7 Best Home Improvements and Remodels for Resale

Both large and small renovations can impact what potential buyers will pay for your home when you’re ready to sell. But some remodeling projects increase the resale value more than others. More often than not, you’ll actually get the biggest return on investment from minor rather than major changes. A freshly painted front door can be enough to give your house a significant boost in curb appeal and the real estate market. 

Instead of diving right into a complete home renovation, consider small- and mid-scale remodeling projects to increase your selling power first. Use this guide to find your way to the best home improvements for resale value.

1. Minor Kitchen Remodel

Minor kitchen improvements—like replacing an old backsplash or adding a new coat of paint to outdated kitchen cabinets—don't cost a lot upfront, provide a significant ROI, and are relatively easy to DIY. The average price for small kitchen remodels is around $25,000 nationally, and you can win back up to (or more than) 72% ROI.

On the other hand, large kitchen remodels cost an average of $75,000 and provide significantly fewer guarantees at 52% ROI. So forget about gutting your space or replacing all the appliances because you're more likely to make back more of your investment with less work.

2. Minor Bathroom Remodels

Improving your bathroom rather than overhauling it is the best way to get the biggest value increase in this part of your home. A mid-range bathroom remodel costs an average of $10,800, with homeowners recouping approximately two-thirds of their investment. 

This includes DIYable improvements like retiling tub and shower areas and updating countertops and vanities, as well as costlier projects that are better left to the pros, like installing a sound system or new lighting fixtures. But significant investments like jet tubs and steam showers are more likely to lead to a loss.

3. Outdoor Improvements

Fixing up your home’s exterior will make it look as good as new and more appealing to potential buyers. These are some of the best outdoor home improvements to increase resale value.

Garage and Front Door Replacements

Though your garage and front door may be the last thing on your mind, repairing or replacing  these components can give your home quite a monetary boost. New garage doors cost an average of $1,100 and can increase the resale value up to $3,600. For an entry door replacement, you’ll pay around $950 and recoup about 60% to 70% of the cost. 

Window Replacements

Replacing a window, whether vinyl or wood, can be a more expensive home improvement project, but the ROI and potential energy savings make it a worthwhile consideration. The average cost to replace a window runs around $650, and you could gain back almost 70% of what you pay to have them installed. After installation, you can ensure their longevity with regular window maintenance. 

Roof and Siding Repairs and Improvements

Upgrading roofing and replacing siding is another great way to increase home value. Here’s what you’ll save depending on the material used. 

Siding Replacements

• Vinyl siding: Costs between $6,200 and $15,900 and has an ROI of 68%. 

• Fiber cement siding: This type of siding ranges from $6,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of the house, with an ROI of 92%.

Roofing Replacements

• Asphalt shingles: You’ll pay an average of $8,700 to $22,000 for an asphalt shingle replacement and get a 60% ROI. 

• Metal roofing: New metal roofing runs from $20,000 to $50,000 and has a 56% ROI. 

Deck Installation

Potential buyers are always looking for a cozy outdoor space to call their own, and building a deck is one great way to ensure your home has what they want. On average, you’ll pay around $7,600 for a new wood deck and recoup almost 66% of that cost. 

4. New Paint

Giving your home a fresh coat of paint inside and outside will make it more appealing to potential buyers and increase what they're likely to pay. Homeowners can maximize their home’s aesthetic with on-trend paint colors that include versatile neutrals with blue, green, and wood grain accents.

5. Attic or Basement Conversion

Transforming your attic or basement into a comfortable living space is a great way to add square footage and make it more enticing for potential homebuyers. According to HomeAdvisor, the cost to convert and finish an attic ranges from $4,600 to $16,000 on average. Most basement remodels costs about $21,400 with a potential ROI of at least 56% to 64%.  

6. New Wood Flooring  

The cost to install hardwood flooring may be expensive upfront, but you can win back up to 106% of your original investment. Homeowners pay an average of $4,700 for new hardwood floors and recover up to $5,000 after selling. Refinishing hardwood floors is even less at $2,700 on average and 100% ROI. 

7. Improved Insulation 

Improving the insulation in your house is one of the least expensive home upgrades with the biggest ROIs. You’ll pay an average of $2,400 for this fix and recoup up to 80% of those costs, not to mention benefiting from ongoing utility bill savings.