7 Strategic Renovations With High ROI – Remodel Without Regret

Many homeowners splurge on home improvement to feel good about their space. Although you should consider your needs above all else when deciding what to renovate, it’s prudent to consider what others want.

Focusing on high ROI projects increases your net worth. This is because they boost your property value and reduce your capital gains tax liability when you sell.

Renovations with High ROI

Your bank account will thank you if you prioritize these seven high ROI projects.

1. Steel or Fiberglass Entry Door Replacement

According to the Journal of Light Construction’s 2024 Cost vs. Value report, the homeowners who funded a 20-gauge steel entry door replacement project could recoup 188% of what they initially spent after selling.

The study covered 150 markets across the United States, so the appeal of a high-security door was national, not regional.

The survey also revealed that homebuyers love fiberglass front doors. A grand fiberglass entrance door with decorative half-glass and dual sidelights returned about 97% cents on the dollar.

In the Mountain and Pacific regions, this high ROI project ranged from 100.4% to 136.6%.

2. Manufactured Stone Veneer

The Cost vs. Value report revealed that this project recorded a return of 153% in 2024. Most homebuyers agree that swapping hundreds of square feet of existing siding from the bottom third of a street-facing facade for manufactured stone veneer increases curb appeal enough to merit the extra expense.

This renovation project has a reputation for retaining its value. While the project’s cost has steadily increased over the years, the increase in its ROI has outpaced it.

3. Garage Door Update

Replacing aging garage doors with durable, insulated units with smart features can positively impact a house’s appearance, energy efficiency, security, and safety. Improving all these areas with one project will drive up property value.

For example, a modern garage door with remote access capability lets you open and close it via smartphone, helping prevent burglary and allowing couriers to leave your packages inside.

A garage door upgrade’s ROI is nearly 94%, which is significantly higher than big-ticket improvements like a kitchen renovation.

Investing in a home project that contributes to curb appeal, slows heat transfer, deters burglars, prevents garage-related injuries, costs relatively less, and is minimally disruptive is an efficient use of funds.

4. Closet Revamp

Members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry estimate that homeowners who modernize their closets can get 83% of their money back when they resell.

A closet renovation project has the second-highest cost recovery among all projects featured in the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, outperforming attic and basement conversions, minor kitchen upgrades, new bathroom additions, and other high-profile improvements.

Remodeling professionals are optimistic about this project’s value retention potential because closets enhance room aesthetics and organization. Refacing gives these worn-out pieces a facelift, while retrofitting organizers and seating increases their functionality.

High-end features include smart LED lighting, motorized shelves and a digital wardrobe catalog.

5. Wood or Vinyl Window Upgrade

The State of Remodeling in 2023 by Today’s Homeowner noted that a wood window replacement involving 10 3-by-5-foot well-insulated double-hung units had a cost recovery of 95% — the second-highest on the list.

Timber’s charm is timeless, but the public’s growing interest in sustainability added another dimension to its virtually universal appeal.

The study found that vinyl window replacement was close. Although its ROI is only 90%, vinyl units are more budget-friendly than their wood counterparts — $3,941 versus $6,893.

Vinyl and wood depreciate roughly at the same rate in dollar terms.

6. Fiber Cement Siding Installation

Today’s Homeowner’s 2023 analysis of industry data and 70,000 Redfin listings with a completed remodel found that fiber cement recorded a 92.7% ROI when replacing 1,250 square feet of old siding.

Fiber-cement siding installation can be pricey, ranging from $9,300 to $16,200. However, you can still recoup most of the project’s up-front cost many years after completion.

This material can last about 50 years and requires little maintenance. Fiber cement deteriorates slowly, cosmetically and structurally, so its age shouldn’t be a liability when bargaining with homebuyers.

7. Neutral-Colored Wall Paint Job

Opendoor’s 2024 Home Decor Report confirmed what all discerning home design and decoration enthusiasts know — neutrals are super appealing.

While homeowners have different preferences, most gravitate toward muted hues or some variation of white or black when painting exterior and interior features.

35% of homeowners considered white the best kitchen and bathroom color, respectively, while 30% preferred gray for bedrooms over hues. On the other hand, at least 30% admitted that pink was the least appealing for all rooms.

The message is clear — stick to a neutral color palette to compel homebuyers to compensate you fairly for doing them a favor by making the space soothing and relaxing.

Renovate Strategically to Get a High ROI

Home projects can be expensive, so make every penny count. Prioritize these seven to renovate regret-free.

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