The average kitchen remodel includes replacing the countertops, painting and wallpapering, while the average bathroom remodeling project includes new wall treatments, flooring and faucets. These were among the findings of a March 2005 survey of homeowners between the ages of 25 and 70 who remodeled their kitchen or bathroom in the past 12 months.

This information comes from the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI), which issued a report, “The Kitchen & Bath Consumer Speaks Out,” commissioned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) that detailed the survey's findings.

About half of the kitchen remodels were done by the homeowners alone or with family and friends, while about 60% of homeowners did their bathroom remodeling by themselves or with friends and family.

Higher-end kitchen remodels, costing $20,000 on average, were more likely to be professionally designed and/or installed. More than 90% included new countertops and cabinets; more than 80% also included a new sink, faucet or disposer, wall treatments, lighting and flooring; and at least 60% included the purchase of new appliances.

Higher-end bathroom remodels, which cost $6,300 on average, frequently included new faucets, flooring, showerheads, wall treatment, lighting, and a toilet. Whirlpools were purchased for 23% of higher-end bathroom remodels. About 70% of these remodels included the services of a designer or contractor.

The survey found that homeowners were more likely to decide to start a kitchen remodeling project in January and June, while February, September and November were the favored months to decide to start a bathroom remodeling project.

Homeowners who undertake kitchen and bathroom remodels are frequent consumers of home improvement products and services. NKBA kitchen and bath dealers derive an average of 80% of their annual revenue from repeat business and referrals, according to Jeffrey Cannata, president of NKBA.

More than 75% of those surveyed had also painted a room and replaced, repaired or purchased a new plumbing fixture within two years of doing their kitchen or bathroom remodel, said Fred Miller, HIRI managing director. “Half of the homeowners who remodeled their kitchen said that they had done a bathroom remodel during the preceding two years,” he added.

More than 80% of homeowners surveyed said they were somewhat or completely satisfied with the outcome of the remodel; less than 8% were somewhat or completely dissatisfied.