Your home isn’t just where your heart is—it’s one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. And if you go about it properly, a resale can bring in a substantial return. Whether you’re putting your house on the market sooner or later, a little effort now through strategic home renovations can lead to big payoffs when it’s time to list. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the best home renovations to increase value, backed by research and industry insights, to help you get the most out of your home and your investment. 

Is Home Improvement Worth It?

Home renovation projects are small changes that improve or maintain a house without significantly altering its structure. Renovations keep your home beautiful and functional to retain its original value, and hopefully, exceed it when it’s time to resell. 

According to research by Thumbtack, well-maintained homes sell for up to 10% more than those in average condition.¹ And in today’s crowded real estate market, you’ll need that competitive edge to maximize your home’s value and make it stand apart from the rest. 

But where should you start, and which projects are actually worth the investment? 

6 Renovations to Increase Home Value

Thinking about selling your house someday? Below are some of the best renovations for increasing value. 

1. Replace the Garage Door

The garage door is one of the most prominent components of your home’s exterior, and it plays a significant role in curb appeal—or how visually attractive your home will be to buyers. A clean, modern garage door can boost curb appeal and help justify a higher asking price. 

In 2024, garage door replacements brought in more return on investment (ROI) than any other type of home renovation project.² According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by the Journal of Light Construction (JLC), homeowners saw an average ROI of 193.9%. This upgrade can also increase your home’s resale value by as much as $4,238. 

2. Refresh Interior Paint 

Cracked, peeling, or faded paint can hinder your home’s appearance and send the wrong impression to prospective buyers. 

With a low upfront cost and high return, a fresh coat of interior paint is a wise choice for boosting your home’s value. According to Angi research, the average ROI for new interior paint is 107%, helping your home sell for anywhere between $2,140 and $16,050 more.³

Sticking to a neutral color palette will appeal to a wide range of design styles. However, 2023 Zillow studies suggest that all white walls are out—and buyers are willing to pay up to $2,512 more for darker, moodier paint colors.⁴

3. Install a Steel Front Door

When prospective buyers are entering your home for the first time, the front door will greet them before the house does. The condition of your front door is your chance to make the right first impression. 

Replacing your front door with an all-steel option can significantly increase your home’s value. Based on data from JCL’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, your home can sell for an average of $2,075 more, allowing you to recoup up to 188.1% of your initial investment at resale.² 

4. Improve Landscaping

Landscaping can make or break your home’s curb appeal. According to Zillow research, 74% of recent home sellers believe landscaping played a major role in helping their home sell.⁵

You can improve your home’s landscaping by:

Simple upgrades like these can make your home more appealing to buyers and boost its value. 

5. Improve Home Insulation

Upgrading your home’s insulation is one of the most effective ways to increase comfort, energy efficiency, and resale value. According to Energy Star, an estimated 90% of homes in the United States are under-insulated.⁶ Research also shows that with the right sealing and insulation improvements, you can lower your home’s energy waste by up to 45%.⁷

This not only saves you money on energy bills before you’re ready to list, but also makes your home more appealing to buyers who are interested in energy-efficient features. 

6. Install a Smart Thermostat 

Installing a smart thermostat is a simple yet impactful way to modernize your home and appeal to buyers. With 30% of North American households already relying on smart home technology to heat and cool their homes⁸, this upgrade will appeal to a wide net of buyers looking for convenient, energy-efficient solutions. 

Additionally, according to a study by Nest, this brand’s smart thermostat paid for itself in two years, saving customers up to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling. 

Contact DRF Builders for Home Renovation Services in Ada County

If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market, whether soon or in the future, there is no better time than now to get a head start on increasing its value. Renovations are key for getting your home ready to sell, appealing to potential buyers, and maximizing your investment. 

At DRF Builders, we have years of experience in residential construction and have completed countless renovation projects for Idaho homeowners just like you. Our in-house team of experts is ready to help you maximize the value of your home and bring your vision to life. Contact us online today or call (208) 254-2002 to speak with a team member over the phone.

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