Want Top Dollar for Your Home? These 5 Renovations Pay Off Big in 2025

Are you thinking about selling your home soon? The right renovations can increase your home’s value while helping it sell faster. But not all upgrades are created equal.

According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS®, these are the home projects that offer the best return on investment and highest buyer interest.

Best Home Renovations with the Highest Return on Investment

The top-performing projects in terms of cost recovery are:

• New Steel Front Door – 100% Cost Recovery
  • Adds security and sleekness, hosts a 100% return on investment, making it the most affordable and impactful updates sellers can make.
• Closet Renovation – 83% Cost Recovery
  • Efficient storage is important for prospective buyers, and renovating closet space adds functionality.
• New Fiberglass Front Door – 80% Cost Recovery
  • Fiberglass improves curb appeal and energy efficiency, serving as a more expensive alternative to its steel counterpart.
• New Vinyl or Wood Windows – 74% and 71% cost recovery
  • Much like fiberglass doors, upgrading improves aesthetics and energy efficiency, two attractive qualities to the modern buyer.
• Basement Conversion to Living Area – 71% Cost Recovery
  • Adding livable square footage is a major value booster, especially for a basement spaces marketed as a second living room or home office.

What Projects Bring the Most Joy?

Personal satisfaction is also important to buyers. Some projects bring lots of joy, such as:

• Adding a Primary Bedroom Suite
• Upgrading the Kitchen
• Replacing Roofing

These projects offer a strong combination of resale value and homeowner satisfaction.

What Makes a Renovated Home Attractive to Buyers?

According to the National Association of Realtors, buyers are less willing to compromise on a home’s condition. With 46 percent of realtors reporting that buyers expect updated homes.
In other words, renovation is an investment in appeal and equity.

Renovations to do Before Selling House

Before you sell, Realtors recommend potential sellers to:

• Paint the entire home
• Paint one room
• Get a New Roof
• Upgrade the Kitchen
• Renovate the Bathroom

Fresh paint is a budget-friendly project with high visual impact.

Roofing, kitchens, and bathrooms are important to many buyers; they want them updated, clean, and safe.

Our Takeaway: Balance Budget and Buyer Expectations

At Coldwell Banker, Harris McHaney & Faucette, successful renovations balance cost, joy, and market demand. Here’s how to approach your decision:

• Start Small: Painting and front door upgrades offer great return on investment and curb appeal.
• Think Long-Term: Projects like new windows, roofs, or basement conversions increase livable space, curb appeal, and energy efficiency.
• Know the Market: Focus on more long-term trends, like upgraded kitchens and bathrooms.
• Mid-range Projects Perform Well: Don’t be afraid to dip into more complex projects, like closet renovations or Attic Conversions, which offer a good balance of added value and buyer interest.

The Homeowner Approach:

While remaining competitive in the market by remodeling is important, so are your expectations!
According to statistics on the result of remodeling:

• 28% of owners report better functionality
• 23% report durable and long-lasting results
• 23% report more beautiful homes.

On top of that, 80% of people feel some sense of accomplishment over their completed project.

Looking for a Guide?

Coldwell Banker, Harris McHaney & Faucette knows what today’s buyers are looking for, and what investment makes sense for your goals in the market.

Before you renovate, contact us for expert advice on transforming your house.