10 Best Renovations For Flipping a House to Maximize Your Investment
The most profitable projects for your next flip
Highlights
Kitchen and bathroom remodels contribute most to increased home value.
The cost to renovate a house ranges between $19,500 and $88,000.
Focusing on curb appeal helps make a strong first impression on potential buyers.
Choosing the best renovations for flipping a house is essential to maximizing profits. Certain upgrades can significantly boost a property's value, attract more buyers, and ensure a quick sale. The cost to renovate a house ranges between $19,500 and $88,000, but much of that money can be recouped. Learn the top renovation projects that offer the highest return on investment (ROI) so you can get the most out of your house flip.
1. Kitchen Remodel
A well-updated kitchen is a major selling point for homebuyers. Modernizing the kitchen with new cabinets, countertops, and energy-efficient appliances can create a functional and visually appealing space. The kitchen is one of the most popular home remodeling projects because this space is the heart of the home, and a renovation here can significantly increase the home's marketability and resale value.
2. Bathroom Upgrade
Upgrading bathrooms with new fixtures, energy-efficient toilets, and contemporary tiling can significantly enhance a home’s appeal. Buyers appreciate luxurious touches like rain showers and double vanities, which add comfort and a spa-like feel. Since bathrooms are essential spaces, a well-executed update can increase buyer interest.
3. Open Floor Plan
An open floor plan is highly sought after in today’s market, as it offers flexibility and a spacious feel. Removing unnecessary walls to create a more open layout can make the home seem larger and more modern. This upgrade maximizes natural light and caters to buyers looking for versatile living spaces. A local home remodeling expert can assist in ensuring this renovation is executed safely to protect structural integrity.
4. New Flooring
Replacing outdated flooring with hardwood, luxury vinyl, or tile is a desirable upgrade that instantly enhances the home’s appearance. Buyers love durable, low-maintenance flooring that adds warmth and style. Quality flooring can transform a space and give it a cohesive look, increasing the property’s attractiveness and contributing to a higher perceived value.
5. Roofing Renovations
A new or well-maintained roof signals to buyers that the home is in good condition. Since a roof replacement is a costly and essential update, having it done before selling can provide peace of mind to buyers. A high-quality roof adds to curb appeal and enhances the home’s structural integrity, increasing value and buyer confidence.
6. Smart Home Upgrades
Incorporating smart home technology, like a programmable thermostat, smart lighting, or a security system, appeals to tech-savvy buyers who prioritize convenience and energy efficiency. These features can make a home stand out, as they offer increased safety and reduced utility costs.
7. Curb Appeal Enhancements
First impressions matter, and curb appeal sets the tone for a buyer’s overall perception of the home. Simple updates like fresh landscaping, new lighting, or a painted front door can instantly enhance a property’s appearance. Investing in curb appeal can attract more prospective buyers, increase the home’s perceived value, and even lead to quicker sales.
8. Interior Painting
A fresh coat of paint in neutral, modern colors is an inexpensive yet impactful upgrade that can make interiors look clean, spacious, and inviting. Neutral tones allow buyers to envision their own style in the space, increasing their emotional connection to the home. This affordable improvement helps make a home move-in ready, which can positively influence the purchasing decision.
9. Exterior Painting or Residing
Updating the home’s exterior with fresh paint or new siding improves curb appeal and protects the structure from the elements. A modern exterior makes the home look well-maintained and attractive, which can draw more buyers. Choosing durable materials and popular colors can enhance the home’s perceived value, helping it stand out in the market and justify a higher asking price.
10. Basement Remodel
Transforming an unfinished basement into a functional living space is a highly desirable upgrade that can significantly increase a home’s square footage. Buyers appreciate the added versatility of a finished basement, which can be used as a family room, home office, or guest suite. While this renovation has major appeal, it's the remodel most associated with unexpected renovation costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A good return on flipping a house ranges from 10% to 20% of the after-repair value. Many investors aim for a profit margin of at least 15% to ensure their efforts and risks are worthwhile. This percentage accounts for costs like repairs, financing, holding costs, and closing fees, while also providing a solid profit.
A simple cosmetic flip with minor repairs can take as little as a few weeks, while more extensive projects that involve structural changes or permit requirements can take several months. The time it takes to renovate a house ranges between three and six months, depending on factors like the extent of renovations, financing, and market conditions.