Best renovations for resale value
See which home improvements add the most resale value for the money — then check any project for your own home with the free calculator.
Free · no sign-up · based on 2026 national Cost-vs-Value benchmarks.
Adjusts benchmark costs to your currency and regional cost level.
Estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs, resale value and ROI may vary by market, property condition, project scope, contractor pricing and timing. This is general information, not financial, investment, construction, legal or tax advice.
How it compares
Every project ranked by how much of its cost you recoup at resale, at your settings. Your pick is highlighted.
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The projects that recoup the most
The best returns usually come from small, unglamorous exterior projects — a new garage door (~160%), a steel entry door (~150%), manufactured stone veneer (~150%), added attic insulation (~110%) and hardwood floor refinishing (~100%). They cost little, change a lot of what buyers see first, and fix ‘condition’ that buyers reward.
Cosmetic interior updates come next: a minor kitchen remodel (~85%), new or refinished flooring, a whole-home repaint (~80%) and a cosmetic refresh (~75%).
Where money quietly disappears
Big additions and luxury overhauls recoup the least — a major kitchen (~50%), a bathroom addition (~50%) and a primary-suite addition (~48%). That’s not a reason never to do them, just a reason to go in with the resale math in view.
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Frequently asked questions
What home improvements add the most value?
Small exterior upgrades lead: garage door and entry door replacement, manufactured stone veneer, added insulation and hardwood refinishing all recoup near or above 100% of their cost on average.
Do kitchens and bathrooms add the most value?
They’re popular but not the highest ROI. A minor kitchen remodel recoups ~85% and a bathroom remodel ~74%, while full remodels and additions recoup around half. Curb appeal and condition usually beat square footage and luxury.
What renovations lose the most money?
Large additions and ultra-luxury finishes recoup the least — often under 50% — because you pay full price for space and specification you only partly recover at resale.
Keep exploring
Estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs, resale value and ROI may vary by market, property condition, project scope, contractor pricing and timing. This is general information, not financial, investment, construction, legal or tax advice.