How to Increase Your Home’s Value
Why Raise Your Home’s Value?
The main reason to increase your home’s value is if you plan to sell soon. Higher appraised value can mean a higher tax bill if you’re staying put, so weigh the benefits carefully. For sellers, improvements can range from major remodels to simple, low-cost fixes that dramatically boost curb appeal.
Stay in Line With Your Neighborhood
Don’t over-improve. If your house becomes the “best on the block,” you may not recoup your investment because buyers at that price point usually shop in higher-value neighborhoods. A safe guideline: stay within 15–20% of the value of surrounding homes.
Remodeling Projects With the Best ROI in 2025
Based on the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report and the NAR Remodeling Impact Report, here’s what today’s projects typically return:
| Project | Avg. Cost Recouped (%) |
|---|---|
| Garage door replacement | 194% |
| Steel entry door replacement | 188% |
| Manufactured stone veneer | 153% |
| Minor kitchen remodel (midrange). | 96% |
| Fiber-cement siding replacement | 88% |
| Vinyl siding replacement | 80% |
| Wood deck addition | 83% |
| Midrange bathroom remodel | 74% |
| Vinyl window replacement | 67% |
| Attic or basement conversion | 67–71% |
| Major kitchen remodel (midrange) | ~60% |
Improvements That Add Appeal
Landscaping: Well-designed landscaping can return 100–200% of its cost.
Interior painting: Neutral, light colors attract buyers.
Energy efficiency: Smart thermostats, Energy Star appliances, and new insulation make homes more appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
Smart upgrades: Closet organization, modest kitchen/bath updates, and lighting refreshes add daily functionality.
Improvements That Rarely Pay Off
In-ground pools, spa baths, and high-end luxury suites often recoup less than half their cost.
Above-ground pools, ceiling fans, garden ponds, and trendy fixtures may have little to no added value.
Tips for Value-Increasing Remodeling
Think mass appeal: Stick to mainstream, neutral design.
Prioritize quality: Use durable materials and professional workmanship.
Keep it consistent: Match the home’s overall style.
Don’t reduce bedroom count: Turning a bedroom into a bathroom usually hurts resale.
Scale your upgrades: Don’t put a $30,000 kitchen in a $150,000 home unless you’ll be there long-term.
Prioritize quality: Use durable materials and professional workmanship.
Keep it consistent: Match the home’s overall style.
Don’t reduce bedroom count: Turning a bedroom into a bathroom usually hurts resale.
Scale your upgrades: Don’t put a $30,000 kitchen in a $150,000 home unless you’ll be there long-term.
Low-Cost Curb Appeal Boosters
Even if you don’t have a remodeling budget, these go a long way:
Power wash, clean gutters, wash windows
Trim hedges, mow and edge lawn, sweep walkways
Plant colorful flowers for a welcoming entry
Bottom line: Focus on high-ROI, broadly appealing upgrades. Exterior improvements, landscaping, and modest kitchen or bath refreshes give you the most bang for your buck.
Trim hedges, mow and edge lawn, sweep walkways
Plant colorful flowers for a welcoming entry
Bottom line: Focus on high-ROI, broadly appealing upgrades. Exterior improvements, landscaping, and modest kitchen or bath refreshes give you the most bang for your buck.
