As National Home Remodeling Month kicks off this May, one shift is having a particular impact on spring renovation season: homeowners aren’t renovating less—they’re renovating differently.
According to a new Redfin survey of 4,000 residents, 65% of respondents said they made improvements to their home instead of moving in the last year. Of those who renovated, most spent less than $20,000.
Instead of full gut remodels, homeowners are prioritizing upgrades that feel manageable, deliver immediate impact and add long-term value. It’s a trend also reflected in Westlake Royal Building Products’ TrendLine report, which identifies the rise of the “Intentional Home,” where every project is purpose-driven, balancing performance, durability and timeless design.
To help contractors capitalize on this shift, Kriss Swint, design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products, shares four high-impact exterior upgrades pros can recommend to meet homeowners where they are today.
4 Exterior Upgrades That Deliver Without a Full Gut Reno
- Siding and trim refreshes that boost curb appeal without a full overhaul. For contractors, this can look like refreshing a front elevation with new siding and trim, then layering in durable materials like Versetta Stone panelized stone siding to add texture and dimension without the labor of traditional masonry. Even small design changes, like incorporating vertical accent panels such as Vertalla, can create contrast and architectural interest.
- Roofing upgrades paired with energy-efficiency or weather-resilience benefits. As extreme weather becomes a bigger concern, contractors have an opportunity to recommend high-performance systems like Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing, which combines durability, impact resistance and energy savings through enhanced airflow, or pairing clay and concrete tile roofing with a fire & ember‑resistant underlayment like FYRATEK. It’s about positioning the roof as a long-term investment in resilience and efficiency, not just a repair.
- Low-maintenance materials that reduce long-term upkeep concerns. Maintenance is one of the biggest pain points driving renovation decisions. Contractors can turn that into an opportunity by recommending materials that solve those issues upfront. For example, swapping out traditional wood for options like TruExterior poly-ash siding or Celect Cellular Composite Siding. These products offer the same warm, nature-inspired look but with less upkeep.
- Outdoor living enhancements that extend usable space without major construction. Contractors can bring that to life through thoughtful material choices, including incorporating wood-look ceiling applications with Grove Collection trim to add warmth and dimension or using manufactured stone veneer such as Eldorado Stone and Dutch Quality Stone to create focal points like fireplaces or statement walls. These upgrades help create a more inviting, connected indoor-outdoor experience.
About Westlake Royal Building Products
Westlake Royal Building Products USA Inc., a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design, and production of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including Siding and Accessories, Trim and Mouldings, Roofing, Stone, Windows and Outdoor Living. Westlake Royal Building Products manufactures high quality, low maintenance products to meet the specifications and needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors, while providing stunning curb appeal with an unmatched array of colors, styles, and accessories.
For more information, please visit WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.
