Valuable Home Improvements That Pay You Back

One of the best things about being a homeowner is the ability to make your home reflect your taste and lifestyle through upgrades and home improvements.

If you’re like most homeowners, however, you also want to invest in home improvements that pay off should you ever sell your home.

With that in mind, here are some of the best projects you can invest in around the house:

Start with your bathrooms

It’s worth noting most of your home improvements probably won’t pay you back in full. Currently, homeowners recoup an average of 64 percent¹ for every dollar they spend to update and upgrade their home.

The exception to this is a minor bathroom remodel. Not only are you likely to recover your investment, but you’ll probably even make money from it.

According to one estimate, a bathroom remodel that includes an updated tub, surround, flooring, and sink has a recoup rate of 102 percent.² Even interior upgrades like a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new cabinet hardware will make a big difference.

Invest in smart home features

Homes today are more intelligent than ever. Not only do smart home features like home automation, automated lighting, security systems, and smart temperature control make life more convenient, but they also make a home an attractive prospect to potential buyers.

If you need some home technology ideas, start with the smart thermostat. These systems learn your behavior and adjust the temperature automatically. They’re also one of the most popular smart devices among homebuyers. A smart thermostat is a particularly good investment because it can also help you save money on energy costs.

Give your kitchen a makeover

It’s no secret kitchen remodels can be pricey. Luckily, you don’t need to do a complete overhaul to get most of your money back. A minor kitchen remodel that includes interior upgrades such as refaced cabinets, a wall oven, new sinks and fixtures, laminate countertops, and resilient flooring will net you 98.5 percent³ at resale.

Protect your home with smarter security features

Smart security features are one of the best home improvements that pay off you can make to your home. For nearly half of all homebuyers, it’s the most important smart home feature.⁴

A few home technology ideas that will increase your home’s security — and your home’s resale value — include smart locks, doorbell cameras, and home security systems. Each of these smart home features can are controllable via a smartphone app, a feature 62 percent⁵ of homebuyers are interested in.

Spruce up your exterior for better curb appeal

When it comes to your home, looks matter. A house with great curb appeal can stop traffic (literally!), so spending time and money on your home’s exterior is another great investment.

New vinyl siding or paint, a new pergola or porch, and swapping out dated wrought iron railings for real wood are a few ways you can increase curb appeal. These updates also have a high return of 95 percent.⁶

Don’t forget the small stuff

You don’t need to do a massive remodel to recoup the money you spend on home improvements. Interior upgrades like new outlet covers, floor registers, and crown molding are also appealing. Not only will they give your home a more finished look, but they’ll also net a return of 66 percent.⁷

While the best improvements you can make around the house are the ones that make you the happiest, it doesn’t hurt to invest in upgrades that will pay you back. These improvements provide the best of both worlds for you and potential buyers.

^1,6 Realtor.com – The Renovations That Will Pay Off the Most for Your Home in 2017
^2,3,7 HGTV – Top 15 Home Updates That Pay Off
^4,5 CBS News – 10 Smart Home Features Buyers Actually Want