How to add value to your home: High ROI home upgrades

by Sandy Malbrue 05/27/2025

Whether you’re a homeowner or a real estate investor, it’s always important to know how to add value to your home. Many upgrades and renovations have a higher rate of return than others, and it’s helpful to know them to make the best possible investment in your property.

Here are some of the home upgrades with the highest returns on investment to consider:

Add a deck or patio

Outdoor living is a big priority for many potential homebuyers. Adding a patio or building a deck in your backyard is one way to add to your home value. Consider your choice of materials carefully, though. Some building materials can cost more up front, but will be cheaper and easier to maintain long-term.

Spruce up the bathroom

Most home improvement experts recommend focusing on bathroom renovations to add home value. Luckily, it doesn’t take a complete remodel to reap the rewards. Simple changes like replacing fixtures, adding storage space and repainting can result in a considerable payoff.

Increase energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a top priority among potential buyers, both to help the environment and save on utility bills. Simple upgrades like installing a smart thermostat and energy-efficient appliances are high ROI projects. You can also consider more extensive upgrades like replacing windows, insulation and HVAC system.

Revisit landscaping

Landscaping is an often overlooked area of home improvement that can bring in massive returns. Trim shrubs, prune trees and plant new, low-maintenance greenery to refresh your outdoor spaces and enhance curb appeal. Other upgrades include installing simple water features, garden pathways and lighting.

These are just a few of the best ways to invest in your property and add value to your home. Consider these projects and others like them if you’re interested in boosting your ROI.

About the Author
Author

Sandy Malbrue

Hi, I'm Sandy Malbrue and I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search for representation or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my 21 years real estate experience to work for you. Be it to gain wide exposure for your home with my marketing plan, negotiate offers or manage the transaction once you've accepted an offer, in a way that will get you the best price and cause the least amount of disruption to you life as possible.  

If you are a buyer, allow me put those skills to work for you to help with the pre-approval process, work with you to locate and arrange for you to view homes of interest to you , and negotiate your offer. Once you have an accepted offer, I will help you arrange inspections, I will manage the transaction for you, from helping to arrange for inspections to keeping you up to date on contingency removals and walking you through the process to a new set of keys.

Let's do this!