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.