Home Renovations That Tend to Offer a Strong ROI

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By Christian Drerup Published

Quick Read

  • Renovations like hardwood flooring, a new roof, and a garage door replacement consistently deliver the strongest resale returns for homeowners.

  • Upgrading an aging HVAC system removes buyers' biggest financial fear, which is having to replace expensive equipment shortly after moving in.

  • In kitchens and bathrooms, a tasteful midrange renovation beats a high-end overhaul when maximizing resale value.

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Home Renovations That Tend to Offer a Strong ROI

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When it comes to renovating your house, there are tons of options. It’s easy to focus on projects that will make the space look the way you want it to, or more convenient for you and your family. But when it comes to resale value, certain upgrades can increase the value of your home more than others. Some renovations can significantly increase the property’s appeal to future buyers, while others might cost more than they add in resale value. If you want to renovate with resale value in mind, these are some of the upgrades that usually offer the biggest return on investment.

1. Refinish Your Hardwood Floors

Refinishing existing hardwood floors is one of the smartest improvements you can make. Instead of completely replacing your flooring, this project restores what you already have and can greatly improve the overall look of your home, especially if you have hardwood flooring throughout. Freshly refinished floors can drastically change the feel of a space, making it seem cleaner, newer, and more high-end. It can do a lot to attract buyers.

2. Install New Hardwood Flooring

If your home doesn’t already have hardwood floors, adding them can be an investment. Hardwood is one of the most desirable flooring options because it is durable, timeless, and aesthetically pleasing. It is the ideal choice for a wide range of buyers. The upfront cost will be higher than other flooring choices, but the chances of it increasing your home’s value are high.

3. Replace an Aging Roof

A new roof may not be the most exciting renovation, as it won’t change your day-to-day experience in the home, but it can be one of the most valuable. Smart buyers check that major systems are in good condition, and this should always include the roof. A brand new or newer roof can alleviate one of the biggest concerns during the home buying process. It also adds to curb appeal and protects the home from future water damage.

4. Upgrade Your Garage Door

A garage door usually faces the street, so it is one of the first things people notice when approaching the property. Replacing an old door can be a relatively easy way to quickly improve the exterior appearance. It can also improve functionality, making it a practical renovation as well. This fairly simple upgrade can give one of the better returns compared to large renovation projects.

5. Improve Your Home’s Insulation

Energy efficiency is important, especially with rising costs of heating and cooling. Homeowners like to know their utility bill won’t be seeping through the walls. Adding insulation can make the home more comfortable and lower the monthly heating and cooling costs. Although it’s not a visible upgrade, it’s a great selling point to include on a listing. Buyers will appreciate a house that is more efficient and less expensive to live in.

6. Replace Old Siding

New siding can majorly transform the exterior. Worn-out or stained siding can make any house look dingy and dated, even if it’s a well-maintained house. Fresh siding makes for a cleaner, updated appearance. Fiber-cement siding, while costly, is especially popular because it is durable, low-maintenance, and classic-looking.

7. Replace an Aging HVAC System

A reliable and new heating and cooling system is a major selling point. Because it is one of the most expensive things to replace, buyers feel way more confident purchasing a home with an upgraded system. They want to know they won’t have to replace expensive equipment soon after moving in. A newer, more efficient HVAC system can help a home feel more comfortable and lower energy costs. It is a huge pull for potential buyers.

8. Renovate the Kitchen or Bathroom

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are popular home improvements as they tend to be the spaces buyers pay close attention to. Updated cabinets, finishes, countertops, fixtures, and smart layouts can make a home feel fresh and modern. However, it’s important not to overdo it. A high-end renovation likely won’t provide the same return. If resale value is the goal, a tasteful midrange renovation can make the most sense.

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