The Most Popular Home Improvement Projects

Television schedules are packed to the rafters with shows about home improvements and flipping houses. Tell us: Are you more of a Fixer Upper person or a This Old House person?

Now, it’s one thing to watch a TV show about home improvements . . . and another thing to do it yourself!

If you’re thinking about renovating your house, you probably have questions like: What are the most popular home renovations? What renovations will make my house worth more? And which common home improvements should I think twice about before heading in with the sledgehammer? 

Those are all great questions—so let’s get some answers.

What Are the Most Popular Home Improvement Projects?

People renovate their homes for lots of reasons—for instance, to increase their home's value, sell the home, or make the most of their space. And those are all great things!

But you know what isn’t great? Jumping into a renovation without a budget or a plan.

To help you get started, here are the most popular house renovations—plus what they typically cost.

The Most Popular Indoor Home Improvements

Minor Kitchen Remodel: $27,500¹

The kitchen is the heart of the home. And even small updates—like replacing cabinet doors, countertops, lighting, flooring and appliances—can make a big difference. The great thing about a minor kitchen remodel (compared to starting from scratch) is the return on your investment. If you sell your house, you could recoup about 96% of the money you spent.² And if you’re not moving anytime soon, that upgrade is still worth it—especially if your kitchen is where you spend most of your time.

Midrange Bathroom Remodel: $25,300³

Bathroom remodeling is big business! Home buyers love to see a bright, modern bathroom, which is why it’s such a popular room to renovate.

Common updates include refreshing shower areas, replacing vanities and toilets, laying new tile, fitting new countertops, or adding fixtures and lighting. Aim for midrange fixtures—they have the same visual impact as the high-end options, but they won’t break the bank.

Midrange Primary Suite Addition: $164,700⁴

Who doesn’t love an extra bedroom and bathroom? Adding a primary suite (that’s a bedroom with its own private bathroom, walk-in closet and maybe a dressing area) is a popular upgrade for homes that don’t already have one because it creates more value and living space.

A primary suite is one of the more expensive renovations you can make. That’s why many homeowners choose to convert an existing bedroom instead. By adding a bathroom and closet to a room you already have, you get the feel of a full suite without paying the full price.

Done right, this kind of remodel can make your home more comfortable now and more attractive to buyers down the road. But if you’re making the change just to sell, talk to a real estate agent first to be sure it’s worth the cost.

Basement Remodel: $22,800⁵

Basements aren’t just for storage—or scary movie scenes—anymore. These days, finished basements work as game rooms, gyms, family rooms or home offices. The options are endless, so plan wisely in the beginning to avoid out-of-control construction costs.

And remember, basements are a magnet for excess water. Before you hang any drywall, bring in a pro to check for moisture issues or structural damage. It’s way easier (and cheaper) to fix problems before you build out your dream movie room or karaoke stage.

The Most Popular Outdoor Home Improvements

Landscaping: $2,260⁶

American homeowners love landscaping. A freshly trimmed yard and a few well-placed plants can make a great first impression—and you know how important that is. Curb appeal, baby!

Need help getting started? Head to your local garden center for advice on choosing the right plants and decorations. They can even tell you how to attract local wildlife (or repel them if that’s not your thing). It’s a small investment that makes your entire property look better from the street.

Composite Deck Addition: $24,200⁷

Beautiful summer evenings were made for lounging outside on your deck with family and friends, so it’s no wonder outdoor living areas—especially those with a fire pit, grill or wet bar—are so popular.

The average cost of a deck depends on the materials you use to build it. Wood decks are cheaper up front, but composite decks last longer and require less upkeep (which could save you money in the long run).

New Front Door: $2,400⁸

Replacing your front door is an easy change that makes a big impact. A steel door costs less than a solid wood one, plus it boosts your curb appeal and gives your home an instant facelift.

New Exterior Veneer: $11,300⁹

If your home has vinyl siding, installing veneer (like manufactured stone) on the front of your house instantly classes up the joint. Plus, this upgrade holds value really well. If you sell the house, you’ll likely earn back what you spent and then some.¹⁰

New Vinyl Windows: $21,300¹¹

Windows do more than frame your view—they protect your home from the elements and finish the look of its exterior. If your windows are old or worn, replacing them with vinyl can help with insulation and even lower your energy bills.

Garage Door Replacement: $4,500¹²

If you’ve just replaced your front door and installed beautiful new stone veneer, your garage doors should match the fresh style. And here’s the kicker: Garage door replacements offer the highest return on investment—you’ll recoup about 194% of what you spend!¹³

What Renovations Make a House Worth More?

Now let’s focus on maintenance improvements that’ll specifically add resale value to your home. They’ll also help you avoid problems at home inspections.

New Asphalt Roof: $9,500¹⁴

The life-span of an asphalt roof is around 20–30 years.¹⁵ So if yours is nearing the end, it’s time to start planning for a replacement.

We get it—forking over thousands of dollars for a new roof is nowhere near as fun as getting a new bathroom or kitchen. But if you’re selling your house, a roof that’s in good shape will give buyers peace of mind. After all, no one wants to move in and immediately have to take on such a large project.

If you’re staying put, consider both the cost and life-span of your roofing options. For example, metal roofs typically cost more than asphalt, but they last way longer!¹⁶

In either case, get a professional who can inspect your current roof and tell you the truth about its condition. And then get some advice on what type of roof will work best for your budget and home.

Attic Insulation: $2,100¹⁷

It’s not glamorous, but attic insulation matters. Proper insulation can help lower your utility bills and make your home more energy efficient. Plus, if your attic isn’t properly insulated, it could be flagged during your home inspection—which might turn off potential buyers. While it may not add a ton of value, this renovation definitely protects your home’s efficiency and appeal.

New HVAC: $7,500¹⁸

Many key parts of a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) unit—like the heat exchanger, air conditioner and condenser—usually last 7–20 years. Others, like the thermostat, can make it closer to 35 years but are often swapped out sooner.¹⁹ So if your unit’s creeping up on its expiration date (or you’re on a first-name basis with your HVAC repair guy), it might be time for a major upgrade.

Having an updated HVAC system also makes your home more attractive to home buyers. And if you’re staying in the house long term, a newer, more efficient HVAC system can help you save big on utilities. Keep in mind, the final cost depends on the size of the unit and whether you upgrade the ductwork at the same time.

Hardwood Flooring Installation: $4,700²⁰

Hardwood floors are a favorite with home buyers—and for good reason. They’re easier to clean than carpet, they last longer, and they instantly elevate the look of a room. The average cost to add hardwood floors depends on how much flooring you want to install, but generally, you can count on spending $6–25 per square foot.²¹ The investment can pay off big, especially if you’re planning to sell.

New Walk-In Shower: $9,000²²

A walk-in shower is what most buyers want. Bathtubs are okay, but they take up a lot of space, and some homeowners may have trouble getting in and out of them. A well-designed walk-in shower is easier to use, and you can even make it extra fancy by adding power jets or a spa system.

Midrange Bathroom Addition: $58,600²³

It’s no secret—extra bathrooms are a big win in real estate. In fact, most buyers would rather have more bathrooms than bedrooms. If your home only has one main bathroom, think about creating another. If you don’t have space or just want to save money, you could opt to add a half bath instead. But again, if you’re upgrading just to sell, talk to a professional first.

Be Careful Not to Overspend

Remodeling your home is fun, but it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and wind up spending more than you planned.

Many people just choose materials they want without thinking about the cost. All those expensive floors, cabinets and fixtures add up—especially when it comes to luxury options. And when the contractor runs into problems that need to be fixed? Sure, just slap that on the tab too! It’s all fun and games until the bill comes due.

If that’s how you handle your renovation, you’ll end up overspending—or worse, going into debt to finish the project. No, thanks! That’s not what you want.

It’s important to plan for the costs of any home improvement project. And by plan, we mean find out what it typically costs, know what you’re willing to spend, and stick to that budget like glue. Never take out a home equity loan to finance a renovation. That way, when your project is done, you can celebrate in your newly remodeled debt-free space and know you don't owe anyone a dime for it. How awesome is that?

How Do I Decide What Home Improvements to Do?

Because there are so many home improvement choices, we put together some do’s and don’ts to help you figure out what you should renovate and how much you should spend.

Here are the things you should do:

• Prioritize your projects. There's no sense in pouring time, money and energy into a pretty yard if your roof is about to collapse. Figure out if you need to replace your roof, insulation, HVAC or windows first. These are important structural parts of a home you need to consider before adding luxury or decorative features. Once you’re sure you don’t need to update them, move on to the renovations you have your eye on.

• Think about your goals. If you’re staying in the house, choose upgrades that’ll improve your quality of life the most. And if you’re selling, choose common home improvements that’ll attract buyers and get you the best bang for your buck. Once you sell your house, some of those home improvements could even be tax deductible.

• Set a budget—and stick to it. Home improvements are great . . . when you can afford them. So make a budget and stick to it—that’s telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. (Pro tip: Throw in an extra line item for the unexpected repairs or problems that pop up along the way.)

• Walk around your neighborhood. Home buyers will compare your house to others nearby, so look at what your neighbors have renovated. You can also check local listings online to see what types of interior house renovations they’ve done.

• Find out how much your home and others in your neighborhood are worth. That’ll help you make a wise decision about how much money to put into renovations. You don’t want your house to become the most expensive one in the neighborhood—that makes it much harder to sell in the future.

• Renovate a little at a time. Can’t afford to remodel your whole kitchen in one hit? Then don’t! Set a timeline and do one or two parts of the project a month.

• Update your home insurance when you’re done. As you renovate, the value of your house goes up—and your old insurance policy may not offer enough coverage anymore. Talk to a home insurance pro to make sure your policy is as up-to-date as your house.

And here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Don’t overspend. This is a big one, so we’re saying it again. You don’t need top-of-the-line appliances and imported Italian marble countertops when your home is only worth $200,000. Choose updates that fit your house well.

• Don’t go into debt. Debt is never a good idea—for a lot of reasons. Think about it: You pay thousands of dollars for the project, plus even more in interest, and you don’t even own all those shiny new renovations—the bank does! Take debt off the table and pay cash for those home improvements instead.

• Don’t outpace the neighborhood. If you go wild and add a pool or an expensive fountain for your backyard when your neighbors’ yards are pretty modest, yours will stand out—and not in a good way.

• Don’t do it alone. If you’re renovating with the intent to sell soon, get the advice of a real estate pro before you make any high-end upgrades.

If you’re in no rush to sell and you’ve covered the basics, simply tackle the upgrades that’ll give you the most enjoyment. Create the kitchen you’ve always wanted, or convert the basement into a home gym. Again, just make sure the renovations are within your budget. No extra bathtub or two-story deck is worth going into debt. 

What Home Improvements Are Cheap or Free?

Now, if you haven’t quite saved for that attic conversion or bathroom remodel, don’t lose hope! There are plenty of small changes that’ll make a big impact. Some of them are easy enough to tackle as a DIY project. Take a look:

Crown Molding

You can add crown molding to give any room an elegant finish, especially if you pair it with matching baseboards. Keep in mind, you’ll need a miter saw and some other special tools if you tackle this project by yourself.

Kitchen Cabinet Paint

If you can’t afford to replace your kitchen cabinet doors, why not just repaint them? You could also get new knobs and handles for an instant update.

New Lamps and Light Fixtures

Changing up the lighting in your home can have a huge impact. Adding new lamps and ceiling fixtures is a fun way to do this.

Paint

A gallon of paint will only set you back about $30, so painting is one of the cheapest DIY projects around. You could go to town with new shades or create an accent wall—but if you’re selling soon, neutral shades are probably your best bet. And don’t forget your ceilings. A fresh coat of paint up top can make the whole space feel cleaner and brighter.

New Furniture

You don’t have to gut a room to give it a new look. Swapping out cushions, a rug or a single piece like an armchair or dining set can completely refresh a space. Save even more money by buying gently used furniture from a reputable seller.

Exterior Paint

If new siding isn’t in the budget, repainting your home’s exterior is a solid alternative. You can hire pros for a few thousand dollars or do it yourself if you’re up for the challenge. A fresh coat of paint can make your whole house look newer.

Bonus Room Upgrades

If your home has a bonus room, make it work for you. It could become a movie room, play area, home office or craft space. Define the area with furniture so buyers can picture how they’d use it too.

Deep Cleaning

It’s not glamorous, but it works. Grab some cleaner and a bucket of water—you’ll be amazed at the difference a little elbow grease can make for your walls, baseboards and floors. Want to go the extra mile? Wash the doors and windows too.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing your deck, driveway or siding can make dirt and green mold vanish like magic. Most hardware stores have pressure washers available to rent, and the payoff is huge for curb appeal.

Doorknobs and Hinges

Brass hardware is so 2008. Replacing outdated interior doorknobs and hinges with something more modern will add a touch of class to your house. And if you’re short on cash, you don’t have to do all the doors at once—tackle a few at a time as your budget allows.

Toilets

Replacing toilet seats is a quick, inexpensive way to spruce up an older bathroom. Want to go a step further? Swapping out the whole commode will cost you more but can lower your water bill over time. And good news—you don’t have to be a plumber to replace a toilet. With a few basic tools (and a solid online tutorial), it’s a lot easier than you might think.

Shiplap

Hey, it wouldn’t be a home improvement article without at least mentioning Chip and Joanna Gaines’ favorite wall covering: shiplap. If you love the farmhouse look, covering an accent wall with these trendy wood planks is a fairly inexpensive DIY project.

Getting the Most Out of Home Improvements

If you have house renovations in mind, you need an expert opinion. Talk with a RamseyTrusted^® real estate agent. These agents are top-notch pros in your local area who we’ve vetted to make sure they’ll serve you well.

They can help you decide which home improvements will pay off when you’re ready to sell. They’ll also know about the types of homes people are looking for in your neighborhood. That way, you’re not just spending money—you’re making wise choices for your future.

Find a trusted real estate agent today!

Frequently Asked Questions