Here’s How To Plan Projects That Pay Off
Summer is the perfect season for home improvement. Longer days, warmer weather, and the urge to refresh and renew our spaces provide natural inspiration to tackle projects that not only enhance your daily life but also add significant value to your home, from painting and landscaping to roof replacements and deck installations.
Whether you’re planning a major remodel or a simple upgrade, approaching your projects thoughtfully and strategically can maximize your investment and transform your living environment. This month, we bring you some midsummer home improvement ideas and tips to maximize the return on your investment.
Top Summer Home Improvement Projects With Solid ROI
1. Curb appeal: Exterior upgrades
First impressions matter. Projects that improve your home’s exterior not only make your property more attractive but also deliver some of the highest returns on investment.
Fresh paint: Let’s start with the basics. A new coat of paint—inside or out—can make even dated homes feel fresh and modern, with exterior painting especially impactful for resale value. For a typical 2,000-square-foot home, the average cost is in the neighborhood of $6,500, but it can vary based on the number of stories, the type of siding, and required prep work, such as pressure washing, scraping, and caulking.
Entry door replacement: Swapping out your front door for a new steel or fiberglass model can dramatically improve curb appeal and energy efficiency, often recouping more than 100% of the cost at resale. The average cost is around $2,500.
Garage door replacement: This upgrade is consistently ranked as one of the best for ROI, with homeowners recovering up to 189% of the investment. Plan to spend around $5,000 on average.
Stone veneer accents: Adding a stone veneer to your facade or entryway provides a luxury look and can yield a return of 150% or more. Costs can vary considerably, depending on the design and type of stone, but a ballpark average can be in the neighborhood of $10,000.
2. Outdoor living spaces: Decks, patios, and landscaping
Summer is synonymous with outdoor living. Upgrading your outside space increases your home’s appeal and gives you features you can enjoy immediately.
Deck or patio addition: Creating a deck or patio expands your living area and is highly customizable. Consider adding features like built-in seating, fire pits, or an outdoor kitchen for extra enjoyment and value. Budget $16,000 for an average 16 by 20 foot wood deck, more if you want some of the bells and whistles listed above. Expect ROI of around 80%.
Landscaping overhauls: Investing in landscaping—like planting trees, installing sprinkler systems, or adding hardscaping—can transform your yard and attract buyers. A modest front yard renovation might cost $3,000, while a full redesign for a larger property could exceed $15,000. With careful maintenance, you can expect to recoup 100% or more of your investment.
Patio enclosures or sunrooms: Enclosing a patio or adding a sunroom provides year-round enjoyment and increases usable square footage, which is a major selling point. Sunrooms, especially four-season rooms, can add 50%-70% of their cost to a home’s value. Screened porches, while offering a lower ROI, still increase property value by enhancing curb appeal and adding usable space. Costs vary widely, depending on design.
“With so many possibilities, it’s important to prioritize projects that align with your goals and budget. Start with a well-thought-out game plan.”
3. Energy-efficient upgrades
Modern buyers are increasingly eco-conscious, and energy-efficient improvements can lower utility bills while boosting your home’s value.
Window upgrades: Replacing old windows and doors with energy-efficient models can not only deliver ROI through curb appeal, but it can pay dividends year-round by reducing your energy bills. For a home with 18 windows, the average total replacement cost can be just over $30,000 with an expected ROI of up to 80%.
Smart home technology: Installing a smart thermostat, lighting, automated window treatments, and security features can improve comfort and save money, with many buyers willing to pay more for these features. Costs for basic installations average around $5,000, but fully customized, professional installations can cost far more. ROI analysis is mixed, with a bigger payoff for multifamily properties.
Roof replacement: A new roof not only protects your home but is also a major factor in energy efficiency and costs. With a lifespan of 20-30 years, a newer roof is an attractive selling point for homebuyers. ROI is typically 60%-70%, with a national average cost of around $10,000. Complex roofs with multiple gables and valleys will be more costly.
4. Kitchen and bathroom updates
Kitchens and bathrooms are the heart of the home. Even minor updates can have a big impact on value and daily enjoyment. And good news: Modest projects often offer a greater ROI than major renovations.
Minor kitchen remodels: Focus on cosmetic updates like new countertops, cabinet faces and hardware, and updated appliances. Basic improvements like these can be achieved with costs at or below $25,000, with an average ROI of 85%. In contrast, major renovation costs could exceed $100,000, diluting the ROI by half or more.
Bathroom refreshes: The law of diminishing returns applies here, too. A good strategy is to plan simple items such as new tile, fixtures, or vanities. These changes can make bathrooms feel brand new and are highly attractive to buyers. Remodel costs average $12,000 nationally, with ROI in the 60%-70% range, with returns falling for more extensive renovations.
5. Interior enhancements
Small changes inside can make your home feel more inviting and functional.
Accent walls: Adding a feature wall with paint, wallpaper, or textured materials is a cost-effective way to refresh a space and can greatly enhance a home’s perceived value. Simple accent walls might cost only a few hundred dollars, while more complex designs with wood paneling or built-in shelves or bookcases can cost thousands. ROI often exceeds 100%.
Lighting upgrades: Replacing outdated fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. Fixture costs range from less than $100 to $500 or more, with ROI between 50% and 70%. Some upgrades, such as under-cabinet lighting, can yield greater returns.
Flooring installation: Upgrading to luxury vinyl planks or engineered hardwoods in high-traffic areas improves durability and appeal. Depending on the type of material you choose, costs can range from around $3 to $22 per square foot. Genuine hardwood installations can yield an ROI of 100% or more.
Start With a Game Plan: Choosing the Right Projects
With so many possibilities, it’s important to prioritize projects that align with your goals and budget. Here’s how to make smart choices:
- Assess your home’s needs: Identify areas that need repair or updating, focusing on projects that address both aesthetics and function.
- Consider return on investment: Research which projects offer the best ROI in your area. Exterior improvements, energy-efficient upgrades, and minor kitchen or bathroom remodels typically provide the greatest value.
- Budget wisely: Determine how much you can spend and leave a buffer of 10%-15% to cover unexpected costs—you’ll be glad you did.
- Think long term: Choose improvements that will enhance your enjoyment of the home now and appeal to future buyers.
- Consult professionals: For larger projects, working with experienced contractors can be a wise move. While you may be able to tackle basic projects on your own, trying to DIY with more complex and specialized projects can lead to costly mistakes.
Renew and Enjoy!
Summer is the perfect time to invest in your home. Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard oasis, a modern kitchen, or simply want to boost your curb appeal, choosing the right projects can pay dividends in comfort, enjoyment, and resale value.
