As homeowners increasingly look to remodel their homes this year, new research from Niagara and GMP Research shows that consumers are increasingly choosing water-saving fixtures for their homes as technologies continue to improve and industry standards are becoming more efficient. Many state and local utilities and jurisdictions continue to offer toilet rebates tied to the WaterSense label. 

Niagara conducted a brief survey with 2025 KBIS attendees and found: 

• Nearly one-third rate sustainability as highly important in choosing home products and practices (at a 10 with 10 being very important and an average rating of 7.7). 
• 81.2% currently use water-saving fixtures in their homes, followed by 68.8% using energy-efficient appliances and 68.8% practicing minimizing plastic or paper use. 
• 33.3% value water-efficiency the most as a toilet feature. Comfort (ergonomic design, seat height, ADA compliance) and longevity/durability all tied as the next most important features at 19% each.

Approximately 68% of homeowners have started or completed some type of home improvement project in the past 12 months, according to a report from LendingTree. The data shows that millennial homeowners have been the most active, with 78% undertaking upgrades in the previous year and 72% planning to do so in the next 12 months. According to industry surveys, kitchen and bathroom remodels are the two most common home renovation projects. These rooms are frequently renovated due to their high usage and significant impact on a home's resale value. States with the strongest residential repair and remodeling activity include Texas, Florida, Arizona, New York, Massachusetts and California according to GMP Research. 

California homeowners will increasingly be investing in energy-efficient upgrades and sustainable remodeling practices. Starting in 2025, California is implementing new flushing standards aimed at improving water efficiency and conservation. The new regulations will likely include restricting the amount of water that toilets can use per flush to 1.28 gallons, down from the current standard of 1.6 gallons.