The highest percent returns at resale usually come from small, high‑impact improvements—especially curb appeal, minor kitchen updates, basic bath refreshes, and simple cosmetic fixes like paint and cleaning. Major luxury renovations tend to return a lower percentage of what you spend, even if they raise the absolute sale price.
Top Exterior ROI Improvements
- New garage door and steel front door replacements frequently sit at the very top of ROI rankings, with some recent reports showing well over 100% return in many markets.
- Manufactured stone veneer, updated siding, and basic landscaping/cleanup (power‑washing, mulch, simple lighting) also typically deliver strong returns, often around 80–150% depending on scope.
High‑ROI Kitchen Upgrades
- “Minor kitchen remodels” (painting or refacing cabinets, new counters, updated backsplash, modest appliance refresh) commonly recoup a much higher percentage of cost than full gut renovations, often in the ~70–95% range.
- Specific high‑ROI kitchen elements include cabinet refacing, quartz or solid‑surface counters, and modern but mid‑range appliances rather than ultra‑luxury packages.
High‑ROI Bathroom Updates
- Light‑touch bathroom remodels—new fixtures, lighting, vanity top, mirror, and fresh caulk/grout—tend to return a large portion of cost, often in the 60–80% band.
- Buyers respond strongly to clean, bright, neutral baths with modern hardware and good lighting, which can be achieved without moving plumbing or doing heavy tile work.
Interior Cosmetic and Function Wins
- Interior paint in neutral colors, basic floor refinishing (especially hardwood), and improved lighting are repeatedly cited as top value‑add projects per dollar.
- Decluttering and deep cleaning have an outsized effect on perceived value, with some guides framing them as the single highest “ROI” because the cost is so low compared with the impact on offers.
How to Use This for Your Remodel
- If you expect to sell in the next few years, prioritize: great curb appeal (doors, landscaping), minor kitchen and bath refreshes, paint, and floors before investing in major luxury upgrades.
- Treat full gut kitchen or bath remodels, specialty features, and very high‑end finishes as lifestyle choices first and resale plays second, since their percentage payback is usually lower.
If you share your approximate price range and whether you’re thinking 1–3 years vs 10+ years to sale, a short list of “do these first” projects tailored to your situation can be mapped out.
