Small projects, big gains: Home improvements that add value

Key takeaways

• Modest kitchen and bathroom improvements — such as new countertops, backsplashes, painted or refaced cabinets, updated fixtures and energy-efficient appliances — often deliver strong returns without the expense of full remodels.
• Upgrades like Energy Star appliances, windows, insulation, HVAC systems and solar panels can lower utility bills and increase resale value by making homes more attractive to cost-conscious buyers.
• Relatively inexpensive exterior improvements — landscaping, fresh paint, new front or garage doors and repaired driveways — can generate outsized returns by shaping first impressions and helping listings stand out online.

Investing in home improvement projects can boost a home’s resale value or lower ongoing energy costs. But not all upgrades deliver the same return on investment.

If it’s time to sell, focus first on smaller improvements that can help command a higher sale price. These updates can also pay off if you refinance at a lower interest rate or tap a home equity line of credit.

“A kitchen renovation is the first place I recommend my clients spend their money if they’re thinking about doing a remodel,” said Christopher Brown, principal and broker at Next New Homes Group in Roseville, California. “The ROI is massive.”

According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price of a kitchen upgrade is $60,000 and delivers a potential 60% return on investment.

Replacing outdated countertops can increase a home’s value and deliver a strong return. Home improvement marketplace Angi estimates the average cost to install kitchen countertops ranges from $1,870 to $4,400, though some homeowners pay as much as $10,000 for premium materials.

Material choice matters. Quartz is popular and costs $15 to $70 a square foot, according to Angi. Granite also is popular but can be expensive, ranging from $10 to $100 a square foot. A high-quality laminate is only $8 to $35 a square foot but may have a lower ROI.

Installing a backsplash is a more budget-friendly kitchen update. Costs typically range from $500 to $1,700, and Angi estimates DIY homeowners can cut that cost by up to half.

Common materials include:

• Tile: about $25 per square foot
• Stainless steel: about $20 per square foot
• Glass: about $30 per square foot

“A lot of people think you have to completely remove and replace all cabinets to do an upgrade or a renovation,” said Aaron Luttrull, president at Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services in New Albany, Indiana.

If cabinets are structurally sound, Luttrull recommends painting them and updating the hardware. “Making sure that they have some modern touches is going to be one of the best things you can do in a kitchen,” he said.

Angi data shows cabinet replacement can account for 40% or more of a kitchen remodel’s total cost. More affordable options include:

• Painting cabinets: $3 to $10 per square foot, or about $919 on average
• Refacing cabinets: about $7,225 on average
• Replacing hardware: A minor kitchen remodel that includes new hardware has a 96.1% ROI, according to Remodeling Magazine

“Matching appliances is always a bonus for a lot of buyers,” Luttrull said, particularly when they are energy efficient.

While energy-efficient appliances may cost more upfront, energy savings and rebates can offset the price. Energy Star estimates replacing an older refrigerator with an energy-efficient model can save more than $300 per year in operating costs.

“A bath remodel is my number two remodel suggestion for my clients,” Brown said. Updating fixtures, tile and lighting can make a significant difference. “If you’re handy, a bath remodel is also one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can do,” he added.

The average cost of a mid-range bathroom remodeling job was $26,138 in 2025, according to the Journal of Light Construction. It recouped 80% of the cost, it said.

Replacing an outdated vanity with higher-quality materials delivers a strong return. Angi estimates the average cost of vanity installation, including labor and materials, is $2,300.

Luttrull recommended swapping old vanities and sinks for more modern designs. Homeowners can also custom-build vanities with finishes such as granite, though Angi estimates an ROI just under 60% for custom projects.

Upgrading faucets, showerheads and lighting is a quick, affordable way to refresh a bathroom.

Angi estimates:

• Faucet and showerhead replacement: $260 to $270
• Light fixture installation: about $585

Bright vanity lighting paired with softer overhead lighting can enhance both function and appeal.

Replacing outdated tile can significantly improve value. Angi estimates bathroom retile projects average $2,000, with ROI reaching 100% in some cases.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer durable, waterproof finishes. In colder climates, Angi recommends heated floors to further boost value.

Installing a low-flow toilet with a modern design can reduce water bills and improve resale appeal. Home Depot estimates toilet installation and replacement costs range from $185 to $400.

“If you have two homes that are priced relatively similarly and are in similar condition, the homes with more energy efficiency are going to be a lot more appealing to most buyers,” Luttrull said, citing lower utility bills and maintenance costs.

Brown said energy-efficient windows, doors and appliances can increase a home’s value by 5% to 10%. Many state and local utilities also offer rebates to offset upgrade costs.

Replacing old windows and doors improves efficiency and comfort. The average vinyl window replacement project cost $22,073 and returned 76% of its cost, according to the Journal of Light Construction. The average wood window replacement costs $26,781 and returned 70%, it said.

The Department of Energy estimates Energy Star-certified windows can reduce annual energy bills by 7% to 15%, or $71 to $501 per year.

Older homes often lack adequate insulation. Improving insulation in walls, ceilings and floors can increase comfort and pay for itself in energy savings within a few years, according to the Department of Energy.

The upfront costs range from $1,000 to $8,000 per area, according to Anderson Insulation. Homes can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling. Insulation projects also may qualify for federal or state tax credits and rebates.

The average cost to replace a complete HVAC system in 2026 ranges from $5,000 to $28,000, according to Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems. The price depends on system type, energy efficient ratings, home size and installation complexity.

A new HVAC system can increase home value by 5% to 10%, depending on the market and system type, according to Eagle Pipe Heating & Air in Poulsbo, Washington. Most homeowners can recover 30% to 70% of installation costs when they sell their homes.

Solar panels can deliver long-term savings. Angi estimates homeowners save an average of $1,380 annually on energy bills, with systems typically paying for themselves in about nine years.

Curb appeal accounts for about 7% of a home’s value, according to a University of Texas at Arlington study. Exterior appearance also shapes buyers’ first impressions.

“This is a lower value item than some of the other items on the list, but when people are searching for a home on the internet, they typically don’t see your stunning remodeled kitchen and bathroom picture first,” Brown said. “They see a picture of the front of your home. If you don’t spend a few dollars on paint and landscaping, all the money you spent inside was wasted, because everyone kept scrolling by your home."

Maintaining a clean, well-kept yard delivers some of the highest returns. Well-designed landscaping can increase a home’s value up to 20%, according to TRC Outdoor, a landscaping company in St. Louis, Missouri.

“The biggest thing is making sure that your home is clean, clear of debris and that your landscaping is not overgrown,” Luttrull said.

A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve curb appeal. An interior paint job can result in a 107% return on investment, according to Opendoor, a nationwide firm that buys and sells real estate. An exterior paint project can increase home value by 2% to 5%, it said.

Replacing or refinishing the front door offers strong returns. Remodeling Magazine ranks steel entry door replacement second among projects with the highest ROI, at about 188% on a $2,355 investment.

Garage door replacement also delivers high returns. Remodeling Magazine estimates nearly 194% ROI on a $4,500 investment.

“One of the biggest returns on investment that people have looked at for boosting curb appeal and home value is replacing the garage door,” Luttrull said. “It's one of those things that people often overlook, but it has a massive impact.”

Repairing cracked or damaged surfaces improves first impressions at a relatively low cost. Angi estimates average repair costs of:

• Asphalt driveway: $2,454
• Concrete driveway: $1,782
• Sidewalk repair: $1,593

This story was updated April 23.