3 Home renovations for maximum ROI

by Susan Hu 02/23/2025

Home renovations can do more than improve the aesthetics and functionality of your space. The right renovation can also improve property resale value, making it an excellent investment of your time and money. But which renovation projects are worth the work? Here are some home renovation ideas with the highest return on investment:

Garage door upgrade

When it comes to home renovation, garage doors are often forgotten. However, garage door replacement can boost your home’s curb appeal significantly and result in higher resale value. While there are many options available for a garage door makeover, even the simplest and most affordable changes can pay off.

If your current garage door mechanisms are in perfect condition, consider adding a new coat of paint to the outside. If you’ve experienced any issues with the functionality, having the switches, sensors and other components professionally serviced is worth your investment.

Easy kitchen upgrades

You don’t have to tear out and rebuild your entire kitchen to get major returns on a home renovation project. Opt for highly affordable and highly effective upgrades like new hardware for your cabinets and drawers. Painting your cabinets can also transform the entire space and result in more money on a home sale.

New fixtures like faucets increase your kitchen’s total value considerably, even if the upgrade is only for aesthetics. For an extra boost, try installing a water filter attachment or a built-in soap dispenser. DIY upgrades can help you save money and lower your cost, but consult a professional contractor if your renovation process includes electrical or plumbing systems.

Energy-saving vinyl windows

Energy efficiency is always a major plus to prospective homebuyers. However, even if you’re not planning to sell your house, replacing your windows with energy-saving vinyl can bring massive returns.

Homeowners who replace their windows with energy-efficient upgrades can save hundreds of dollars on their central heating and air conditioning. With better insulated windows, you’ll not only get a decent return on investment with increased home value, but with lower energy bills as well.

Not every home renovation has to be a full home remodel. During the planning process, make sure that you’re only completing the necessary upgrades for functionality, ROI and home living experience, so you don’t end up with a huge undertaking that could end up costing you more.

About the Author
Author

Susan Hu

Susan Shuxian Hu has been a dedicated realtor serving in Silicon Valley since 2010. With great passion, outstanding negotiation skills and due diligence, she has helped many buyers and sellers in their real estate needs. Living in West San Jose for more than 14 years, she has broad knowledge in Cupertino, West San Jose, Los Altos and Saratoga. She has enormous patience working with buyers and never tired of showing all possible properties that may fit client’s needs. Clients appreciate her best service to their satisfaction. She specialized in luxurious real estate purchase in Los Altos, Cupertino, Saratoga and Palo Alto. She also helped friend and past client’s referral working in San Francisco, Foster City and far reached Bay Area.

Susan Shuxian Hu was graduated in East China Normal University in Shanghai with bachelor and master degrees in Bio science. She came to US in 1989 and earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics in Texas A&M University in 1996. After one year of postdoc in Southern Florida University in Tampa, she moved back to Orlando with her family and started working in Lucent Technologies. In 2002, Susan moved to California, Silicon Valley joined a start-up company. Since then she worked in high tech Corporation till 2009. Driven by her dream job pursuing, she found her passion working in sales by helping people in real estate after one year of education in De Anza business and real estate law study. Since then, she has been serving many people in Bay Area for their real estate needs.

With bilingual advantage, she has been actively working with Chinese immigrants as well as local engineers and residents. With rich high tech background and connection with Chinese community, Susan has served in luxurious real estate in last a couple of years.