Renovating for Resale: Home Improvement Projects That Add Value

Thinking of selling your home? Here’s the problem: buyers nowadays strongly prefer homes that feel fresh and move-in ready. According to a nationwide survey by Bright MLS, 56% of prospective buyers consider move-in conditions very important. This is because:

Buyers don’t want to have to deal with repairs or renovations. They prefer to just settle in and enjoy their new home; and
With move-in ready homes, buyers can usually count on predictable expenses, so they’re less likely to get hit with surprise repair costs.

This means if you want to mark your property “sold” as soon as possible, you’ll likely need to fix up your home before listing. However, not all renovations pay off. Some upgrades add real value while others are a complete waste of time and money.

So what’s worth doing?

Well, wonder no more! Read on as we cover:

Renovations with the highest return on investment
Low-cost upgrades that still make an impact
Renovations that aren’t worth it

At the end of this article, you’ll know exactly where to focus your efforts to get the best return on your renovation budget.

Five top home improvements that add value

In no particular order, here are the renovation projects that consistently add value to your home, helping you attract more buyers and command a better price.

1. Minor kitchen remodel

The kitchen is one of the biggest deal-makers in any home sale. Buyers walk in and immediately picture themselves cooking, entertaining, or spending family time there, which makes it a prime area for upgrades.

Minor remodeling means simple, affordable updates that make the kitchen look newer and more appealing. This can include:

Refacing or repainting cabinet fronts
Replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient models
Swapping old countertops for quartz or butcher block
Installing modern fixtures and lighting

Stick to a neutral, clean design that appeals to most buyers. According to the 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, a minor kitchen remodel can return up to 70% of its resale cost, making it one of the most profitable projects to do before listing.

2. Bathroom touch-ups

Buyers pay close attention to bathrooms: they’re high-use, high-scrutiny areas that shape overall impressions of your home. If your bathroom looks old, dirty, or outdated, it can easily turn buyers off.

Midrange bathroom renovations that focus on new vanities, toilets, tile, and lighting typically return 65–75% of their cost, a solid return that also improves buyer confidence. Here’s what to focus on:

Install modern lighting and vanities to give the space a clean, updated feel
Re-grout or re-tile worn areas and replace outdated flooring
Add low-flow toilets and water-efficient fixtures, since buyers love anything eco-conscious and cost-saving

3. Exterior upgrades

A clean, updated exterior can make or break a sale. Buyers notice the outside first—and if it looks neglected, they assume the inside is too. The right upgrades don’t just boost curb appeal; they increase resale value.

Start with these quick, high-impact basics:

Power wash or repaint the façade
Replace an old front or garage door
Tidy up the yard, add fresh mulch, and trim overgrown plants

For homeowners ready to invest in more substantial projects, these exterior upgrades deliver strong returns on investment (ROI):

Garage door replacement (90-190% ROI): Opt for insulated steel or wood-composite doors with smart openers. Steel offers durability without maintenance while wood-composite provides premium aesthetics without warping. Smart features appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
Siding replacement (69-80% ROI): Vinyl or fiber cement improves insulation, energy efficiency, and appearance. Vinyl offers the best maintenance-to-cost ratio while fiber cement provides premium durability and fire resistance that justifies its higher cost.
New windows (70-75% ROI): Energy-efficient vinyl windows enhance curb appeal, lower utility costs, and improve security. Vinyl insulates better than aluminum, costs less than wood, and requires minimal maintenance while addressing buyers' core safety concerns.
Roof replacement (60-70% ROI): While a major investment, a new roof with asphalt shingles significantly boosts buyer confidence by eliminating one of the largest potential post-purchase expenses, making buyers willing to pay a premium.

4. Flooring refresh

Worn-out flooring is a red flag for buyers as it makes a home feel dated, dirty, and harder to sell. Updating your floors is one of the quickest ways to give your space a clean, modern look.

If you have hardwood, refinishing it is a smart move. It’s cost-effective and can yield over 100% ROI, especially in markets where buyers value natural wood. No hardwood? Install vinyl planks. They’re durable, affordable, and give the look of wood without the cost. Replace stained or worn carpets with neutral tones that appeal to more buyers.

Keep flooring consistent from room to room. Too many types of flooring make spaces feel chopped up. A unified look, even with budget materials, makes your home feel bigger, newer, and more put-together.

5. Energy-efficient updates

Many buyers nowadays care about utility costs, meaning a home that’s already energy-efficient has a strong edge. Simple upgrades that improve insulation, lighting, and temperature control can increase buyer appeal while reducing monthly expenses.

Start by adding insulation to attics or walls and upgrading old windows to energy-efficient models. These changes improve comfort and reduce heating or cooling loss. Swap out outdated bulbs for LEDs; it’s a low-cost upgrade that appeals to buyers because it means lower energy bills, less frequent replacements, and a move-in-ready feel.

Smart thermostats are another high-impact, low-effort upgrade. Buyers love features that give them control and savings. These updates don’t just show off modern living; they make the home cheaper to run, which makes it more valuable in the eyes of cost-conscious, eco-minded buyers.

Quick wins on a budget

Not enough budget to remodel? You can still make your home more appealing with small, affordable fixes that deliver a big visual impact.

Paint with light, neutral colours to freshen up walls and make rooms feel bigger.
Swap out dated cabinet handles and light fixtures for simple, modern alternatives.
Fix minor issues like squeaky doors, loose tiles, and leaky taps — buyers notice these.
Deep clean every surface — nothing turns off buyers faster than grime.
Rearrange furniture to improve space flow and make rooms feel more functional.

These quick wins can help your home stand out and sell faster.

Renovation that can hurt your resale

One last thing you need to know? Not every upgrade adds value. In fact, some renovations can actually make your home harder to sell or reduce its market appeal.

Here are the most common projects to avoid:

Over-the-top luxury finishes: Think designer faucets, ultra-custom cabinets, or imported tiles. These don’t always match buyer tastes and can make your home feel overpriced for the neighborhood.
Highly personalized designs: Bold wall colors, funky tiling, or overly themed rooms often turn off buyers who want a blank slate. Most will mentally add to the cost of reversing your choices.
Converting bedrooms or removing storage: Turning a bedroom into a walk-in closet, gym, or office might suit your lifestyle, but it lowers the room count — a key factor for resale. The same goes for removing closets or built-in storage.
Swimming pools and garage conversions: Pools come with high maintenance and safety concerns, especially for families. Converting garages into living spaces reduces parking and storage, both of which are highly valued.
High-maintenance outdoor spaces: Elaborate landscaping, water features, or outdoor kitchens can feel like a burden to buyers who want low-upkeep yards.

When in doubt, choose practical, broadly appealing upgrades. The more buyers your home appeals to, the better your chances of selling fast — and at a higher price.

Conclusion

To sum things up, when preparing your home for resale, focus on upgrades that deliver real value, not just what looks nice to you. Skip the over-customization and stick to improvements that boost buyer appeal like updated kitchens, refreshed flooring, and clean, move-in-ready finishes.

After all, the goal is simple: sell faster, at a better price, and with minimal regret. Wouldn’t you agree?