Spring is a season of renewal, which has many of us thinking about home improvements, especially if you’re planning on putting your home on the market. While a fresh coat of paint or new patio furniture can be satisfying updates, there are some home improvement projects that will boost your home’s value more than others. So, as you plan your next renovation, you may want to focus on the upgrades that lead to a high return on investment (ROI). Investing in your home is always a good idea. In fact, the average cost recouped on popular remodeling projects in 2025 increased year over year, and growth is projected to continue.

Making smart upgrades can help you get top dollar for your home, but those upgrades have changed over the years to reflect what today’s home buyers want. For instance, flex rooms (versatile spaces that can multitask) and outdoor living spaces are now high on many buyers’ wish lists, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). As we reviewed recent trends, we found 10 home improvement projects that give you the most bang for your buck:

1. Replace your garage door. It may not seem like a very glamorous update, but installing a new garage door, which costs an average of $4,672 can recoup 268% in resale value! If your garage door is outdated, dented, or dingy looking it reduces the curb appeal of your home. Though the “average cost” is high, there are simpler, effective upgrades available.
2. Get a steel door. Again, this may not seem like a very sexy upgrade, but statistics show that replacing an existing entry door with a steel door can recover 216% at resale. Unlike wood doors that can warp and require repainting and resealing, steel doors are more energy efficient, are low maintenance, and offer extra security. Depending on the size and type of door you select, a steel replacement can range from $300 to over $2,000, not including the cost of installation.
3. Touch up or repaint your home’s exterior. Curb appeal is important because it gives buyers a first impression, which can boost or lower further interest. Chipped, faded, or dingy paint can make your home look outdated and uncared for. If you don’t have the budget to repaint the entire house, consider touching up any flaking or chipped paint, and painting the front door and trim to freshen things up. Looking for a good color? Jewel and earth tones are in. If the paint is in good condition, experts recommend pressure washing the exterior, including the driveway, sidewalk, and patio or deck to remove dirt and mold.
4. Create an outdoor living space. If you don’t already have a deck or patio, now may be the time to add one. According to a Cost vs. Value Report, you can recoup between 89% to 95% of the costs of adding a deck, while boosting your home’s appeal. Decks and outdoor living spaces gained greater popularity during the pandemic and continue to be high on buyers’ wish lists. If you already have a deck or patio, make sure it’s clean and stained. Adding some outdoor furniture, well-placed flowers and inviting touches such as outdoor lighting can also boost your home’s value.
5. Remodel the kitchen. Major kitchen remodels can break the bank, but data shows that doing a minor remodel rather than an upscale one can provide about 113% ROI. So, instead of thinking about a complete overhaul, focus on replacing cabinet fronts, countertops and appliances. If your cabinets are in good shape, consider repainting or refacing them. Replacing old countertops with granite or quartz will maximize your ROI because of their durability and modern aesthetic, and can return 60-80% of their cost at resale. Even replacing cabinet hardware can improve the look and appeal of an older kitchen.
6. Replace carpet with hardwood or laminate flooring or refinish flooring. According to the National Association of Realtors, refinishing hardwood floors yielded a cost recovery of 147%, while installing new wood floors yielded 118% cost recovery in terms of increased resale value. Hardwood flooring has been the number one choice for home buyers for many years, and it continues to be a top selling feature. While hardwood still tops the list for ROI, luxury vinyl tile or planks, engineered wood and laminate flooring are more attractive choices than carpet and are more budget friendly.
7. Upgrade the bathrooms. Today’s buyers are looking for bathrooms that feel like a spa experience. In fact, about 18% of real estate agents say that the second most sought-after feature for buyers is modernized bathrooms (kitchens rank first). Remodeling a bathroom can increase your home’s value by as much as 74% of the renovation cost. Some upgrades to consider are double-sink vanities, rain shower heads, soaking tubs, tile floors and granite or quartz counters. If a total renovation is out of the question, try adding new fixtures and a fresh coat of paint to give your bathroom a face lift.
8. Build or convert a home office. Even though many people have returned to their offices, having a workspace in the home is still very desirable. Reports show that 66% of home buyers preferred to purchase a home with an office space. However, this doesn’t mean you need an entire room dedicated to a workspace. You can convert a space such as a walk-in pantry, closet or corner into an office with a little creativity. Converting a guest room is still the most popular way to add a home office, but making rooms more “flexible” is a growing trend.
9. Finish your basement. When you finish your basement, you are adding valuable living space. According to data, finishing a basement has a potential ROI of 70%. Not only does a finished basement add more usable square footage, it also offers more of that “flex” space we talked about. Potential buyers see opportunities for entertaining (think bars and pool tables), hobbies, offices, extra bedrooms, and more.
10. Replace windows. Swapping out old windows that are warped, sticky and leak air with new, energy efficient windows can provide an ROI of 70% and is a major selling point. New windows also enhance your home’s exterior, boosting curb appeal. And if you’re planning on staying in your home for a while before selling you can take advantage of the reduced energy costs (10-25% on average). Many buyers are looking for “turnkey” homes, and new windows mean they won’t face high replacement costs.

Renovations are expensive, so it’s important to invest wisely and prioritize those that offer the biggest impact in today’s market. While these projects provide the highest ROI, there are plenty of smaller improvements you can make to increase your home’s appeal, such as repainting the interior, freshening up the landscape, and adding new light fixtures. If you’re looking for advice on what renovations are right for you and your home, consider consulting a local real estate professional who can tell you what’s trending in the area.

If you’re thinking about selling, our team at Cornerstone Real Estate is here to help you make the most of your investment. From identifying the right pre-sale improvements to pricing and marketing your home effectively, our local expertise can guide you every step of the way. Reach out today to start the conversation and take the next step toward a successful sale.