How to Maximize Your Home’s Value: High-ROI Upgrades

Remodeling costs have been climbing sharply in recent years, and homeowners are asking the same question: Which projects are really worth it? 

I’ve been reviewing the latest data on home repair and renovation costs, and I want to share which upgrades can actually add the most value.

THE RISING COSTS OF RENOVATIONS

As seen in the chart below, home repair costs have jumped 41.0% in the last 5 years, outpacing the overall inflation rate of 22.7% during the same period. If you're considering renovations or repairs, it's crucial to plan with these cost trends in mind.

A lot of clients tell me that the steps leading up to going on the market can feel more overwhelming than actually being on the market. But let’s keep it simple. Every project falls into one of 4 distinct categories:

1. Necessary & Add Value: Roof replacement, flooring upgrades

2. Unnecessary & Add Value: Landscaping, cosmetic enhancements

3. Necessary & Don’t Add Value: Plumbing repair, rewiring to code, foundation work

4. Unnecessary & Don’t Add Value: Adding expensive fixtures or amenities

Knowing which bucket your project falls into can help you avoid overspending and focus on what matters most.

THE 8 BEST HOME UPGRADES

If you’re focused on return on investment, here are the 8 projects that consistently add the most value:

1. Professional Cleaning (ROI = 500+%): Odor removal, carpets steamed, deep clean floors

2. Curb Appeal (ROI = 100-200%): Landscaping, exterior paint, window washing

3. Garage Door Replacement (ROI = 194%): Steel, energy efficient, fresh paint

4. Entry Door Replacement (ROI = 188%): Steel or fiberglass, energy efficient, fresh paint

5. Interior Paint (ROI = 107%): Fresh, neutral colors

6. Minor Bathroom Refresh (ROI = 90-100%): Updated fixtures, re-caulk, new mirrors

7. Minor Kitchen Refresh (ROI = 80-90%): Cabinet refacing, new hardware, modern lighting

8. Flooring (ROI = 50-70%): Deep clean or refinish hardwoods, replace carpet if worn

Beyond the numbers, it’s important to remember that buyers don’t purchase homes purely on logic, they buy based on emotion and perception.

Homes that are perceived as clean, fresh, and bright consistently sell for 5-10% more than comparable homes, largely because buyers associate these qualities with being move-in ready and higher value.

By making strategic upgrades that target these subconscious cues, you can tap into buyer psychology and unlock outsized returns on your remodeling investment.

PLAN TO MAXIMIZE YOUR HOME’S VALUE

If you want a plan to maximize the value of your home, simply reply to this email and we can talk more about the strategies I’m using in today’s market that bring the best results. It’s free and there’s no obligation, just my way of saying thank-you for reading.

Best,