Reasons for remodeling from a survey of 5000 homeowners conducted by NAHB, the most common responses cited were:

50% Desired more amenities
47% Needed more space
33% Remodeled as an alternative to moving
28% Wanted to increase home's value
27% General maintenance and repair

Cost vs Value Information from Remodeling Magazine data collected from real estate agents in 60 cities and presented in the October 2002 issue of the magazine.

Cost recouped if work was completed by a professional remodeler
National averages for:

Bathroom Addition Mid-range:		94%
Two-Story Addition:		94%
Bathroom Remodel Upscale:		91%
Bathroom Remodel Mid-range:		88%
Bathroom Addition Upscale:		81%
Major Kitchen Remodel Upscale:		80%
Basement Remodel:		79%
Family Room Addition:		79%
Siding Replacement:		79%
Window Replacement Upscale:		77%
Master Suite Upscale:		77%
Master Suite Mid-range:		75%
Window Replacement Mid-range:		74%
Major Kitchen Remodel Mid-range:		67%
Roof Replacement:		67%

An investment in your home is more than just dollars and cents. Your home is a very important place in your life. It provides comfort, soothing space to close the world out when the need arises and a place to enjoy family and friends.

When people spend big money on projects, they are doing it because it's fun and it adds to the luxury and joy to their life. Some things in life you cannot buy to make you feel good but you can buy remodeling. You can't buy a good kid or a great boss, but you can buy remodeling.