What home renovation has the highest return?
Low-cost, high-visibility updates win the ROI race.
Quick answer: Recent reports show garage doors, attic insulation, and minor kitchen refreshes often deliver the highest return on investment.
Year after year, the highest-return projects are modest and visible. Cost-versus-value reports show garage door replacements and attic insulation recoup 80-100% of cost in many markets because they improve efficiency and curb appeal at a low price.
Minor kitchen remodels also rank high: repainting cabinets, upgrading hardware, installing LED undercabinet lights, swapping a faucet, and adding a new countertop can deliver 60-80% ROI without moving walls or appliances.
ROI standouts
- Insulated steel garage door with quiet opener.
- Attic air-sealing plus insulation to code depth.
- Minor kitchen refresh with paint, hardware, lights, faucet.
- Entry upgrades: fresh door paint, new numbers, modern sconce.
- Weatherstripping and smart thermostat for quick efficiency gains.
High-return projects share traits: low structural risk, broad appeal, and noticeable change. Track local comps; ROI varies by market, but modest, well-finished work almost always beats gut-level remodels.