Home Improvements That Can Really Improve Your Home Value

Home Improvements That Can Really Improve Your Home Value

It’s well known that making smart improvements to your house can dramatically increase its appeal and market value. Projects ranging from a simple coat of paint or new flooring to full kitchen upgrades with new cabinets and countertops—or even constructing an addition—are all proven ways to boost what your home is worth.

Home improvement is currently the fastest‑growing retail category, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it a popular hobby, but it’s one of the few that can actually earn you money. With approximately 80% of America’s 137 million homes now at least 20 years old—and 40% clocking in at 50 years or more—many properties are overdue for an update. Whether you’re living in a cozy vintage house or searching for a fixer‑upper, here are some improvements that can completely change the look and feel of your home.

Before you start, a quick reality check on “ROI”: published cost‑vs‑value studies are useful benchmarks, but returns vary by region, house price tier, and execution quality. Buyers pay a premium for clean, well‑maintained homes with modern finishes and strong curb appeal. Your best results come from: fixing deferred maintenance first (roof leaks, water intrusion, siding rot), making targeted visual upgrades where buyers notice most (front elevation, kitchen, flooring), and ensuring workmanship is clean and permitted where required. Use recent, local comparables to calibrate choices.

Garage and Entry Door Replacement

Sometimes, the single greatest transformation for curb appeal is a project you might overlook. Replacing your garage door and entry door not only offers a fantastic visual boost but also consistently delivers some of the highest returns on investment (ROI) in home improvement. The front-facing doors are massive focal points, and an updated look can modernize your entire façade.

• Garage Door: An old, dingy garage door drags down the look of your home. Replacing it with a modern, well-insulated door is often ranked as the single highest-ROI project, with some reports showing a recoup rate of over 190% at resale.

• Entry Door: The front door is the handshake of your home. Replacing an old one with a new, energy‑efficient steel or fiberglass door is a low‑cost, high‑impact fix. It can cost an average of around $2,355 for a steel door replacement but can often recoup well over 100% of that cost at resale.

What to consider

• Material and insulation: Steel and composite doors resist warping and offer good security; fiberglass can mimic wood without the maintenance. Insulated garage doors improve comfort for rooms above/adjacent to the garage and can quiet street noise.
• Style and light: Windows along the top panel of a garage door add daylight without compromising privacy. Match grille patterns and trim color to existing windows for a cohesive look.
• Safety and smart features: New openers with battery backup, motion‑detect lighting, and smart‑home integration (app control, guest codes) add daily convenience and buyer appeal.
• Climate and wind loads: In hurricane or high‑wind regions, choose rated assemblies and proper anchoring. Insist on a permit and inspection where required.

Quick wins

• Upgrade entry hardware (lever set, deadbolt) to a modern finish (matte black, satin brass) and add a wide‑angle viewer for security.
• Refresh the surround: new house numbers, doorbell/camera, mailbox, and lighting at the right color temperature (2700–3000K) significantly elevate the entry.

Exterior Siding and Stone Veneer

If your home’s exterior looks dated or worn, replacing the siding can give it a second life. This is a larger investment, but the transformation is dramatic and long-lasting.

• Siding Replacement: Switching to a low-maintenance material like vinyl or fiber cement siding instantly updates the look while also improving your home’s insulation. The project can recoup a solid 80% to 88% of the cost at resale.

• Manufactured Stone Veneer: Adding stone or brick veneer to the lower third of the front façade is one of the most highly-rated projects for value. It introduces texture and luxury, offering a massive boost in curb appeal that appeals strongly to buyers.

Design, durability, and moisture control

• Profiles and trim: Board‑and‑batten accents, shake shingles in gables, or horizontal lap siding can break up large planes. Coordinate soffit, fascia, and window trim for a finished look.
• Moisture management: Ask about housewrap or drainage planes and flashing details around windows/doors. A rainscreen gap behind siding dramatically reduces trapped moisture and paint failures.
• Color strategy: Earthy neutrals with one contrasting accent (shutters, front door) appeal to broad buyer pools. Matte finishes hide imperfections better than high‑gloss.

When full replacement isn’t feasible

• Target the street‑facing elevation for the biggest impact.
• Repair rot and failed caulk, then repaint with a premium exterior paint. Pressure‑wash gently (protecting soffit vents and window seals).
• Replace damaged trim and add simple architectural details (lintels, keystones) to lift perceived quality.

Paint and Stain

If you are working on a tighter budget and need to complete home improvements yourself, painting and staining may be the answer. Expect to spend between $2 and $6 per square foot to paint a home and between $2 and $4 for stain.

If you don’t want to hire a professional, look up DIY methods and best practices for painting to ensure that you’re happy with the end result. Painting interior walls, cabinets, baseboards, and trim—and staining wooden components like stairs and floors—can be messy and time‑consuming, but can really refresh a home, especially if you choose modern or light colors. Don’t forget the exterior. A fresh coat on the whole house or just the trim and shutters can work wonders.

Prep is the project

• Clean walls (TSP substitute), degloss trim, and fill holes before you ever open paint.
• Use high‑quality primer on patched areas, raw wood, or over dark colors. For kitchens/baths, look for mildew‑resistant formulas.
• Choose the right sheen: eggshell/satin for walls; semi‑gloss for trim/doors for easier cleanup.

Color and lighting

• Sample at least three neutrals in large swatches and view them in daylight and at night. North‑facing rooms benefit from warmer tones; bright south light can handle cooler grays.
• Tie wall color to fixed elements (floors, countertops, tile) to avoid clashes.

Safety and older homes

• In homes built before 1978, test for lead‑based paint before sanding/scraping. Follow EPA RRP guidelines or hire a certified pro.
• Ventilate well and consider low‑ or zero‑VOC paints for indoor air quality.

DIY pitfalls to avoid

• Rushing cutting‑in and taping edges—this is what buyers notice.
• Skipping caulk where trim meets wall; gaps read as “old.”
• Painting in extreme temperatures or high humidity, which causes poor curing and flashing.

Flooring

Switching out old floors for shiny new ones is a stunning improvement to any home. You can make a 50‑year‑old home look brand new with this simple upgrade. But before you start ripping up your old floors, consider your budget. Flooring comes in a vast range of prices from $3 to $18 per square foot. How much new flooring will cost you depends on the material you choose, the size of the space, and whether you’re going to install it yourself or hire a professional.

Once you know your budget, you need to assess the function of the room. If the room receives a lot of foot traffic, high‑quality vinyl or laminate is ideal because it’s durable and easy to clean. Hardwood floors remain a timeless favorite that can significantly increase value. Tile is another great choice—perfect for a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen—with a wide range of price options.

No matter what your budget or needs are, this is an improvement that can totally change your home.

Material quick guide

• LVP/LVT (luxury vinyl): Waterproof, forgiving, and great for basements/kitchens. Look for thick wear layers and click‑lock systems; use proper underlayment.
• Laminate: Affordable and durable but not ideal for wet areas unless rated water‑resistant. Modern textures look convincingly like wood.
• Engineered hardwood: Real wood veneer over stable core—handles humidity swings better than solid hardwood; can be refinished (check veneer thickness).
• Tile/porcelain: Indestructible and perfect for baths, but cold underfoot—consider radiant mats.

Subfloor and transitions

• Check for flatness (self‑leveling compound where needed) and fix squeaks with screws before installing new surface.
• Plan transitions between rooms to avoid tripping edges; match thresholds to door swing.

Pets, noise, and comfort

• Choose scratch‑resistant finishes for dogs; add area rugs and felt pads.
• In multi‑level homes/condos, consider sound‑rated underlayment to reduce footfall noise.

Refinish vs. replace

• If you have solid hardwood, refinishing can deliver a like‑new look at a fraction of replacement cost. Test an inconspicuous area to see if sanding uncovers a desirable grain.

Cabinets and Countertops

Updated cabinetry and countertops level up an ordinary or dated kitchen. Changing out and altering the look of your old cabinets and countertops can be a simple task that makes a huge difference.

In general, the costs for new cabinets by type are:

• Stock: $100 to $300 per linear foot and $200 to $650+ per unit

• Semi-Custom: $150 to $650 per linear foot and $250 to $800+ per unit

• Custom: $500 to $1,200 per linear foot and $500+ per unit

Replacing cabinets and countertops can cost a lot, but there are other options if that’s not in the budget. Consider painting or staining them and replacing the hardware for a more modern look. Alternatively, opt to replace only the cabinet doors, which can save up to 50% compared to the cost of a full replacement.

Replacing countertops can also be costly, and it’s more difficult to refinish them and still end up with a stylish, functional, long‑lasting result. Marble, granite, quartz, laminate, cement, or butcher block can all work, though installation and costs vary substantially. This type of job often warrants a call to a professional, but it’s an improvement that can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom.

Smarter cabinet upgrades

• Refacing vs. repainting: Refacing replaces doors/drawer fronts and adds new veneer to boxes—great when the layout works but finishes are dated. Repainting (with proper deglossing, priming, and spraying) is the most budget‑friendly refresh.
• Hardware and hinges: Soft‑close hinges and full‑extension slides make old cabinets feel new. Coordinate pulls/knobs with faucet and lighting finishes.
• Storage efficiency: Add pull‑outs, tray dividers, and corner solutions to increase usable space without moving walls.

Countertop choices at a glance

• Quartz: Low maintenance, consistent patterns, excellent for busy kitchens.
• Granite: Natural variation and heat resistance; requires periodic sealing.
• Butcher block: Warm and affordable; needs oiling and careful use around sinks.
• Laminate: Most budget‑friendly; modern edge profiles and prints look far better than older generations.

Don’t forget the backsplash and lighting

• A simple, timeless subway tile or large‑format slab backsplash protects walls and unifies the space.
• Under‑cabinet LED strips improve task lighting and make counters sparkle—an inexpensive, high‑impact upgrade.

Additions and Remodeling

Fully remodeling a home or adding an addition are expensive and should only be considered after all other options have been evaluated. Full remodels and additions are best handled by professionals, which can significantly drive up the costs.

High‑Impact Remodels:

• Open floor plan: Removing a non‑structural wall to create a seamless flow between the kitchen and living area can make the entire main floor feel larger, brighter, and more modern.

• Finish a basement/attic: Converting unused, raw space into a functional living area (home office, gym, guest suite) increases the total square footage and is a highly desirable feature for buyers.

If you are interested in making improvements to your home, our advice is to shop around for sales, compare quotes from professionals in your area, and set a budget to work within (setting aside some money for emergencies that might crop up).

Plan, permit, and protect your budget

• Scope and drawings: Even “simple” remodels benefit from a scaled plan. Accurate drawings prevent change orders and bidding ambiguity.
• Permits and inspections: Structural, electrical, and plumbing work usually require permits. Proper inspections add buyer confidence and protect you at resale.
• Contingency: Set aside 10–20% for surprises (hidden rot, undersized beams, outdated wiring). Unseen issues are common in older homes.

Contractor selection and timeline

• Seek at least three bids with line‑item detail. Verify license, insurance, references, and recent similar projects.
• Establish a realistic schedule with milestones and payment tied to progress—not time alone. Get change orders in writing.
• Discuss site protection (dust control, floor protection), working hours, and communication cadence.

Live‑through strategies

• Create a temporary kitchen (microwave, induction plate, fridge) before demo.
• Seal off work zones and use air scrubbers to minimize dust spread.
• Protect pets and kids with clear barriers and predictable routines.

A quick energy‑efficiency boost list

Energy upgrades rarely steal the spotlight in photos, but buyers feel the comfort and lower bills:

• Air‑seal attic/penetrations and add insulation to code or better.
• Replace failing weather‑stripping on exterior doors and windows.
• Install smart thermostats and balanced LED lighting (2700–3000K) throughout.
• Service HVAC and consider high‑MERV filters; clean return grilles and ducts as needed.