Which Home Renovations Add the Most Value?
Compare ROI for the most common home improvement projects. Enter your project cost to see your estimated return — based on 2025/2026 Cost vs. Value Report data.
2026 Home Renovation ROI Rankings
Based on the 2025/2026 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, here are the top home improvement projects ranked by return on investment:
| Project | Avg Cost | ROI |
|---|
Top Renovation Projects by ROI (2026)
| Project | Avg Cost | ROI at Resale |
|---|---|---|
| Garage door replacement | $4,200 | ~194% |
| Steel entry door replacement | $2,400 | ~188% |
| Manufactured stone veneer | $11,000 | ~153% |
| Minor kitchen remodel | $27,000 | ~96% |
| Backup power generator | $20,000 | ~95% |
| Mid-range bathroom remodel | $24,000 | ~74% |
| Wood deck addition | $17,000 | ~83% |
ROI data is from the 2025/2026 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report using national averages. Results vary by region — coastal markets and high-price-point neighborhoods often show higher returns on curb appeal projects, while utility upgrades like generators return more in storm-prone markets.
Projects That Often Disappoint at Resale
Some popular renovations consistently underperform financially: swimming pools (50% ROI) are expensive to maintain and limit buyer pool; sunroom additions (52%) are perceived as unconditioned space; and major upscale kitchen remodels in mid-range homes rarely recover their cost because buyers in that price range compare to neighborhood standard, not to luxury homes.
The safest ROI rule: renovate to neighborhood standard, not above it. Over-improving a home relative to comparable sales in the same neighborhood is the most reliable way to spend money you won't recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which home renovation has the best ROI?
Garage door replacement and manufactured stone veneer consistently rank among the highest-ROI projects nationally, often recovering 90%+ of cost at resale, while major kitchen remodels typically return 40-60%.
Do minor kitchen remodels return more than major ones?
Yes, typically. Minor kitchen remodels (cabinet fronts, countertops, appliances) generally return a higher percentage of cost than a full gut renovation.
Does ROI data vary by region?
Yes, significantly. National averages are a starting point, but local real estate conditions and buyer expectations in your market can shift actual ROI up or down.
Should I renovate based purely on ROI?
Not necessarily. ROI figures assume you're optimizing for resale value — if you're staying for years, personal enjoyment of the space matters as much as resale recovery.