If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, a basement finishing project, or even a full home addition in Southeast Michigan, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for home improvement.
Homeowners want smarter planning, better communication, and clearer results — and the best contractors are responding.
In a recent
, home improvement expert Adam Helfman sat down with Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements, one of Macomb County’s most respected design-build contractors. Their conversation revealed strong trends that will shape the future of remodeling across Metro Detroit.
If you want to renovate in 2026, this is the perfect time to understand where the industry is heading, how contractors are evolving, and what will help you get the best value for your home.
Homeowners Want Clarity and Confidence
One of the biggest shifts in the last few years is the demand for transparency. Homeowners don’t want vague conversations, handwritten sketches, or “trust me” estimates. They want clear visuals, predictable pricing, and contractors who communicate every step of the way.
Brian sees this firsthand.
After more than 40 years in the industry, he explains that today’s homeowners want to understand their renovation, not just approve it. And he has adapted accordingly.
Before Metro Home Improvements even steps into your home, you can watch educational videos, project walkthroughs, and before-and-after breakdowns.
“You can see the jobs before they’re even built… You can see what we do and the quality of it.”
This level of transparency is becoming the new standard. Homeowners are no longer willing to choose contractors blindly.
The future of remodeling belongs to contractors who show their work — not just talk about it.
Design-Build Studios Are the New Normal
In 2026, more contractors will move toward consolidated design-build studios — and Metro Home Improvements is already leading the way. Brian shared exciting news about his next major step: a brand-new facility in Macomb Township.
The new headquarters brings everything under one roof: A design studio. A conference room. A showroom. A warehouse. A print room. Even a full podcast studio.
Homeowners will no longer need to visit multiple vendors or guess how materials will look together. The entire design process will take place in one coordinated space, supported by technology that brings your project to life before construction begins.
This trend matters because a centralized design-build experience prevents miscommunication — one of the top reasons renovations go off track. When the designer, builder, and project manager all work from the same system, homeowners enjoy a smoother, more predictable renovation.
VR Planning Will Revolutionize Renovations
Out of every innovation Brian discussed, one stands out as a complete game-changer: Metro Home Improvements’ new VR Board Room.
He describes it as a 48x96-inch projection board where homeowners can see sketches blown up to full-scale size.
“It takes it from quarter-inch scale to full-size… and then it renders it in 3D.”
This will transform how homeowners choose layouts, cabinetry configurations, room additions, and basement designs.
Imagine walking into a studio and seeing your future kitchen — the island, the cabinets, the walkway clearance — almost as if you’re standing inside it. That’s the level of clarity homeowners will expect in 2026 and beyond.
The biggest advantage?
You catch design issues before they become construction issues.
No more guessing. No more “I thought it would look different.” No more expensive changes halfway through the project.
2026 will be the year homeowners demand this type of immersive planning—and only the top contractors will offer it.
Demand Will Rise Again in 2026
The home improvement market has been unpredictable the last few years. Brian shares that 2025 saw a sluggish summer, followed by a sudden surge of projects in September.
“It was dry… and then after Labor Day hit, I got slammed.”
But as he looks into 2026, he sees a clear pattern:
Homeowners who postponed projects during periods of high prices, slow city approvals, or economic uncertainty are now ready to build.
Metro Detroit is in a unique position where:
- Home equity is high
- Housing inventory is low
- Families want to invest in their current homes
- Interest rates are slowly stabilizing
- More people are working from home
This combination creates a perfect storm for remodeling demand to rise again.
Brian is preparing for exactly that.
“I’m kind of seeing things… 2026 is gonna be on fire.”
Homeowners who begin planning early — especially for additions, dormers, and major renovations — will secure the best timelines and the most experienced contractors.
Experience Will Matter More Than Ever
Brian’s team includes long-time craftsmen and his own sons, giving homeowners the benefit of generational skill backed by modern training. Some team members have been with him for decades.
“Shout out to Butch… 39 years.”
This kind of consistency will become increasingly rare in 2026. As demand increases and labor shortages continue across the construction industry, homeowners will gravitate toward companies with:
- Stable teams
- Proven systems
- Multi-generational craftsmanship
- Strong communication habits
In other words, the companies that grow while maintaining quality — not the ones who hire anyone with a toolbox and hope for the best.
Homeowners Will Expect Service Beyond Construction
Another emerging trend is 24/7 responsiveness. Homeowners want contractors who show up when life happens — fires, floods, fallen trees, or emergency repairs.
Brian explains:
“We are 24/7… If we have a fire, flood, storm, a tree falls, you call me.”
This level of care is becoming part of what homeowners demand in 2026. A renovation isn’t just about the build; it’s about long-term support, follow-up, and knowing your contractor stands behind the work.
Metro Home Improvements even offers a five-year guarantee on completed projects — a rarity in the industry today.
Budget Planning Will Become More Important
Between rising material prices, labor shortages, and unpredictable economic cycles, homeowners in 2026 will need a contractor who can protect their budget with accurate forecasting.
Brian gives a candid example:
During a long city delay, material tariffs increased prices significantly — but because of his relationships and volume purchasing, he was able to negotiate and honor the original pricing for the homeowner.
“They helped me out… they honored the original pricing.”
This won’t be possible with every contractor. Experience matters. Vendor relationships matter. Planning matters.
In 2026, choosing the right contractor won’t just determine the quality of your remodel — it will determine the stability of your budget.
What Southeast Michigan Homeowners Should Do Now
If you’re thinking about a home renovation next year, start planning early. The best contractors will fill their calendars months ahead, especially for:
- Room additions
- Kitchen expansions
- Basement finishing
- Dormers and upper-level additions
- Whole-home remodeling
Brian’s advice for homeowners is simple and timeless:
“People don’t plan to fail — they fail to plan.”
Build your wish list.
Gather inspiration. Set a realistic budget. And most importantly — work with a contractor who guides you through the process, not one who leaves you guessing.
Looking Ahead: A Smarter Way to Renovate
The future of remodeling in Southeast Michigan is bright. Homeowners are investing again, contractors are modernizing, and companies like Metro Home Improvements are raising the bar for design, clarity, and craftsmanship.
If you want to renovate in 2026, choose a contractor built for the future — not one stuck in the past.
Ways to reach Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements:
- Visit: HireItDone.com
- Website: MetroHomeImprovement.com
- Phone: 586-929-0224
- YouTube: Metro Home Improvement
Your dream home is closer than you think — and 2026 might be the perfect year to build it.
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