If you’re planning to sell your home in the next year or two, making some improvements can help. But only if you choose the right renovation projects. Some updates can boost your curb appeal, help your home sell faster, and even let you recoup most of what you spent. The latest 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) highlights which projects deliver the most value for homeowners. Here’s a breakdown of which projects offer the best ROI for homeowners.
Start with curb appeal
First impressions count. When buyers pull up to your home, they form an opinion before they ever walk inside. Simple upgrades to your home’s exterior can set the right tone and help your property stand out.
- Steel front door: A new steel door tops the list for resale value, with homeowners recouping about 100% of the cost. It also adds a sense of security and gives your home a polished, updated look.
- Fiberglass front door: A more stylish option that can add personality while returning about 80% of the cost.
- New windows: Vinyl or wood windows can return around 71–74% of the cost and improve your home’s energy efficiency, which is a significant selling point for buyers concerned about utility costs.
These projects are quick to complete and can make your home feel fresher and more welcoming, which means more potential buyers will stop to take a look.
Add functionality with extra living space
If you have an unfinished basement or attic, turning it into usable living space can be one of the smartest investments you make.
- Basement conversion: Converting a basement into a family room, office, or guest space can recoup about 71% of your costs. It also helps your home appeal to buyers looking for more flexible space.
- Attic conversion: An attic bedroom or bonus room can return around 67% of your investment and make your home feel larger without adding an expensive addition.
Buyers love homes that are move-in ready and functional. Adding livable square footage can make your home compete better with newer properties.
Don’t overlook the interior
Even if you’re not planning a full renovation, smaller interior upgrades can make a big impact on buyers.
- Closet renovation: With about 83% of the cost recovered, a closet refresh can make your storage space more functional and appealing.
- Minor kitchen upgrades: Swapping out cabinet hardware, upgrading countertops, or adding a fresh coat of paint can return about 60% of what you spend. Kitchens are one of the most important rooms for buyers, so even minor upgrades can make a big difference.
- Bathroom updates: A bathroom addition or refresh can recoup 50–56% of the cost and make the home feel more modern and ready for the next owner.
Even small updates can make your home feel newer and help it sell faster, which can save you time and stress.
Balance ROI with your lifestyle
Renovating doesn’t just have to be about improving your home’s resale value. It’s also about making your home feel more comfortable. Even if you choose to renovate to make your home more sellable, you may find that when the project is finished, it makes your home more functional and enjoyable. The bottom line is that the best home projects to increase the value of your home are ones that:
- Make a strong first impression
- Improve energy efficiency
- Add usable living space
- Help your home feel more functional
Financing your home improvements
Home projects like a new front door, kitchen remodel, or basement conversion can make a big difference in your home’s value, but they also come with a price tag. If you don’t want to dip into savings, a renovation loan or one-time close construction loan can be a great option. These loans allow you to roll the cost of your upgrades into your mortgage, meaning you get one monthly payment and often a better rate than a personal loan or credit card. They’re especially helpful if you’re buying a fixer-upper or want to make your home more market-ready before selling. By using financing designed for home improvements, you can tackle value-boosting projects sooner, and potentially enjoy the return on investment when you sell.
