Key takeout
Top-level home improvement projects include garage door replacement, entrance door updates, landscaping refresh, window replacement, floor replacement, bathroom updates, kitchen modifications, roof replacements, and more. Set a budget to avoid spending and stress. Understanding the local market will help you ensure that home improvement projects actually increase the resale value of your home.
Whether you’re selling for your family or simply upgrading, home improvement projects can increase value, attract buyers, and even increase the price on your list.
However, not all projects offer the same return. This Redfin guide highlights five highly impactful home improvement projects to help you get the best return on your investment, whether you live in Portland, San Diego, California, or anywhere in between.
Add value home improvement projects
While some upgrades may seem promising, they don’t always pay off when it’s time to sell. Therefore, it is important to focus on renovations that buyers are concerned about.
Here we will introduce some of the best value-enhancing home improvement projects that can boost your home’s appeal and resale value according to the 2024 Cost vs Value Report.
Disassemble each of the following:
Easy Home Improvement Upgrades and Value Tips
The most valuable home improvement projects are those that are not only the latest trends, but also match the expectations of local buyers.
Uyetake & Associates, Inc, based in Hi Honolulu. As Appraiser Brian Walther of Uyetake. “To increase the value of your home, it is essential to consider research sales in your desired price range and market area to determine whether a typical buyer considers your home as “similar” to these properties. ”
We rounded up eight proven upgrades that can enhance the value and appeal of your home, whether you’re ready to sell or planning to stay for a long time.
1. Garage door replacement
According to the 2024 Cost vs Value Report, the new garage door is one of the smartest home upgrades you can make. You can almost double what you use. On average, it’s about 194% ROI. Plus, it quickly enhances the curb appeal and carries your home more modern and from the streets.
2. Update the entry door
Your entrance will play a major role in the first impression of your home. It is the first thing a guest sees when they arrive and acts as both a part of the statement and a layer of security. Steel intruding doors are typically recovered at up to 188% of the cost.
This will help ensure that it is functional, energy efficient and looks good for the next few years, so choose a climate-friendly front door built to deal with your local climate.
3. Update your landscaping
You will be surprised at how the power of landscaping can be done to enhance the appeal of the border, and you do not need any major renovations to see the results. Small strategic updates that make your garden look clean, modern and well maintained can go a long way in improving the appearance of your home.
You can start with:
Clean the debris and ensure your garden, porch, driveway, and see tidy pruning bushes and shrubs that clean the grooves that add plants
Buyers tend to prefer low maintenance landscaping that appears neat. As A-Tech Appraisal appraiser Spencer W. Webb advises, “The curb appeal creates a strong first impression. It focuses on landscaping, exterior paints, and clean and welcoming entries.”
4. Replace Windows
Big question: Is it worth replacing windows before selling your home? Replacing windows remains a solid investment, and replacing vinyl windows will recover approximately 67% of costs and wooden windows according to the 2024 Cost vs Value Report.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the condition of the window and the budget. To help you decide, we broke when it makes sense to replace your window and when simple repairs or updates do the trick.
Replacement repair windows are over 20 years old and outdated windows are generally functional, but dull or dirty windows appear to be open or not properly closed Repainting or new hardware Drafts of new hardware that require new hardware will not affect the comfortable glass.
5. I’ll replace the floor
Flooring upgrades will greatly increase the resale value of your home, and investing in eco-friendly flooring options is a smart place. They can not only improve indoor air quality, reduce allergens and even help with energy efficiency.
Eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, cork and recycled wood look good and will last over time and appeal to buyers who care about sustainability.
But if eco-friendly flooring isn’t your style and you’re more focused on ROI, then hardwood flooring is a strong bet. “Usually, homeowners can expect to recover 70-80% of their investment at the time of sale.”
6. Update your bathroom
According to a 2024 Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, the average national return on investment (ROI) for bathroom remodeling is around 66%.
However, not all upgrades are created equal, and we have listed some important things below, where certain bathroom features increase resale value.
Adding a Bathroom – Consider adding a Jack and Jill bathroom to share convenient convenience between bedrooms. Add a new bathroom cabinet – Choose from a sophisticated space-saving design or custom cabinet. Update your vanity area – Enhance this focus by adding built-in drawers and updating the lighting for a fresh, functional look. Accessibility Modifications – Create smart, long-term updates, including walk-in showers, grab bars, wide entrances and lever-style handles to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
These bathroom improvements can be on the more expensive side, but ROI is often worth it, especially if you are planning to sell your home.
7. Remodeling the kitchen
You don’t need to break your kitchen to increase its value. Small and simple updates can make a huge difference just by being prepared for sale or wanting to refresh the space for you and your family to enjoy.
Here are some simple changes that will help you increase your ROI:
Replace kitchen faucets and paint cabinets to update old lighting fixtures
8. I’ll replace the roof
You may wonder: Does a new roof add value to the home? A fair question considering that replacing the roof can cost between $30,000 and $50,000 (or more) depending on the material.
The short answer is yes, you can. If the roof is in poor condition, replacing it is often a wise move. A well-maintained home is more attractive to buyers and can be sold faster just because it removes major concerns from the equation.
If a complete replacement is not required, minor repairs or maintenance inspections can still provide peace of mind.
Additional Value Added Projects to Consider
Beyond the above projects, there are many other home improvement projects that are frequently recommended for the potential to increase the appeal and resale value of the property.
Modify your attic or basement – By converting unused spaces into functional (such as guest rooms or offices), you can recover up to 70% of your resale costs. Although it’s a bit of a expensive aspect, it’s a smart way to add a lot of value to your home. Improved Energy Efficiency (Insulation, HVAC, Window) – Energy-efficient upgrades are not only good for the planet, but also appeal to environmentally friendly buyers. New Windows alone can return about 68% of the cost, and improvements in insulation are often paid to itself within a few years. Add a porch, patio, or deck. Depending on where you live, adding a porch, patio or deck can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. It may seem like a small upgrade, but it is actually one of the most popular features. Repainting with Neutral Tones – Simple painting jobs in soft gray or beige feel clean and easy to make yourself, allowing you to completely refresh your space and attract buyers.
Why budgets for housing improvement projects are important
In 2024 alone, Americans spent a whopping $603 billion on renovations. Despite inflation, nearly two-thirds of homeowners completed at least one project last year. With so many homeowners investing in upgrades, plans for the future are more important than ever. So, before diving into renovations, it is essential to set up a realistic budget and prioritize it based on your current state of home and long-term plans.
Yes, some home improvement projects are more cost-effective than others, and there are many DIY projects you can do without leaving the house. However, creating a budget remains essential to help you survive the stress of home renovations.
Whether you’re doing your own renovations or hiring a contractor on a home improvement loan, it’s essential to set a clear budget before you start.
>>Read: 8 tips for creating a renovation budget
Housing Improvement Project FAQ
How can you determine which housing improvement projects are valuable?
Start by checking your home’s condition and local market. It focuses on practical and top-level home improvement projects, including landscaping updates, bathroom updates, flooring and roof replacements, and kitchen remodeling. These tend to give you the best returns when selling
Which home improvements add value?
Not every upgrade will increase the value of your home. Expensive and well-maintained landscaping, trendy designs that quickly fall off styles, luxurious fixtures, and bold paint colors can actually reduce the appeal to home buyers.
>> Read: 10 home improvements/renovations that do not add value
Should I hire a DIY or professional for my home improvement project?
It depends on the project. Easy tasks like painting, landscaping, and updating equipment are easy DIY projects. However, it is best to hire a licensed professional to avoid costly mistakes and code violations due to major renovations or anything that affects the structure or safety of your home.
