Data-Driven Investment Analysis
Renovation ROI Calculator
Not every renovation pays for itself. See which projects actually increase your home value — and which ones are money pits.
$100K$2M
7
Projects with 80%+ ROI
$241K
Total Potential Value Added
51%
Average ROI (Selected)
Hardwood Flooring Refinish
Interiorhigh demand
Cost
$3,400
Value Added
+$5,000
ROI
147%
Recoup
Immediate
The highest ROI project you can do. $3-5/sq ft to refinish vs $8-18 to replace.
Interior Paint (Full Home)
Interiorhigh demand
Cost
$4,500
Value Added
+$4,800
ROI
107%
Recoup
Immediate
Neutral whites and warm grays have the broadest appeal. Avoid bold colors for resale.
Garage Door Replacement
Exteriorhigh demand
Cost
$4,300
Value Added
+$4,400
ROI
102%
Recoup
Immediate
The #1 ROI home project for 5 years running. Buyers notice curb appeal first.
Landscaping Upgrade
Exteriorhigh demand
Cost
$5,000
Value Added
+$5,000
ROI
100%
Recoup
Immediate
Mature trees add $1,000-10,000 in value. Focus on front yard for curb appeal.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Exteriorhigh demand
Cost
$11,000
Value Added
+$10,500
ROI
96%
Recoup
Immediate
Replace vinyl siding on front facade only. Partial projects have highest ROI.
Minor Kitchen Remodel
Kitchenhigh demand
Cost
$28,000
Value Added
+$23,800
ROI
85%
Recoup
At sale
Reface cabinets instead of replacing. New counters + appliances = biggest impact per dollar.
Vinyl Siding Replacement
Exteriormedium demand
Cost
$19,200
Value Added
+$15,700
ROI
82%
Recoup
At sale
Choose a neutral color. Dark colors fade faster and limit buyer appeal.
Vinyl Window Replacement
Windowshigh demand
Cost
$22,600
Value Added
+$16,500
ROI
73%
Recoup
At sale + energy savings
Energy savings of $200-400/year add to the financial return beyond resale.
Bathroom Remodel (Mid-Range)
Bathroomhigh demand
Cost
$27,200
Value Added
+$19,300
ROI
71%
Recoup
At sale
Focus on the master bath. Modern vanity + tile + fixtures = perception of luxury.
Wood Deck Addition
Outdoorhigh demand
Cost
$20,000
Value Added
+$13,600
ROI
68%
Recoup
At sale
300-400 sq ft is the sweet spot. Larger decks have diminishing returns.
Solar Panel Installation
Energymedium demand
Cost
$25,000
Value Added
+$15,000
ROI
60%
Recoup
7-10 years (energy savings)
Homes with solar sell 4.1% higher on average. The 30% federal tax credit makes this a strong play.
Smart Home System
Technologymedium demand
Cost
$3,000
Value Added
+$1,500
ROI
50%
Recoup
At sale
Smart thermostat + video doorbell + smart locks = the trifecta buyers expect in 2026.
Major Kitchen Remodel
Kitchenhigh demandOver-improve risk
Cost
$82,000
Value Added
+$36,900
ROI
45%
Recoup
At sale (partial)
Over-improving for your neighborhood kills ROI. Don't exceed 15% of home value.
Primary Suite Addition
Additionmedium demandOver-improve risk
Cost
$157,000
Value Added
+$59,700
ROI
38%
Recoup
At sale (partial)
Only worth it if your home is significantly below neighborhood average in bedrooms.
Swimming Pool
Outdoorlow demandOver-improve risk
Cost
$65,000
Value Added
+$9,750
ROI
15%
Recoup
Rarely
Pools actually DECREASE value in some markets. Build for lifestyle, not investment.