A 2020 Cost vs. Value Report shows that a cement-fiber siding (made up of cellulose fibers, cement, and sand) can recoup 78% of your initial investment. Aluminum tends to fade and dent easily, and vinyl is easy to crack, warp, and split. However, cement-fiber siding tends to hold up flawlessly against the elements. Moreover, it is naturally resistant to termites, rotting, and fire.

If the masonry look is your preference, you can add a coat of manufactured stone veneer. While it may cost you about $10,000 or more, it can bring up to 96% ROI (return on investment).

A deluxe high-end kitchen can be an excellent feature to appeal to a professional chef or a billionaire home buyer. However, an average house buyer won’t mind a simple commercial-grade gas stove with several burners and a well-functioning vent. Most people are looking for decent but straightforward things: good quality kitchen appliances, a nice layout, and modern cabinet finishes.

According to a 2018 Cost vs. Value Report, minor kitchen renovations generally recoup about 81% of the costs, while massive overhauls only recoup 53.5% of the expense upon resale.

Minor kitchen remodeling areas to consider include:

• replacing the sink
• replacing faucets
• installing energy-efficient appliances
• upgrading the cabinet faces
• installing new countertops

Before you renovate your kitchen, consider your budget, unexpected cost, effect on the value of your home, and the local market. Incomplete or unprofessional renovations are a big NO, don’t do it; it would be much better to “sell house as-is.”

A study by NAHB shows that homebuyers earning at least $150,000 per year (high-income clients) in the Pacific Northwest, Middle Atlantic, and Northeast states particularly love basements. In fact, 73% of Millennials would love a home with a basement. While it may not be a cheap undertaking, a basement is among the renovations that bring a high return on investment. However, make sure the work is done professionally, including proper insulation and ensuring necessary permits are obtained.

It can cost you between $50 to $90 to renovate a square foot of your basement. However, you can get a 75% return on investment on the renovation.

Energy-saving features have huge impacts on property value (especially in regions experiencing extreme cold or heat), including lowering energy costs. Consider LED lighting, double-paned windows, energy-efficient appliances, and enhanced attic insulation to appeal to an energy-conscious home buyer and increase your property value.

If you’re looking to boost the home value over the long term (not hoping for a fast boost), you might consider installing solar panels on the roof.  A buyer may be reluctant to install them but will love to own a house with already installed solar panels.

Tip: Let a local utility company or energy auditor assess your home to determine which energy renovations will be more efficient and cost-effective. You might be able to do some of them yourself, which is an avenue for saving some dollars.

A 2017 study by the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) established that 87% of purchasers in the $100,000- $149,999 price range are looking for hardwood flooring.

However, replacing your flooring is a more expensive project than swapping some simple appliances or decluttering. You should consider floor replacement only if:

• you have the financial resources
• the existing flooring is outdated or cannot be restored
• you have done a market analysis and determined that you’ll recoup your investment.

A floor replacement brings a high return on investment, especially if the current floors are outdated, cracked, or worn out.

While you might love a home with a swimming pool, it is a costly project with one of the most negligible returns on investment. A swimming pool can cost you between $25,000 and $100,000, or even more, plus the annual maintenance expense that generally ranges between $500 to $4,000, depending on where you live and the type of pool.

While a pool may add some value to your house, it’s often better to opt for a “sell home as-is” option if a pool is the only thing you think you need to add to your property. The return on investment is often meager so you would be financially wise to buy a house that already has a swimming pool!

While you may see the need to add an amusement park to your patio, it may fail to attract the enormous cash you hope for upon resale. Thus, if you choose to install a beautiful waterfall in the backyard, do so for your enjoyment, not to improve the resale value of your property.

Landscaping and gardening choices are individual preferences. Moreover, a buyer might see only the costs they’ll have to incur to keep your beautiful yard adequately maintained.

A garage can provide many possibilities. You may choose to convert it into a living space, a gym, or a home office. However, most people own cars and are looking for a home with a garage for their cars and storing their other items.

Most garage conversions are big blunders, especially in an area with icy weather. When a homebuyer imagines having to scoop the snow off their vehicle’s windshields daily, you will forgive them for not buying your home.