Considering home improvement projects with a high return on investment (ROI) is crucial because it maximizes the value of your home and ensures cost-effectiveness. These projects, such as garage door replacements and manufactured stone veneer, significantly enhance curb appeal and make a strong first impression on potential buyers.
Upgrades like energy-efficient windows and HVAC systems improve functionality and reduce long-term costs, adding to the home’s overall appeal and market competitiveness.
By investing in high-ROI improvements, homeowners can ensure their efforts are both practical and financially rewarding, leading to faster and more profitable sales.
Table of Contents
Garage Door Replacement
- Replacing a standard garage door with an upscale model can recoup 94.5% to 194% of the cost
- This is an exceptionally high return on investment, ranging from 94.5% to as much as 194%
- Garage door replacement is a relatively inexpensive project compared to many other home improvements
- Upgrading to an upscale garage door can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal
- An attractive, high-quality garage door helps make your home stand out to potential buyers
- The improved curb appeal and premium look of an upscale garage door can be very appealing to buyers
Manufactured Stone Veneer
- Adding manufactured stone veneer can recoup 95.6% of the cost, which is an exceptionally high return on investment
- Applying manufactured stone veneer to the lower third of the home’s front facade and extending it over the front entry creates an eye-catching, high-end look
- Compared to full-scale exterior renovations, manufactured stone veneer is a relatively cost-effective way to enhance the home’s appearance and value
- Manufactured stone veneer has consistently been one of the top home improvement projects in terms of return on investment, ranking near the top of the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report for multiple years
- This exterior upgrade significantly improves the home’s curb appeal and makes it more attractive to prospective buyers
Minor Kitchen Remodel
- A minor kitchen remodel can recoup 77.6% to 85.7% of the cost, which is an exceptionally high return on investment compared to many other home improvements
- Don’t over-improve your kitchen compared to other homes in your area
- A minor remodel typically involves replacing cabinet fronts, countertops, and appliances
- Stick to midrange-priced alternatives for materials like cabinets, countertops, and appliances
- On average, you can recoup 77.6% to 85.7% of the cost of a minor kitchen remodel when selling your home.
Siding Replacement
- Replacing old or damaged siding can recoup 74.7% of the cost, which is a very good return on investment
- Avoid high-maintenance options that require frequent upkeep
- Siding replacement has consistently been one of the top home improvement projects in terms of ROI
- It’s a reliable way to recoup a large portion of the project cost when selling
- New siding helps protect the home’s exterior from weather damage
- Focus on using durable, low-maintenance siding materials
Window Replacement
- Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient models can recoup 72.3% of the cost, which is a very good return on investment.
- Energy-efficient windows help reduce heating and cooling costs, improving the home’s energy performance and saving the homeowner money.
- Newer, better-insulated windows make the home more comfortable year-round by reducing drafts and maintaining a more consistent indoor temperature.
- Window replacement has consistently been one of the top home improvement projects in terms of return on investment, ranking highly in the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report.
- Replacing old, leaky windows helps protect the home’s structure from water damage and other weather-related issues.
- New windows instantly refresh the home’s exterior and improve its overall curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Fiberglass Grand Entrance
- Upgrading to a fiberglass grand entrance door with sidelights can recoup 97.5% of the cost, which is an exceptionally high return on investment
- A fiberglass grand entrance door with sidelights creates an eye-catching, premium look that instantly enhances the home’s curb appeal
- This type of grand entrance upgrade adds a significant “wow” factor that makes a great first impression on potential buyers
- Fiberglass doors are durable and require minimal maintenance compared to wood or steel alternatives
- Fiberglass doors often have better insulation properties, improving the home’s energy efficiency
- The high-end look and functionality of a fiberglass grand entrance can be a major selling point for prospective buyers
HVAC Conversion to Electric
- Replacing an old HVAC system with a more efficient electric system can recoup 96.1% of the cost, which is an exceptionally high return on investment.
- An electric HVAC system can provide more consistent and comfortable heating and cooling compared to an older, less efficient system.
- Electric HVAC systems, especially newer heat pump models, tend to be more energy-efficient than traditional gas or oil furnaces. This can lead to lower monthly utility bills for the homeowner.
- Transitioning to an electric HVAC system reduces the home’s reliance on fossil fuels, making it a more environmentally sustainable option.
- Electric HVAC systems generally operate more quietly than gas or oil furnaces, creating a more peaceful indoor environment.
- With fewer moving parts, electric HVAC systems can have a longer lifespan than traditional systems, providing value over the long term.
- While not a visible change, the HVAC system upgrade improves the home’s functionality and efficiency without dramatically altering its appearance.
Basement Finishing
- Finishing an unfinished basement can provide a 70% return on investment (ROI) by adding functional living space to the home.
- Transforming an unfinished basement into a livable space significantly increases the home’s total square footage and usable living area.
- A finished basement can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a rec room, home office, guest suite, or additional bedrooms.
- When finishing the basement, focus on creating a clean, modern look with neutral colors and finishes. This appeals to a wide range of buyers.
- The additional living space and upgraded finishes in a finished basement can substantially increase the overall value of the home.
- Basement finishing has consistently been one of the top home improvement projects in terms of return on investment
- Steer clear of highly personalized or niche designs that cater too specifically to your tastes. Keep the design versatile.
Wood Deck Addition
- Adding a 16′ x 20′ wood deck can recoup 72.1% of the cost, which is a very good return on investment.
- A well-designed wood deck can significantly extend the home’s usable square footage by creating an outdoor living space.
- Outdoor living spaces like decks are highly desirable features that appeal to many homebuyers.
- A new, attractive wood deck can boost the home’s curb appeal and make a great first impression.
- A wood deck can be used for a variety of purposes, such as dining, entertaining, relaxing, or as an extension of the indoor living area.
- Wood decks, when properly maintained, can be a durable and relatively low-maintenance outdoor feature.
- Adding a wood deck has consistently been one of the top home improvement projects in terms of return on investment.
Bathroom Upgrades
- Updating bathrooms with new tile, fixtures and vanities can recoup 57% of the cost on average, which is a good return on investment.
- Focus on creating a clean, modern look in the bathroom with neutral colors and finishes. This appeals to a wide range of buyers.
- Don’t over-improve the bathroom compared to other homes in your neighborhood. Stick to midrange finishes to avoid pricing your home out of the market.
- Updating the bathroom improves its functionality and usability, making it more appealing to buyers.
- Well-executed bathroom upgrades can increase the overall value of the home.
- Bathroom renovations have consistently been a top home improvement project in terms of return on investment.
- On average, you can recoup 57% of the cost of a bathroom renovation when selling your home.
