Renovations That Increase Home Value (And Ones That Don’t)

Lionel Madamba
Jan 7
2 min read

Not all renovations add value—and some can actually hurt resale. The smartest upgrades are the ones buyers notice immediately and appraisers can justify. Below is a clear breakdown of renovations that typically pay off versus those that often don’t.

✅ Renovations That Increase Home Value

1. Kitchen Updates (High Impact, Smart Scope)

You don’t need a full gut renovation to win buyers.

Refinished or painted cabinets
Updated hardware and faucets
New countertops (quartz and granite perform best)
Modern backsplash and lighting

Why it works: Kitchens drive emotion. Buyers often decide how they feel about the entire home here.

2. Bathroom Refreshes

Clean, modern bathrooms signal a well-maintained home.

New vanities or mirrors
Updated fixtures and shower glass
Neutral tile and fresh grout

Pro tip: Even small bathrooms can feel “new” with the right finishes.

3. Curb Appeal Improvements

First impressions directly affect perceived value.

Fresh exterior paint or power washing
Landscaping cleanup and lighting
New front door or modern house numbers

ROI insight: Exterior upgrades often return value before buyers even step inside.

4. Flooring Upgrades

Consistent, updated flooring creates visual flow.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
Engineered hardwood
New carpet in bedrooms only

Avoid: Mixing too many flooring types—it breaks the turnkey feel.

5. Energy-Efficient Improvements

Buyers increasingly value lower operating costs.

Updated windows
Energy-efficient appliances
Smart thermostats

Bonus: These upgrades can appeal to both buyers and appraisers.

❌ Renovations That Rarely Pay Off

6. Overly Personalized Design Choices

What you love may turn buyers away.

Bold colors or themed rooms
Custom murals or statement tiles
Ultra-modern or ultra-rustic styles

Buyer mindset: If they can’t imagine their life there, value drops.

7. Luxury Upgrades That Don’t Match the Neighborhood

Over-improving can limit your buyer pool.

High-end appliances in entry-level homes
Spa bathrooms in modest neighborhoods
Custom finishes beyond local comps

Rule of thumb: Renovate for your market, not your taste.

8. Converting Bedrooms Into Specialty Rooms

Home gyms
Theater rooms
Oversized closets replacing bedrooms

Why it hurts: Bedroom count matters more than lifestyle extras.

9. DIY Work That Looks DIY

Buyers can spot shortcuts instantly.

Uneven tile
Poor paint lines
Visible patchwork

Reality: Buyers mentally price in the cost to redo it—often at a premium.

10. High-Cost Projects With Low ROI

These upgrades rarely return full value:

Swimming pools (market-dependent)
Extensive landscaping features
Luxury outdoor kitchens

Exception: Markets where these features are expected.

🏁 Final Takeaway

The best renovations:

✔ Feel neutral and finished

✔ Align with local buyer expectations

✔ Make the home feel easy to move into

If you’re renovating to sell, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s maximum appeal with minimum friction.