Home Renovation ROI Calculator
See which home improvements add the most value — and which don't pay for themselves.
Home Details
Renovation Projects
Total Cost
$53,000
Value Added
$40,080
Overall ROI
-24%
Home Value After Reno
$440,080
Value at Sale (5yr)
$510,173
Project Breakdown
| Project | Cost | Value Added | Cost Recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Kitchen Remodel | $28,000 | $24,080 | 86% |
| Midrange Bathroom Remodel | $25,000 | $16,000 | 64% |
Renovation Insights
- Best ROI: Minor Kitchen Remodel recoups 86% of cost. Worst: Midrange Bathroom Remodel at 64%.
ROI estimates based on national averages (Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report). Actual returns vary by market, quality, and buyer preferences.
Best and Worst Home Renovations for ROI
Not all renovations are created equal. Curb appeal projects consistently deliver the highest return — a new garage door recoups 94% of its cost, while manufactured stone veneer returns 89%. On the other end, upscale bathroom remodels only recover about 38%. The pattern is clear: smaller, visible improvements beat expensive, high-end projects when it comes to resale value.
Cost vs Value — National Averages 2025-2026
| Project | Average Cost | Value Added | Cost Recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage Door Replacement | $4,500 | $4,230 | 94% |
| Exterior Paint | $4,000 | $3,600 | 90% |
| Manufactured Stone Veneer | $11,300 | $10,060 | 89% |
| Minor Kitchen Remodel | $28,000 | $24,080 | 86% |
| Fiber Cement Siding | $22,000 | $18,040 | 82% |
| Landscaping | $5,000 | $3,750 | 75% |
| Window Replacement | $22,000 | $16,060 | 73% |
| Hardwood Flooring | $8,500 | $5,950 | 70% |
| Roof Replacement | $30,000 | $19,500 | 65% |
| Midrange Bathroom Remodel | $25,000 | $16,000 | 64% |
| Major Kitchen Remodel | $80,000 | $40,000 | 50% |
| Master Suite Addition | $150,000 | $72,000 | 48% |
When Renovation ROI Doesn't Matter
If you plan to stay in your home for 10+ years, personal enjoyment should outweigh resale calculations. A kitchen you love using daily has value beyond the numbers. ROI matters most when you're renovating specifically to sell, or when choosing between projects with a limited budget. The best approach: fix deferred maintenance first (roof, HVAC, plumbing), then add value with strategic cosmetic updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a kitchen remodel increase home value?
A minor kitchen remodel (refacing cabinets, new countertops, updated appliances) recoups about 86% of its cost — one of the best returns. A major kitchen gut renovation ($80K+) only recoups about 50%. The sweet spot: spend 5–15% of your home value on the kitchen, focusing on cosmetic updates rather than layout changes.
How should I finance home renovations?
Cash is cheapest. If borrowing, a HELOC (variable rate, 6–9%) offers flexibility for phased projects. A home equity loan (fixed rate) is better for a single large project. Personal loans work for smaller amounts but carry higher rates (8–15%). Avoid putting renovations on credit cards — the 25%+ interest rate will eat any ROI. A HELOC Calculator can show your borrowing costs.
See also: Home Equity Calculator and Home Affordability Calculator.