to the homeowner.

Review contracts word by word – A remodeling contract protects you and your remodeler. Homeowners should review contracts carefully and ask questions about terms or items they don’t understand. Pay attention to details about change orders, payment, additional fees, timeline and responsibilities. If it’s not in the contract, it doesn’t exist.

Keep design in mind – Your design guides the entire project. Think about what you dislike about your current space and the intended use of the new space. Use websites such as Pinterest.com and Houzz.com to gather design ideas.

Make your selections – Deciding on products and materials is a larger process than most imagine. With so many options to choose from, product selections are one of the primary reasons that project timelines get extended. Base decisions on quality, function, price, style and availability. Include selections in the contract to lock down pricing and keep your budget intact.

Create a communication plan – A common downfall in remodeling is lack of communication between homeowners and remodelers. Your remodeler should lay out a communication plan at the beginning of the project. If not, ask them to do so. This plan should clarify roles of everyone involved, communication methods, availability and frequency of communication that is expected.

Hiring a remodeler
The first step in hiring a contractor is to find one best suited to your project. Start by searching the National Association of the Remodeling Industry at nari.org, where you can search by specialty and zip code. You can also research names and background of qualified remodelers that may have been supplied by neighbors and friends to verify licensing and certifications. Here are the most common types of contractors:

Design-Build – A design-build firm offers quality design and construction services within the same general company. Because a design-build contractor understands job costs as well as design concepts, the entire process is engineered to fit your budget and vision right from the beginning.

Remodeling – Many home improvements do not require professional design services. Projects like porch construction, roofing, siding and window replacement can be handled successfully by experienced professional contractors with an intimate knowledge of materials and methods.

Architect/Designer – Major remodeling projects require construction drawings for defining a contract and procuring permits. In cases where your professional remodeler does not provide design services, you may wish to seek the assistance of a professional architect, preferably one with extensive remodeling experience.

Interior Designer – Interior design consultants are trained to deal with more than the furnishings and finishes that go into a space and make it look wonderful. They help you to see the big picture (form and function) as well as balance your aspirations, functional needs and budget.