What’s In The Cards For 2025?

For Pro Remodeler's third annual Thought Leader Predictions, the editorial team gathered insights from more than 40 design-build and home improvement business leaders nationwide.

This hand-selected group represents top organizations in terms of size, revenue, and out-of-the-box thinking. They’re the ones testing out never-before-seen technologies—or creating their own—and all share a hunger for growth, people development, and positively changing the way remodeling is done. 

What we heard ran the gamut, from continued caution in 2025 to robust growth. But consistently noted were plans to increase marketing, invest in AI, and watch for upcoming challenges, such as potential tariffs and increasing costs.

Of all the data points here, most notable is the AI investment for 2025 seen on the home improvement side. This is especially meaningful considering the survey was multiple choice, and “Invest in AI” wasn’t one of the options. The 19% came from write-in responses, meaning the actual number is probably much higher.

Amazingly, the average growth projections reported by respondents from both design build and home improvement is identical to last year, right down to the decimal point.

Modesty for Design Build  

Moving into 2025, it’s all about reaping investments sowed in 2024 or doubling down on expenditures aimed at spurring growth, specifically with hiring.

On average, the design-build Thought Leaders surveyed are set to grow sales revenue by 10.7% in 2025. Half reported projections for flat, or single-digit, growth. The majority of firms who plan to grow also plan to increase marketing budgets and job size. Many report healthier client conversations in late 2024 for projects into 2025. 

Also notable on the design-build side: Over half of respondents report they are looking inward at every process and client touchpoint to find solutions for bottlenecks and to become more efficient.

Read what some of our design-build respondents say they have planned for the upcoming year:

Bruce Case, President, Case Remodelers & Architects

Allison Iantosca, Partner, President, F.H. Perry Builder

Chris Payson, President, COCOON

Larry Weinberg, Founder & CEO, BOWA

Andy Wells, President, Normandy Remodeling

It’s All About Tech for Home Improvement 

Interest rates and consumer uncertainty affected home improvement in 2024, but with better rates on the horizon, our Thought Leaders anticipate positivity to continue through the new year.  

Many say they’ll invest more in new technologies, specifically artificial intelligence. Some plan to implement existing programs while others will create their own. 

Surveyed home improvement Thought Leaders predict 18.7% increases in sales revenue. Some credit that growth to new locations, with a handful of leaders looking to expand through acquisitions in 2025. Others are planning an enhanced focus on marketing strategies, whether increasing budgets or shifting resources to new avenues. 