Which Renovations Have the Best Return on Investment?
Not all renovations are created equal. Some add $2 in value for every $1 spent. Others barely break even. See the data before you decide where to invest.
Renovation ROI by Room
Select a renovation to see the expected return on investment
Average Cost
$15,000
Value Added
$12,000
What's Included
Cabinet refacing, new countertops, updated hardware, fresh paint, new backsplash
Timeframe
2–4 weeks
Best bang for your buck — the #1 ROI renovation
ROI estimates based on national averages from remodeling industry reports. Actual returns vary by location, market conditions, and quality of work.
The #1 ROI Rule
Minor cosmetic renovations almost always outperform major gut jobs on ROI. A $15K kitchen refresh returns 80 cents per dollar. A $75K gut renovation returns 40 cents.
The reason: buyers pay for how a home looks and feels, not how much you spent. A well-executed cosmetic update can make a home feel completely new at a fraction of the cost of structural changes.
Before you spend, visualize what the renovation will look like. A photorealistic preview helps you decide if the cosmetic update is enough — or if you truly need the full renovation.
Explore Renovation Ideas by Room
See AI-generated renovation inspiration for every room
Renovation ROI FAQ
What renovation has the highest ROI?
A minor kitchen remodel consistently delivers the highest ROI at around 80%. This means refacing cabinets, updating countertops and hardware, and refreshing paint and backsplash — not a full gut renovation. The key insight: cosmetic updates that change the look without changing the layout deliver the best returns.
Is a kitchen remodel worth the investment?
A minor kitchen remodel ($15,000) returns about $12,000 at resale — an 80% ROI. A major kitchen remodel ($45,000) returns about $27,000 — a 60% ROI. The minor remodel is almost always the better investment unless the kitchen is truly non-functional. Focus on visible changes: cabinet faces, countertops, hardware, and lighting.
Do bathroom renovations add value?
Yes. A mid-range bathroom renovation returns about 70% of its cost at resale. For a $15,000 bathroom remodel, expect about $10,500 in added home value. Bathrooms are the second-best ROI room after kitchens. Key value drivers: updated vanity, tile work, and modern fixtures.
What renovations should I do before selling?
In order of ROI: 1) Minor kitchen refresh (paint, hardware, countertops). 2) Bathroom updates (vanity, fixtures, tile). 3) Fresh paint throughout. 4) New flooring in main living areas. 5) Curb appeal (landscaping, front door). Skip full gut renovations before selling — you rarely recoup the cost.
How do I calculate renovation ROI?
ROI = (Value Added ÷ Cost) × 100. For example, if a $15,000 kitchen remodel adds $12,000 to your home value, the ROI is ($12,000 ÷ $15,000) × 100 = 80%. Note that "value added" is typically estimated from comparable home sales and real estate appraisals, not an exact science.
Should I renovate or sell as-is?
It depends on your market and the condition of your home. In a seller's market, selling as-is may be fine — buyers expect to renovate. In a buyer's market, minor cosmetic updates (paint, fixtures, landscaping) can make the difference between selling quickly and sitting on the market. Never do a major renovation solely to increase sale price.
See What Your Renovation Will Look Like
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