Another factor to keep in mind when comparing costs in the Cost vs. Value Report to local costs for specific projects is that homeowners may scale back their remodeling plans, choosing either to reduce square footage below that specified here, or to perform the work in phases to spread the cost over time. Also, some homeowners may be conservative when choosing fixtures and finishes, trading the savings on lower-priced items for the ability to afford higher-priced items that they deem more essential or more desirable.
