6 of the Most Common Home Renovations — Are They Worth It? Experts Explain
With home prices still on the rise in every region of the U.S., 63% of homeowners say they’d rather remodel their homes than move to renovated homes, according to an October survey by Clever Real Estate. However, most home improvements don’t pay for themselves in added value, and even projects meant to simply enhance your enjoyment of your home can backfire.
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To help you get maximum satisfaction and value from your next project, GOBankingRates reached out to real estate and home improvement experts to get their take on whether some of the most common home renovations are worth doing.
Also see eight home upgrades that are a waste of money, according to Rachel Cruze.
Interior Painting
Jimmy Harris, agent and investor at We Buy Houses in West Georgia, told GOBankingRates that an interior paint refresh offers one of the best returns on investment, especially if you do it yourself.
“In my area of Atlanta, there is no shortage of mismatched paint on Facebook Marketplace for around $10 per gallon,” Harris said.
Harris recommended that you stick with neutral colors to appeal to the widest range of buyers if you plan to sell.
Check Out: 7 Savvy Ways To Budget for Home Remodeling Projects in 2025
New Appliances
Unlike paint, which is almost always worth it, new appliances are less of a sure thing.
“If your current appliances are outdated or not working efficiently, upgrading can definitely be worth it, especially in the kitchen, which is often the heart of the home,” said James Marino, senior general manager at Pinnacle Home Improvements.
However, Marino noted that you don’t need to splurge on top-of-the-line models unless you’re in a high-end market.
“In my own kitchen, we replaced an old fridge with a sleek stainless steel model that wasn’t crazy expensive, and it made the whole space feel more modern,” he said.
Heating and Air Conditioning Upgrades
There’s no getting around replacing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment once it’s broken down and is beyond repair. But replacing aging but functional HVAC components is less cut-and-dried.
“If your HVAC system is over 15 years old, think about replacing it with a modern, energy-efficient model — it can make your home more appealing and give you a good return on investment when you sell,” according to Keith Wortsmith, president of Dash Heating and Cooling.
Wortsmith noted that practical upgrades, like a whole-home air purifier, are also worth considering.
Projects you might want to think twice about include a high-end HVAC system and radiant flooring, which Wortsmith said rarely pay off.
Bathroom Remodel
“A bathroom remodel is almost always worth it, but you’ve got to be strategic about how much you spend,” Marino said. “Focus on the essentials, updating the fixtures, redoing the tile or adding a fresh vanity — rather than gutting the whole space unless it’s in rough shape.”
Bathrooms are a major selling point for buyers, so even modest improvements can pay off, according to Marino. “I’ve worked on projects where even small updates, like swapping out a dated mirror and light fixture, made a big difference,” he said.
Smart-Home Device Installation
Smart-home systems are “a bit of a wildcard,” as Marino termed them.
If you’re planning to stay in the home, a smart thermostat or security system can make life easier and even save money in the long run. But for resale value, it’s not usually a make-or-break factor.
One consideration that might guide your decision is whether or not smart-home devices are standard for your area.
“If most homes on the market in your area have smart-home features, you will need to add them also to compete with other properties for sale,” Harris said.
New Flooring
Marino called new flooring a potential game-changer, depending on the material and the condition of your current floors. Replacing old carpet with hardwood or luxury vinyl is almost always worth it, he said.
Maximize the value of new flooring by keeping the cost proportionate to your home’s value.
“If you spend too much on new flooring, you will not be able to get your money back,” Harris said. “If you go too cheap, it will not appeal to potential buyers and may lower your home’s value.”
“At the end of the day, the best home improvements are the ones that make sense for your home and your lifestyle,” Marino said. “If they bring you joy or make your space work better for you, they’re absolutely worth it. And if they add value when it’s time to sell, that’s just the icing on the cake.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 of the Most Common Home Renovations — Are They Worth It? Experts Explain
