2025 is the year for renovations. a new Zillow analysis finds that buyers “are willing to pay nearly 4% more than expected for a home that is already remodeled (3.7%) — or an additional $13,194 on a typical U.S. home.” If you’re planning to sell your home, strategic home renovations that add value can significantly enhance its market value and appeal.

This guide explores the top renovations that will strategically increase the value of your home, from major projects to small but effective budget-friendly options. It is backed by studies and insights from real estate experts, and our own experts at Joey’s Movers triple-checked the facts to make sure you get the best information.

Once you’ve made the right renovations to increase your home’s value, ensure a smooth and stress-free move by trusting the experts at Joey’s Movers to handle the heavy lifting. Call us at (847) 674-7779 or request a free online quote for a seamless moving experience!

Four High-ROI Home Renovations That Add Value

These home renovations that increase value will give you the highest return on investment and ensure your home appeals to potential buyers. If you plan to sell a home within the next year, you want to focus on renovations that will give you the largest Return On Investment (ROI). An ROI is how much of the renovation costs you recoup after the house sells. It is affected by factors like:

  • The value of your house and other houses in the neighborhood
  • The housing market where you live
  • How soon you sell after making the improvements
  • The quality of the project itself

Most renovations have a lower ROI than what you spend—in other words, if you pay $30,000 to renovate a room, it does not mean the selling price will rise by $30,000. It might not even affect the selling price at all! 

Here are four areas to renovate that bring in the highest ROI. Some of them even bring in more than the renovation cost! 

Important Note: The provided figures are averages from studies of similar projects and assume the home is inspected and appraised soon after. It does not guarantee that you will see the same numbers.

1. Curb Appeal and Exterior Renovations

Improving curb appeal can significantly increase your home value.

 

Simple curb appeal enhancements are among the best home improvements to increase value, helping make a lasting first impression. First impressions are crucial in everything, including selling your home. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 92% of real estate agents recommend that sellers improve curb appeal before listing because it directly influences buyer perception and interest. Real estate expert Dick Gaylord put it best with the old adage “If buyers drive by your house and are not impressed, they will not go inside.”

Zonda Media’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report found that simple exterior renovations yield some of the highest returns on investment (ROI). A few of the top ones for our Chicago-area homeowners include:

  • Garage Door Replacement. This assumes you remove and dispose of an existing 16×7-foot garage door and tracks and install a new four-section garage door with a lifetime warranty on new heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks. This project averages around $4287 and improves the resale value by an average of $6573. This means you recoup around 153% of what you pay into the project.
  • Front Door Upgrade. A new steel or fiberglass front door boosts security, improves insulation, and instantly freshens the entryway’s appearance. The average steel door upgrade in Chicago is $2,270, and the average resale value is $4,447. This is a whopping 195.9% return on your investment.
  • Stone Veneers and Siding. Adding a stone veneer or updating the siding can transform your home’s look and significantly increase its resale value. In Chicago, a stone veneer upgrade costs an average of $10,840, and it raises the overall value of the home an average of $14,419, for an ROI of 133.5%. Fiber-cement siding replacement offers a 69.2% ROI, while vinyl siding recoups around 73.1% of its cost.

Curb appeal projects like landscaping, pathways, adding a deck, and painting the trim also significantly improve ROI and curb appeal.

How Curb Appeal Affects Moving Logistics

Strategic renovations can make moving in or out easier, and others can make the move more difficult. For example:

  • Wider doorways allow for larger furnishings to be moved in and out without issues.
  • The type and position of new landscaping can clear obstacles for movers or make moving like an obstacle course.
  • A new deck that shortens a driveway will also reduce the space available for moving trucks and personal vehicles.
  • A new garage door can enhance security and make the garage a safe place for storing your packed belongings and moving equipment.

When preparing to enhance your home’s curb appeal, try to visualize and anticipate how the changes will affect you when you move out and the new buyer when they move in!

2. Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodel with updated countertops, cabinets, and modern appliances for high ROI home renovation.

 

Once you get buyers to look inside, the kitchen is one of the most scrutinized areas in a home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a minor kitchen remodel recoups a national average of 89.8% of its cost, while major kitchen overhauls yield a lower return of 43.1%. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) also reports that buyers are more likely to make an offer on homes with modern, functional kitchens.

  • Minor Remodels (High ROI, Lower Cost)
    A minor remodel focuses on functional and cosmetic upgrades, and considered one of the best ROI home improvements, offering an excellent balance of cost and return. These improvements include refinishing cabinets and floors, replacing aged countertops, updating fixtures, and installing modern appliances that visually match each other. The buyer also has room to make any changes that fit their tastes and personal needs later.
  • Major Remodels (Lower ROI, Higher Cost)
    A major kitchen remodel typically involves layout changes, custom cabinets, structural modifications, and luxury finishes. While these renovations enhance the home’s interior appeal, the return on investment is often lower. If it is over-personalized, a high-end remodel may not align with the buyer’s preferences. Or if it is a $90,000 kitchen in a $180,000 home, the buyer may be reluctant to pay a higher price just to have a fancier kitchen. Both these scenarios make it harder to recoup renovation costs at resale.

How Kitchen Renovations Affect Moving Logistics

If you plan to sell your home after you renovate it, consider how the various upgrades will affect you and the future buyer on your moving days. For example:

  • Custom Layouts and Kitchen Islands take up open floor space. If not planned in advance, they can make removing large appliances and navigating moving equipment difficult. To avoid extra headaches, delays, and damages, make sure you have enough open room for the widest appliances to be removed and replaced easily. This includes custom door frames and entryways.
  • Quartz or granite countertops are heavy and can be costly to replace if damaged. Some cleaning supplies can stain or corrode the surface, dollies and appliances can ding and scratch the edges, and loose items waiting to be packed can scratch across the surface.
  • New hard flooring, especially hardwood, makes moving furniture and equipment easier. Conversely, carpet is prone to staining, rips, fraying, and wear.

An updated kitchen makes your home more welcoming and appealing and can enhance the rest of your stay. Just make sure you don’t set yourself and your moving crew up for future logistical problems.

3. Bathroom Upgrades

Bathroom upgrades help increase ROI when selling a home.

 

Like the kitchen, bathrooms are a highly scrutinized area. Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report found that a mid-range bathroom remodel has an average ROI of 73.7% (68.6% in the Chicago area), while an upscale renovation returns about 45.1% on both the local and national levels.

Key bathroom upgrades that add value to your home include:

  • Updated Vanities and Storage. A sleek, modern vanity with ample storage enhances both function and aesthetics. Quartz or granite countertops add a high-end feel while offering durability.
  • Energy-Efficient Fixtures. Low-flow toilets, water-saving faucets, and LED lighting improve efficiency, lower water and light bills, and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
  • Modern Flooring. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are durable and provide a fresh, contemporary look. Heated flooring is a desirable luxury upgrade that can boost appeal.
  • Tub or Shower. Resurfacing your tub or replacing it with a walk-in shower is a quick way to freshen up the overall appearance.

For those considering what renovations increase home value the most, bathroom upgrades like modern fixtures and energy-efficient changes can offer significant returns.

How Bathroom Renovations Affect Moving Logistics

Renovations like adding a half-bath or repositioning the toilet involve moving plumbing fixtures. If plumbing, electrical wiring, or additions require special permissions due to your area’s building codes, it could increase the cost and delay your selling timeline. Familiarize yourself with city or county-specific regulations before you make major changes.

A well-executed bathroom renovation will increase a home’s marketability and improve daily functionality. With strategic upgrades, homeowners can expect a strong return on investment and a smoother selling process.

4. Maintenance and Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Adding energy efficient solar panels can can increase a home’s resale value by 4.1% on average

 

Energy efficiency is a top priority for today’s homebuyers, with many seeking properties that reduce utility costs and environmental impact. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2023 Sustainability Report, 63% of real estate agents say energy efficiency is a major selling point for buyers. Additionally, a study by the Department of Energy (DOE) found that energy-efficient homes sell for an average of 3 to 5% more than comparable non-efficient homes.

  • Insulation and Air Sealing. Proper insulation in walls, attics, and basements improves temperature regulation and reduces heating/cooling costs.
  • Energy-Efficient Doors and Windows. Replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR-certified models can enhance curb appeal and lower household energy bills by 12% on average. It also has an average ROI of 67.1%. A new front door or insulated garage door can also enhance curb appeal while improving energy efficiency.
  • Solar Panels. According to a 2023 Zillow study, solar panel installations can increase a home’s resale value by 4.1% on average. Many states also offer tax incentives to reduce the upfront cost of installation.
  • LED Lighting and Smart Appliances. According to the DOE, swapping traditional bulbs for LED lighting reduces electricity use by 75% while lasting up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Similarly, upgrading to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances can lower water and electricity consumption, making homes more attractive to buyers.

Energy-efficient upgrades are not only good for the environment but are also among the home renovations that add value, helping reduce utility bills while increasing your home’s appeal.

How Energy-Efficient Upgrades Affect Moving Logistics

Homes with lower energy costs are more marketable. Buyers are often willing to pay more for properties with reduced monthly expenses, and these homes attract high-intent buyers, leading to faster sales.

Investing in energy-efficient renovations is a win-win. You enjoy lower utility bills while you live in the home, and you increase your home’s market value. These upgrades can lead to faster sales and higher offers.

Budget-Friendly Small Home Renovations That Increase Value

Even small, budget-friendly upgrades can contribute to home renovations that increase value, making them a smart choice for homeowners looking to sell. You do not need to break the bank to give your home a major facelift. Here are some cost-effective ways you can add value to any part of your house. 

Fresh Paint & Minor Fixes

Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance a home’s aesthetic appeal. A well-chosen $40 can of paint can make doors look new, modernize dated walls, and change the entire atmosphere of a room.

  • Neutral tones appeal to the widest audience and make staging easier. 
  • A 2023 Zillow color analysis also found that kitchens painted in dark or pewter grey sold for $2500 more than homes with similar kitchens.
  • The same study found that buyers preferred black doors, and they would pay up to $300 more for a home with a mid-tone rosy brown on their front door. 

As a bonus, freshly painted walls are less prone to scrapes and damage when you move furniture. This can help avoid time-consuming fixes as you move out. If your area has an HOA, make sure any exterior paint complies with its regulations to avoid fines and moving delays.

Lighting Upgrades and Smart Home Features

Upgrading lighting and integrating smart home technology can boost property value and buyer appeal. Low-cost and high-ROI upgrades include

  • LED Lighting.
  • Smart Thermostats
  • Smart Security Systems
  • Automated Lighting

When choosing smart devices, make sure they are easy to transfer to the new buyer and that they will have everything they need to use them on day one. For example, if you add in a locking door handle that requires a fingerprint to operate, make sure they have the means to program it with their credentials and remove old data at their discretion.

Flooring Upgrades for Durability and Appeal

The right flooring can transform a home, enhancing both style and functionality. Durable, high-quality materials not only attract buyers but also stand up to daily wear, making them a valuable long-term investment.

Hardwood vs. Carpet: Which Adds More Value?

Buyers tend to prefer low-maintenance, long-lasting materials. Hardwood Flooring offers a 118% ROI and can increase home value by 2.5%. It’s durable, easy to clean, and appeals to most buyers. 

Carpet is often more affordable upfront, but it wears out faster, traps allergens, and may require replacement before selling if you stain it during moving or daily wear and tear. Unless your buyer specifically requests carpet as part of the final sales agreement, you will appeal to a wider audience with hardwood flooring.

Moving Considerations: Hardwood floors make it easier to relocate furniture and are less likely to snag or stain during a move. Scratch-resistant surfaces also reduce damage risks when moving heavy items.

Renovations to Avoid: Home Renovations That Won’t Increase Value

Not all upgrades yield a positive return. Some renovations may even deter buyers. These are the three top ones we’ve seen while a homeowner was trying to wrap up and move out:

Over-Personalized Designs. Bold color choices and custom installations may limit buyer interest. For example, if the buyer does not like a canary yellow and neon pink color scheme, they will not be able to envision themselves living in the home. These sorts of super-personalized choices are great when you live there, but they will limit your buyer pool when you are ready to sell.

Luxury Add-Ons with Low ROI. Pools, high-end entertainment rooms, and extravagant features rarely recoup costs, especially if they pose safety risks, are rarely used, or require high repair and maintenance costs for the buyer. It’s better to stick to functional and cosmetic changes over luxuries they can add later if they choose.

DIY Projects That Don’t Meet Your Local, State, and Federal Building Codes. Poorly executed renovations can negatively impact home appraisal and moving logistics. Worse, they can lead to fines, void warranties, and delay selling when you are forced to alter or dismantle them to get them to code. Don’t be afraid to outsource if it means getting the job done right the first time.

Joey’s Movers Understands What Goes Into Your Newly Renovated Home

Few things are worse than working to increase the value of your home and having that work wrecked while you are moving out. Our moving experts care about doing a good job for our clients, from avoiding damage to carpets and marble counters to ensuring everything makes it to your new home in one piece.

Contact us today at (847) 674-7779 or get a free online quote to ensure a seamless moving process during or after your renovations. 

Photo credits: Spencer Lee Eiseman, Pixabay, Curtis Adams, and NAMYNOT.