10 Proven Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value

Understanding What Drives Home Value

Your home represents one of your largest financial assets, and strategic improvements can significantly increase its value over time. While some factors affecting home value remain beyond your control—like local market conditions and neighborhood trends—many improvements are entirely within your power to execute.

Home value increases translate to multiple benefits: higher selling prices, increased borrowing power through home equity, protection against market downturns, and potential elimination of private mortgage insurance. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, home improvement spending reached $485 billion in 2024, reflecting homeowners’ commitment to maintaining and enhancing their properties.

The key is understanding which improvements deliver the best return on investment while also enhancing your daily living experience. Not every upgrade will recoup its full cost at resale, but strategic choices can maximize both immediate enjoyment and future financial gains.

High-ROI Exterior Improvements

Replace Your Garage Door

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, garage door replacement delivers the highest return on investment at 194%. This relatively affordable upgrade—typically costing between $2,355 and $4,513—can add $4,430 to $8,751 in home value.

Modern garage doors offer improved insulation, enhanced security, and dramatic curb appeal. Whether you choose a contemporary glass panel design or a rustic wood-style door, this improvement creates an immediate visual impact that potential buyers notice from the street.

Upgrade Your Entry Door

A steel entry door replacement ranks as the second-highest ROI project at 188%, with an average cost around $2,300. This improvement enhances security, improves energy efficiency, and creates a powerful first impression. A fresh, modern entry door signals to buyers that the home has been well-maintained and cared for.

Add Manufactured Stone Veneer

Adding architectural interest through manufactured stone veneer returns approximately 153% on investment. Costing around $10,000, this upgrade adds premium appeal to your home’s exterior without the expense of full stone construction. Stone accents on columns, foundations, or accent walls create upscale visual interest.

Enhance Curb Appeal

First impressions matter tremendously in real estate. Simple landscaping improvements—regular lawn maintenance, strategic plantings, fresh mulch, and well-maintained walkways—can increase home value by up to 7%, according to research from Redfin.

Focus on low-maintenance native plants that thrive in your climate. Add outdoor lighting to highlight architectural features and improve safety. Even small details like a new mailbox, updated house numbers, or solar-powered path lights make a noticeable difference.

Interior Upgrades That Matter

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen upgrades remain among the most valuable home improvements. However, the scope matters significantly. NerdWallet reports that a minor kitchen remodel recoups 96% of its cost, while major upscale remodels return only 38%.

Focus on mid-range improvements: cabinet refacing or painting, updated hardware, modern appliances, new countertops, and improved lighting. These changes refresh the space without overspending. Even coordinating existing appliances or replacing dated fixtures can significantly improve the kitchen’s appeal.

Bathroom Updates

Bathroom remodels deliver strong returns, with midrange projects recouping 74% to 93% of costs. Like kitchens, modest improvements often outperform luxury upgrades. Install new fixtures, re-grout tile, add modern lighting, and paint with fresh neutral colors. A new mirror and updated vanity can transform the space without extensive renovations.

Learn more at West Shore Homes’ secure website >>

Fresh Paint Throughout

Interior painting ranks among the highest-ROI projects when done as a DIY project. A complete interior paint job costs between $3,500 and $10,000 when professionally done, but dramatically refreshes the home’s appearance. Stick with neutral colors that appeal to the broadest audience—grays, beiges, and soft whites create a clean, modern backdrop.

Refinish or Replace Flooring

Hardwood flooring remains highly desirable among buyers. If you have existing hardwood, refinishing delivers an excellent return—some real estate professionals report ROIs exceeding 300%. Replacing worn carpet with hardwood or high-quality vinyl plank flooring also adds significant value, as most buyers prefer hard surfaces over carpet.

Check out flooring deals and options at Lowe’s secure website >>

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Energy-efficient upgrades serve dual purposes: reducing utility costs while appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, windows, doors, and siding rank among the green features most important to buyers.

Window Replacement

Replacing old, leaky windows with energy-efficient models improves insulation, reduces energy bills, and enhances curb appeal. While the ROI varies by region, this improvement typically recoups 70% to 80% of costs and makes homes more comfortable year-round.

Enhanced Insulation

Adding attic insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading wall insulation significantly reduces heating and cooling costs. Consider scheduling an energy audit—typically costing around $437—to identify where your home loses energy most. The audit often reveals multiple improvement opportunities that deliver quick payback through lower utility bills.

Solar Panels

While solar panels require substantial upfront investment, they can increase home value in areas with high energy costs and may help homes sell faster. Additionally, federal tax credits cover 30% of installation costs through 2032, making this improvement more accessible. Solar panels work best if you plan to stay in your home long-term or if you’re in a market where solar adoption is common.

Smart Home Technology

Smart home features appeal to tech-savvy buyers while providing energy savings and convenience. Most smart devices cost under $1,000 and can be installed as DIY projects.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat costs between $200 and $1,000 to install but can save families approximately 8% on energy bills annually—about $50 per year according to Energy Star. These devices learn your schedule and automatically adjust temperatures for optimal efficiency.

Smart Security Systems

Smart security cameras, doorbell cameras, and smart locks enhance home security while appealing to safety-conscious buyers. These systems offer remote monitoring and control through smartphone apps, providing peace of mind whether you’re home or away.

Smart Lighting

Smart bulbs and lighting systems allow customizable ambiance and improved energy efficiency. Smart window treatments that adjust based on sunlight and temperature further enhance climate control, reducing heating and cooling costs.

Outdoor lighting adds an extra wow factor, and it’s relatively inexpensive. We use Volt at our home and were able to do a DIY install in one day. Go to VoltLighting.com to learn more.

Cost-Effective Improvements

Deep Cleaning and Decluttering

One of the most affordable ways to increase perceived value is thorough cleaning and decluttering. Professional cleaning for a four-bedroom home costs $200 to $225, while decluttering services range from $300 to $800. Alternatively, tackle this project yourself by systematically going through each room, removing excess items, and deep cleaning all surfaces.

A clean, organized home appears larger, better maintained, and more move-in ready. This simple step can increase sale price by up to 10%, according to research from Thumbtack.

Update Lighting Fixtures

Replacing outdated lighting fixtures throughout your home creates a modern appearance at relatively low cost. LED bulbs provide energy savings while offering better light quality. Consider adding dimmer switches for versatility and updating fixtures in key areas like the entryway, kitchen, and dining room.

Minor Repairs and Maintenance

Addressing deferred maintenance issues significantly impacts buyer perception. Fix leaky faucets, patch wall holes, repair damaged trim, replace cracked tiles, and ensure all systems function properly. Small repairs demonstrate that the home has been well cared for, building buyer confidence and potentially preventing deal-breaking inspection issues.

How to Finance Home Improvements

Multiple financing options exist for funding home improvements, each with distinct advantages depending on your situation and project scope.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC works like a credit card, providing a revolving line of credit based on your home equity. You can draw funds as needed during the draw period, typically five to ten years, and pay interest only on the amount used. HELOCs offer flexibility for ongoing projects or multiple improvements over time.

Home Equity Loan

Home equity loans provide a lump sum at a fixed interest rate with predictable monthly payments. These loans work well for single, large projects where you know the total cost upfront. Interest may be tax-deductible when used for eligible home improvements, making this an attractive option for significant renovations.

Personal Loans

Personal loans offer quick access to funds without using your home as collateral. While interest rates are higher than home equity options, personal loans work well for borrowers with good credit who want faster approval and less paperwork. Many lenders allow borrowing up to $35,000 or more for home improvements.

Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a larger one, providing the difference in cash. This option makes sense if current mortgage rates are favorable or if you were planning to refinance anyway. However, it involves significant paperwork and closing costs, so it’s best suited for major renovation projects.

Check out today’s mortgage refinance rates >>

0% APR Credit Cards

For smaller projects you can complete quickly, a 0% APR credit card offers interest-free financing for 12 to 18 months. This option works well if you can pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, avoiding high variable interest rates.

ROI Considerations and Timeline

Understanding realistic return on investment expectations helps you make informed decisions about which improvements to prioritize.

Projects to Prioritize

According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, exterior improvements consistently deliver the highest returns. Garage door replacement, entry door upgrades, and manufactured stone veneer all exceed 150% ROI. Among interior projects, minor kitchen remodels return 113%.

If you plan to sell within one to two years, focus on high-impact, lower-cost improvements: painting, minor repairs, curb appeal enhancements, and updated fixtures. These projects improve marketability without tying up excessive capital.

For longer timelines of three to five years, strategic investments in kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and energy efficiency make sense. You’ll enjoy the improvements while building toward future value appreciation.

Projects to Avoid

Some improvements offer poor returns or may actually hinder sales. Swimming pools, for instance, have limited appeal due to maintenance costs and safety concerns, with ROI varying widely by region. Converting a garage to living space removes a feature most buyers expect. Highly personalized improvements or over-improving relative to neighborhood values can also limit returns.

According to Seattle Credit Union, maintaining upgrades on par with neighboring homes prevents over-investing. Your home shouldn’t be significantly more expensive than comparable properties on the same street.

Frequently Asked Questions

What home improvement has the highest ROI?

Garage door replacement currently offers the highest ROI at approximately 194%, followed by steel entry door replacement at 188%. These exterior improvements provide immediate curb appeal at relatively low cost.

How much value does a kitchen remodel add?

A minor kitchen remodel typically recoups 96% to 113% of costs, while major upscale remodels return only 38% to 66%. Mid-range improvements—updated cabinets, modern appliances, and new countertops—deliver better returns than luxury upgrades.

Should I improve my home before selling?

Most sellers benefit from making at least basic improvements. Research shows that 65% of recent sellers complete at least two home improvement projects before listing, and well-maintained homes can sell for 10% more than similar homes in average condition.

How do I know which improvements my home needs?

Consider scheduling a pre-inspection to identify issues buyers will likely flag. Walk through your home from a buyer’s perspective, noting outdated features, deferred maintenance, and areas that detract from overall appeal. Focus first on repairs and updates that improve function, safety, and appearance.

Can I deduct home improvement costs on my taxes?

Generally, home improvements aren’t immediately tax-deductible but can reduce capital gains taxes when you sell by increasing your cost basis. However, energy-efficient upgrades may qualify for federal tax credits—30% for solar panels, heat pumps, and certain other improvements through 2032.

How long should I wait to sell after making improvements?

Ideally, live in your home long enough to enjoy the improvements you make. Most projects don’t recoup 100% of costs immediately, so personal enjoyment matters. If selling soon, focus on cosmetic improvements with quick returns: painting, decluttering, minor repairs, and curb appeal enhancements.

Ready to finance your home improvements? Whether you’re considering a HELOC, home equity loan, or personal loan, comparing rates helps you secure the best terms. Strategic improvements not only enhance your daily living experience but also build long-term equity in your most valuable asset.