12 “Bang for your Buck” Remodeling Projects

Why it matters for your real estate for sale

When you list a house for sale, buyers are looking for move-in readiness, curb appeal, and minimal upfront work. According to the NAR article:

• A new steel front door recovers an estimated 100 % of cost at resale. (nar.realtor)
• A closet renovation can recoup about 83 % of the investment. (nar.realtor)
• Even larger projects like a complete kitchen renovation recover roughly 60 %. (nar.realtor)

These stats are key if you’re planning to list one of your home for sale, soon — you’ll want to prioritize improvements that help your listing stand out, without overspending on upgrades that buyers won’t fully reward.

Top-3 upgrades to consider before listing

1. Boost curb appeal

Simple exterior upgrades make a big first impression. Replacing a front door or adding fresh landscaping can elevate how potential buyers perceive the property when they first drive past your home.

2. Add functional space

Converted basements or attics add usable square footage. The report found that attic or basement conversions recoup about 67–71 % of cost on resale. (nar.realtor) If someone is shopping for house, extra space can be a major draw.

3. Refresh high-traffic rooms smartly

While full luxury makeovers often don’t pay off dollar-for-dollar, moderate kitchen or bathroom upgrades still make sense. According to the NAR data, both minor and complete kitchen upgrades returned around 60 % on average. (nar.realtor) When buyers view your home among competing homes for sale, these rooms often “seal the deal.”

4-12. Visit NAR for the entire article

https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/sales-marketing/12-remodeling-projects-that-offer-the-best-value-at-resale.

Simple exterior upgrades make a big first impression. Replacing a front door or adding fresh landscaping can elevate how potential buyers perceive the property when they first drive past your home’s “For Sale” sign.

Key takeaways for sellers & agents

• Don’t assume all remodeling = high return. Some fancy upgrades look great—but yield lower cost recovery.
• Use the “real estate for sale” mindset: Make improvements that matter to buyers, not just what you like to live with.
• Local market norms still count. Even if the national data shows strong returns, your home may be for sale in a market where buyer expectations differ.

Reference: Tracey, Melissa Dittmann. “12 Remodeling Projects That Offer the Best Value at Resale.” REALTOR® Magazine, April 9 2025. Retrieved from
https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/sales-marketing/12-remodeling-projects-that-offer-the-best-value-at-resale.

Image Credit: Building Vectors by Vecteezy