What are the best home renovations for ROI in 2026?

Answer: Based on our research, consider focusing on exterior upgrades such as garage door replacements and steel entry doors, as well as strategic interior renovations like minor kitchen remodels and bath remodels. A generator installation can also offer a strong return on investment.

How does a minor kitchen remodel compare to a major one in terms of ROI?

Answer: While a major kitchen remodel may yield higher returns, it's significantly more expensive. A minor kitchen remodel that includes cabinet refacing, new countertops, and updated appliances can still provide impressive resale value at a lower cost.

Is it better to invest in exterior or interior renovations for maximum resale value?

Answer: Both exterior and strategic interior renovations are crucial for maximizing resale value. Exterior upgrades such as garage doors, steel entry doors, stone veneer, and fiber-cement siding can significantly improve curb appeal. Meanwhile, updating the kitchen and bathrooms will enhance the home's overall livability and value.

What renovations should be avoided before selling?

Answer: It's generally advisable to avoid luxury upgrades and pool installations before selling a home. These high-end features may not provide a sufficient return on investment for most markets, and can deter potential buyers due to maintenance costs or limited appeal.

market-trends

Top Home Renovations for Maximum Resale Value in 2026

Justin Reynolds

August 23, 2026 3 min read

renovation resale_value real_estate

Key Takeaways

Garage door replacement offers the highest ROI at 94.5%
Minor kitchen remodels have an average ROI of 81.1%
Exterior upgrades and strategic interior renovations add significant resale value

Welcome to HomeApproach.com's 2026 Home Renovation ROI Guide for Sellers. This guide presents data-backed insights into which home renovations add the most resale value.

ROI at a Glance

Project	Category	ROI Tier	Notes
Garage Door Replacement	Exterior	High -- 94.5% (2025 Remodeling Impact Report)	Best-documented ROI in this guide's source data.
Minor Kitchen Remodel	Interior	High -- 81.1% (2025 Remodeling Impact Report)	Cabinet refacing, new countertops, updated appliances -- not a full gut renovation.
Steel Entry Door	Exterior	High	Consistently a top performer in Cost vs. Value data; exact figure varies by year and market.
Fiber-Cement Siding	Exterior	High	Strong curb-appeal return; exact figure varies by year and market.
Stone Veneer	Exterior	Moderate to High	Popular accent upgrade; smaller-scope, lower total cost than full siding.
Bathroom Remodel	Interior	Moderate	Focus on fixtures and accessibility over full gut renovations for best ROI.
Generator Installation	Systems	Moderate	Growing buyer interest, especially in markets with frequent outages.
Pools / Luxury Upgrades	Exterior/Interior	Low	Rarely recoups cost; can even deter some buyers due to maintenance concerns.

Methodology

The findings in this report are based on the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, Cost vs. Value data, and Zillow seller research. It's important to note that ROI varies by market, project quality, and timing.

Exterior Upgrades

Updating the exterior of your home can significantly boost resale value. Siding replacement and garage door upgrades typically offer high returns, according to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report. A fresh coat of paint on the house front and landscaping improvements are also worth considering.

Garage Door: ROI = 94.5%

A new garage door offers a significant return on investment, boasting an average ROI of 94.5%. This upgrade enhances curb appeal and provides security.

Strategic Interior Renovations

Interior renovations that provide functional updates while maintaining a neutral design appeal can yield impressive ROI. Kitchen remodels, for instance, offer a strong return but opting for minor upgrades instead of major overhauls is often recommended due to cost efficiency. Bathroom updates, particularly focus on modernizing fixtures and improving accessibility, are also beneficial.

Minor Kitchen Remodel: ROI = 81.1%

A minor kitchen remodel, such as replacing appliances and cabinet doors, yields an average ROI of 81.1%. This renovation refreshes a key living space without breaking the bank.

Emerging Trends

Smart home technology is gaining traction in the real estate market, offering potential for increased resale value. Additionally, eco-friendly features like solar panels and energy-efficient appliances are becoming increasingly popular among home buyers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Joy Score vs ROI

While Return on Investment (ROI) focuses on financial returns, Joy Score considers the personal satisfaction a homeowner derives from renovations. Though not always aligned, striking a balance between high joy score projects and those with strong ROI can lead to greater overall satisfaction for both the homeowner and potential buyers.

Warning: Pools and Luxury Upgrades

While pools and luxury upgrades may seem attractive, they often don't provide a strong ROI. Consider your local market and buyer demographics before investing in these features.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with a real estate professional or home improvement expert before making any decisions regarding renovations.

Talk through which renovations make sense before you sell

FAQ

Home Approach Straight To Your Inbox

Get the insights you need to achieve your homeownership goals!