When it comes to home renovations, not all projects are created equal in terms of the value and return they can provide. While you might want a new kitchen, it’s hard to know if it’s worth the output of cash. Well, lucky for you, GOBankingRates spoke to experts who have done hundreds of home remodels over the years to highlight which renovations are truly worth the investment.
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Here are 10 projects that are worth the money, according to experts.
New Paint Is an Inexpensive Refresh
- Estimated cost: $500-$5,000
“Not only does new paint make a room look good, but it also makes it smell fresh and well-maintained too!” said Brandon Walker of ASAP Restoration LLC. “A fresh coat of paint and a little drywall mud will cover up years of bad decisions in the kitchen, accidents in the bathroom and that divot in the wall from when the kids first learned how to play baseball.”
Lighting Sets the Mood
- Estimated cost: $1,000-$5,000
“Lighting sets the scene in a movie, and it can do the same for the vibe and feel of your home too,” said Al Ruggie of ASAP Restoration LLC. “The right lighting choices can make your home feel inviting and comfortable, or cold and depressing like a dentist’s office.”
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An Accent Wall Adds Character
- Estimated cost: $500-$2,000
“It may be a fad, but if it is, it’s a long-living one because people are still doing them,” said ASAP Restoration LLC’s Paige Warrington. “An accent wall doesn’t need to be a pile of distressed wood and shiplap either. The key is making it both interesting to look at and functional in some way.”
Upgrade the Kitchen
- Estimated cost: $15,000-$40,000
“You may not have the funds lying around to do a total kitchen remodel, but replacing the cabinets is a great way to get some good ROI out of a property,” said Josh Rudin of ASAP Restoration LLC.
Jacob Rhodes of TrueTrac adds: “Think of your kitchen as the heart of the home. Kitchens are a major selling point and a joy to use in an updated form. New cabinets, countertops and appliances can make it super modern and functional. Plus, it’ll add value when you sell – win-win!”
Bathroom Refresh Adds Value
- Estimated cost: $10,000-$25,000
“Buyers love clean and updated bathrooms. New fixtures, tiles and maybe even a walk-in shower will make yours a spa-like retreat. Plus, it gives you a nice ROI when you sell,” Rhodes said.
Invest in the Basement
- Estimated cost: $20,000-$50,000
Rhodes recommends finishing or upgrading the basement: “Turn that unused basement into something awesome. Family room, home office, gym — the possibilities are endless. Plus, it adds major living space without a massive additional cost, and again, most of that money comes back when you sell.”
Exterior Upgrades Boost Curb Appeal
- Estimated cost: $2,000-$10,000
For the exterior, Josh Rudin of ASAP Restoration LLC recommends upgrading the front door: “The front door of your home is one of the first things people see when they come to see you. A beautiful front door stands out and feels inviting is a great way to add some curb appeal to the home and increase your property value for a low investment.”
Al Ruggie also suggests: “If your home has no landscaping, then adding a few hundred to a few thousand dollars’ worth might make your home stand out from the rest in the neighborhood and make it a commodity. If the landscaping just needs updating and touchups, then this is a great way to invest in your home for both curb appeal and resale purposes too.”
Outdoor Lighting for Safety and Ambiance
- Estimated cost: $200-$2,000
Bethany Uribe of ASAP Restoration LLC advises installing outdoor lighting: “Adding some accent lights to the big trees on your property, or to the walkway that leads to your front door is a great way to add some intrigue to your home at night, while simultaneously adding an element of security to your home.”
“A good motion sensor light is a solid way to keep the riff-raff from the neighborhood at bay during the witching hours. It also goes a long way to prevent stray cats from getting paw prints on your newly washed car. These are usually quite affordable, and they go a long way to keep your home safe and secure.” Uribe said.
Attic Insulation Saves Energy
- Estimated cost: $1,500-$3,500
Rhodes highlights the value of attic insulation: “Don’t underestimate the power of a well-insulated attic. It’s a hidden gem. Proper insulation can slash your energy bills by up to 20%, making your home more comfortable year-round. It’s also an eco-friendly upgrade that appeals to environmentally conscious buyers.”
Deck Addition Expands Living Space
- Estimated cost: $7,000-$15,000
“Expand your living space with a deck. Perfect for entertaining or just relaxing outdoors,” Rhodes said. “It adds value and most of the cost comes back when you sell — and way cheaper than adding a whole new room.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Home Renovations That Are Actually Worth the Money
