20 Home Renovations That Instantly Add Value to Your Home

Loose fill attic insulation

Adding attic insulation remains at the top of the list on a national average with a 107 percent cost recoup. It’s the only project that recoups the cost and adds to the resale value. The cost of installing loose fill fiberglass insulation has risen by 5.9 in the past year. Insulating an attic will also save money on energy costs.

Steel door replacement for entryway

A steel entry door ranks second on the list with an average recoup of 90.7 percent of the cost in resale value. The average cost of the job ran $1,413 nationally and the resale came in at $1,282.

Manufactured stone veneer

A manufactured stone veneer project remains high on the list of valuable home updates as well. An average of 89.4 percent of the cost of the remodeling project is recouped in resale value. Don’t miss the 32 ways to save during a home renovation.

Minor kitchen remodel

People can go wild with kitchen remodeling projects but they don’t need to do that. A minor kitchen remodeling project recoups more of the cost than a major one. A minor kitchen remodel had an average cost of $20,830 and of that, $16,699 was recouped for 89.4 percent. A major kitchen remodel project with an average cost of $62,158 returned about $40,560 in resale value for 65.3 cost recoup percentage.

Garage door replacement

Replacing a garage door is big for curb appeal and it’s also big on its ability to recoup the cost of the project. A garage door replacement is one of the cheaper projects with an average cost of $1,749 but it also returns an average of $1,345 in resale value. Find out the 14 things you shouldn’t buy in a home-improvement store.

Fiberglass entry door replacement

On the list of upscale remodeling projects, a fiberglass entry door replacement recouped 85 percent of the cost. Just don’t fall for the 12 home renovations that you’re likely to regret later.

Siding replacement

Appraisers typically look at the structural elements of a home as part of their process and siding usually plays a part in that. A siding remodeling project carried an average cost of $14,518 and recouped 76.4 percent of the cost.

Window replacement

Addressing your windows isn’t just window dressing. Potential buyers will notice them and so do appraisers.Vinyl and wood have comparable recoup rates but wood has a higher average cost and nearly 1 percent less recoup rate.

Universal design

Aging-in-place or universal design is gaining traction among baby boomers who’d rather continue to live in their homes than have to move later in life. Universal design involves reworking a home so it functions for wheelchair mobility and adds safety features like grab bars in convenient places. The recoup rate is 68.4, according to Remodeling Magazine.

Roof replacement

The roof is one of the most important parts of a home so replacing one is an important project that home buyers will notice. It also turns out to be a pretty good investment, which recoups 68.8 percent of the cost in resale value.

Deck Addition

A wood deck addition falls on the inexpensive side of remodeling projects but it’s of the more valuable. Remodeling Magazine’s report finds that a deck addition has a national average cost of $10,707 and will have a resale value of $7,652. Here are 13 secrets to finding a contractor you can trust for your next home renovation.

Smart home technology

Smart devices are infiltrating homes at increasing rates. Statista, a market research firm found that 33 percent of homes have one connected device and that number could rise to 60 percent by 2021. These smart devices can even detect leaks in your water heater. Check out 14 gadgets that make your home a smart house.

Attention to detail shows house is cared for

Simple fixes like working on the lighting of a home not only cast a new light on the home but also show the level of care given to the home. Buyers notice the little items and it’s important to show those without having to tell buyers all the facts.

Cover up wear by repainting walls

The paint on walls gets chipped through the years or maybe you’ve got crayon marks from kids you’ve wanted to clean up. Replace those holes in the wall from hanging items by painting. Experts suggest using neutral colors when painting rooms. Don’t miss the 10 things that your home contractor really wants you to know.

A finished basement increases value

An unfinished basement can save money on buying a house but a finished basement instantly adds value to the home. The amount of added useable square footage comes at a lower cost usually than an addition. Plus, the space can be reimagined for uses by the buyers.

Rip up carpeting and install hardwood or laminate

Enhance decks with lighting

Landscape lighting may seem like a complicated DIY project, but low-voltage lighting systems are actually a job any beginner can tackle. And if you make your deck the focus, the extra visibility will even add a certain level of safety. Low-voltage systems are much less dangerous that standard household wiring because the system relies on a transformer, which is plugged into a standard GFCI receptacle, to convert power from 120 volts down to 12 volts. The current travels through outdoor cables to supply power to the fixtures. There are several methods to approaching a deck lighting system – we’ll show you how here.

Install a kitchen backsplash

The kitchen is full of big-ticket items, but the backsplash doesn’t have to be one. Installing a backsplash yourself will save about $20 per square foot on a professional installation job, leaving more wiggle room to play with your materials cost. Mosaic tile, like the type shown above, comes in a wide variety of colors and materials to suit every kitchen and commonly starts at about $10 per square foot. They’re mounted on 12×12-inch sheets, which makes the job a simple weekend project. They’re also able to be cut along the mesh backing, saving you from having to make too many cuts with a wet saw. Plan on installing the tile on Saturday and grouting and sealing them Sunday. See how we DIYed this backsplash here.

Upgrade kitchen lighting

Kitchens are the new multi-purpose room. Not only do they need to accommodate the cook, but they also serve as a workstation for kids and adults, gathering space for family meals and dinner parties—the list goes on. The good news is that while lighting plays a big role in setting the mood for these tasks, it’s easy to come up with a custom solution to suit both your family’s needs and the restraints of the existing wiring. Have a laugh and possibly cringe at these 14 hilariously failed kitchen renovations.

The biggest bang for your buck

A fresh coat of paint instantly updates and transforms the entire interior of your home, and when you consider that the average price tag of a gallon of one-coat coverage paint is around $38, that’s about the biggest bang for your buck you can get. “Grays are back in vogue, and create a neutral palette that lets your decor really pop,” says Steve Frellick, licensed contractor and founder/broker of Yonder Luxury Vacation Rentals. Repaint your bathroom blue, and your house could fetch as much as $5,440 more than expected, according to a recent Zillow report. Next, you need to know the 15 home improvement trends that you should avoid at all costs.