Not All Home Improvements Are Equal

When it comes to home renovations, not all upgrades offer the same bang for your buck. In the second of a two-part series, we focus on making improvements within your home. If you're looking to boost your property's value while enhancing everyday comfort, focusing on interior renovations with high return on investment (ROI) is key.

Enhancing a home's interior before putting it on the market can significantly increase its appeal, potentially allowing you to sell your home faster and at a higher price. Fresh neutral-tone paint, updated fixtures, and decluttering can make a home more visually appealing and relatable to buyers, allowing them to envision themselves living there. From kitchen upgrades to finishing your basement, the following smart enhancements can pay off both now and when it’s time to sell.

“Fixing up your kitchen? No-brainer. Fixing up your bathroom? Another no-brainer,” shared Eric Udler, longtime producer of the New Jersey Home & Garden Show, recently held in Edison, NJ.[1]

Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades: Often, the kitchen or bathroom are the first areas considered for interior upgrades to make a home sell faster. Zillow recommends considering minor renovations to both these rooms as they have a higher ROI than major renovations according to the Zonda’s Report.

When deciding if a kitchen remodel should be a total overhaul or an upgrade of appliances and countertops, consider the price point of the home, the local market, and your budget. What are other homeowners doing, and what do buyers want? Most importantly, what is the condition of your kitchen? Are the appliances outdated? Are the cabinets or flooring cracked or damaged?

Minor kitchen upgrades include:

• Replace or refinish the cabinet fronts and hardware.
• Paint the room.
• Install new flooring.
• Upgrade to granite or quartz countertops.
• Install new matching appliances.
• Refresh the sink grout.
• Replace the kitchen faucet.
• Install a back splash.
• Update the lighting.

As with a kitchen remodel, a minor bathroom upgrade has a higher ROI then a total renovation. If the bathroom is in good working condition and only slightly dated, keep it as it is. But if it needs repairs due to water damage, cracked tiles, mold, and the like, consider upgrading.

Minor bathroom upgrades include:

• Eliminate dirty or cracked caulking and grout.
• Remove water stains.
• Paint.
• Update lighting.
• Replace cracked or broken tile.
• Install a standard white toilet and/or a solid surface vanity counter.
• Replace faucets (chrome is recommended).
• Replace shower faucets with a single handle facet.
• Upgrade the ventilation fan to a newer, quieter model.

Other Interior Improvements: Adding smart home features such as smart thermostats, security systems and other devices can attract the tech savvy buyer.

Trending Improvements for 2025

• Home Office: With more people working from home, a dedicated office space is highly desirable.
• Outdoor Living Spaces: Decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens are increasingly popular. Fixing up the outdoor areas of a home with features such as TVs and lounge areas is no longer strictly for areas with warm climates.
• Finished Basements: Converting an unfinished basement into a livable space can add significant value to a home.

“Another residential space that’s getting a lot of attention right now is the backyard. People want to be able to relax outside and have the creature comforts of the inside, outside,” Udler noted.1

Make sure to check with a reputable real estate agent about the improvements they think are most important for you to make based upon the condition of your home, your budget and your local market. By carefully selecting projects with high ROI, you not only make your home more attractive to potential buyers but also ensure a profitable sale. Remember, even modest upgrades can make a substantial difference. Take the time to evaluate your options, consult with professionals if needed, and embark on those improvements that align with your budget and goals.