How to Get the Best ROI on Your Home Remodel

There is a lot to weigh when you renovate. Knowing which changes add the most value, especially if you may sell one day, helps you prioritize your remodeling goals and spend wisely.

The good news is that you don't have to choose between enjoying your home now and protecting its value later. Here are the projects that tend to deliver the strongest return on investment (ROI), from quick wins to bigger updates.

1. Smaller Changes With Bigger Impact

Painting vs. pressure washing

Fresh interior or exterior paint is one of the most affordable ways to raise a home's appeal and value. It makes a home feel clean and lets its best features shine.

If exterior paint isn't truly needed, a thorough pressure washing can deliver a similar refresh for much less, especially if you're preparing to sell. That frees up budget for a project with a higher return.

Landscaping and curb appeal

No matter how amazing the interior is, the exterior makes the first impression. Well-kept landscaping is consistently cited as one of the best values in home improvement. You don't need a full redesign to see results:

• Replace dead plants and patchy grass
• Pull weeds and refresh mulch
• Prune or remove dead limbs and trees
• Add easy-care perennials for color

A tidy, safe yard lets buyers dream about possibilities instead of worrying about upkeep inside.

Entryway updates

Painting the front door an inviting color is a tried-and-true, low-cost upgrade. For worn steps or a tired entrance, consider a new entry door, sidelights, an entry porch or a gabled roof over the door for beauty and everyday function. Our guide to exterior materials can help.

2. Update or Replace

Flooring

Refinishing or replacing old floors can make a big difference at resale. If you have hardwood hiding under old carpet, refinishing it is usually one of the best returns you can get, since buyers love hardwood. New flooring also recovers a strong share of its cost.

If hardwood throughout isn't in the budget, mix it up: hardwood in high-traffic living areas, carpet in bedrooms and moisture-resistant flooring in bathrooms. Compare options in our posts on tile flooring and wood floors.

Kitchen and bath

Outdated kitchens and bathrooms can keep a home from reaching its full market value. Minor to mid-range remodels typically recoup a large portion of their cost. Start with affordable updates:

• New cabinet knobs and pulls
• Refinished or painted cabinets that are still in good shape
• Updated light fixtures, which change a room's whole ambiance
• New counters, sinks and faucets
• Energy-efficient appliances

Explore our kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels for ideas.

3. Low Maintenance and High Efficiency

Replacing aging big-ticket systems adds value and gives future buyers peace of mind. Water heaters, HVAC, siding and roofing all fall into this category. These upgrades pay you back twice: through lower monthly energy bills now and stronger buyer confidence later.

Invest Wisely in Your Home

Chosen wisely, remodeling pays you back in daily enjoyment and long-term value. Whatever your goals, we tailor designs to your vision and your budget. For more planning help, read about financing a home remodel.

Ready to plan a remodel that adds value? Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us today.