24 Smart Home Improvement Projects That Will Increase The Value of Your Home

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Your home is likely one of your major investments. If you’re considering making updates, it’s important to make sure the home improvements you choose add value.

There are a lot of improvement ideas out there, and it can feel a bit much trying to figure out which ones are worth your time and money. 

In this article, we will explore some of the best home improvements you can make to raise your home’s value. 

Whether you are planning to sell in the future and want a great return on your investment, or you simply want to upgrade your living space and make sure you are making smart choices, we have you covered.

We chose these 24 home improvement projects because they will increase the value of your home the most and give you a beautiful and functional living space that you will love. 

So get ready to see how to increase the return on your investment and enjoy your home even more with these top-rated improvements!

#1. Garage Door Replacement

Replacing your old garage door with a new one can give you a return on investment (ROI) of up to 102%, making it an easy and profitable home improvement project. 

With the cost of replacing a garage door averaging around $4,300 and the added curb appeal and energy efficiency benefits, it’s a smart investment for homeowners.

#2. Stone Veneer 

Adding manufactured stone veneer to your home’s exterior can increase its value by up to 102%. 

This upgrade can cost as much as $10,000 or more, but with the potential for a higher selling price and added curb appeal, it is well worth it.

#3. Entry Door Replacement

Replacing your front entry door with a steel one has been shown to have an ROI of 100%. 

The cost of installing a steel entry door is about $2000, but the added security and energy efficiency make it a great investment for homeowners.

#4. Siding Upgrade

Whether you are upgrading your siding with vinyl or fiber cement, this home improvement project has a great ROI, with vinyl at 94% and fiber cement at 88%.

Most homeowners agree that the added curb appeal and energy efficiency of new siding are well worth the initial investment.

#5. Kitchen Remodel

Who doesn’t love a beautiful new kitchen? And with an ROI of up to 85%, if you only do a minor remodel, this project practically pays for itself.

If you choose to do a major kitchen renovation, changing everything from cabinets to appliances, the ROI may decrease, but you can still expect a return of at least 41% or more.

And there are some things you can do to save money, like having your cabinets painted instead of replaced, or opting for the less expensive countertops that look like marble.

#6. Energy Efficient Windows

Replacing your old, outdated windows is a win-win because not only will you save money on your monthly utility bills, but they also have a high ROI of up to 68%, depending on whether you use vinyl or wood windows.

Another plus of new windows is that they not only add value to your home but it also improves its overall appearance and can help with noise reduction.

#7. Bathroom Remodel

It’s important to keep in mind that the ROI of your bathroom remodel will depend on how much you spend on the remodel.

So, if you spend $24,000 to update an out-of-date bathroom that takes away from the overall value of your home, you may see a higher ROI, but adding luxury items to an already nice bathroom will not increase the ROI as much.

#8. Roof Replacement

There are many types of roofing materials you can choose to replace your roof with, each with varying costs and ROI.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular and affordable option, and they have a higher ROI of 61% than other roofing materials such as metal or slate.

#9. Paint Exterior

Making your home more attractive will automatically increase its value because it becomes more appealing to potential buyers.

It does matter what color you choose for your home’s exterior, as certain colors have been shown to have a higher ROI than others. This is especially true when it comes to painting your entry door, with black or navy blue being the most profitable.

#10. Outdoor Living Space

Creating an outdoor living space can increase the value of your home and give your family a place to relax and entertain.

If you choose a deck as an outdoor living space improvement, the ROI can be 50%, and if you add extra features such as a fire pit or outdoor kitchen, this will add more value and appeal to potential buyers. 

#11. Lighting Updates

Updating the lighting in your home is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to add value to your home. 

By choosing energy-efficient lighting that adds to your home’s ambiance, you can increase the value and attract more buyers.

#12. Paint Interior Walls

Freshly painted walls can make a huge difference in your home’s overall look and feel.

Choosing the right color is important, with neutral colors being a safe option.

Be sure to choose high-quality paint and hire professionals for the best results. By far, this is the most cost-effective option on the list. And while painting a room doesn’t seem like it will have a dramatic effect on your happiness, it will.

#13. Do Some Landscaping 

While landscaping may not seem like a home improvement project, the exterior of your home is the first impression potential buyers will have, so it’s important to make a good one.

While landscaping may not add as much value as other home improvements, it can greatly increase the possibility of showing well and attracting buyers.

#14. Flooring Upgrades

Outdated or damaged flooring is usually a major deterrent for potential buyers, so either refinish hardwood floors or replace old flooring with a new material.

If you have tile or vinyl flooring, consider upgrading to hardwood or laminate for a more modern and desirable look.

#15. Smart Technology

In today’s technological age, having smart features in your home can be a major selling point. 

To show that your home is up-to-date and well-maintained, you can add a smart thermostat, a new security system, or even voice-controlled lights and appliances.

#16. Energy Efficient Appliances

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is a great way to add to your kitchen’s appeal. 

Upgrading energy efficiency is always a good investment because it will not only save money on utility bills but also add value to your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. 

#17. Finished Basement

If you have an unfinished basement, you may be missing out on the impact it can have on your home’s value. 

Finishing a basement can add an entire new living space to your home, and it costs less to finish a basement than it does to increase living space by adding a room.

#18. Make Repairs

You might not consider home repairs a good investment, but they can increase the value of your home, especially if you plan to sell.

When you sign the disclosure statement for the sale of your house, you can confidently say there is nothing wrong with the property. 

By making repairs, you can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. 

#19. Replace Old HVAC Systems

Getting rid of that old HVAC system and replacing it with a new energy-efficient model is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value.

Not only will you save money on energy costs, but a new HVAC system can also give you an ROI of 103%.

#20. Add Office Space

Many people work from home and need a dedicated office space, so buyers are looking for homes with offices.

Converting an unused room into an office is a great way to add value to your home without spending too much money.

#21. Create Open Plan Living

Open-plan living is very popular because people like to entertain their friends and family, so it’s a great way to add value to your home.

You can remove any unnecessary walls and open up your home’s layout to make it feel larger and more modern and don’t forget to declutter to give it an even more open feel.

#22. Add More Living Space

If your home is small, adding more living space can greatly increase its value by as much as 30%, depending on what type of space you add.

Adding more functional and usable space, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or suites, to your home will make it more appealing to potential buyers.

#23. Add Storage

If your home lacks storage space, consider adding built-in storage solutions or closet organizers to increase its value.

Storage is always a desirable feature for home buyers and can greatly impact your home’s selling price.

#24. Create a Grand Entrance

Adding a grand entrance to your home with a new fiberglass front door, decorative windows, and some landscaping, you can expect an ROI of about 50%.

An impressive entryway enhances curb appeal to attract buyers, boosts energy efficiency, enhances security, and sets your home apart from the competition.

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