8 Simple Connecticut Home Improvement Projects That Deliver the Highest ROI

Walk into a Home Depot on any Saturday and you’ll notice a buzz of energy. From drawer handles to large flower pots, you’ll find busy homeowners spending hours visualizing home improvement projects. I get it. There’s something so satisfying about customizing your space.

Home improvement projects have the added benefit of increasing the value of your home. But with so many options on tasks to tackle in the home, which do you add to your agenda first? I’m breaking down all the home renovations that offer the biggest return on investment (ROI). So you can smartly maneuver your next trip to the home improvement store.

As a Connecticut realtor, I know just how important is it for Connecticut homeowners to see their investments pay off when it comes time to sell their homes. Take a look at the 8 easy home remodeling projects that offer the highest ROI for your home in Greenwich, CT.

Garage Door Replacement

Each year, Remodeling Magazine publishes a cost vs. value report that breaks down average remodeling costs per project and how much owners can expect to recoup when selling their homes. At the top of their list for providing the highest return on investment in 2022? Garage door replacement.

Replacing your garage door has an average ROI of 92.6%. A garage door occupies up to a third of a home’s facade, upgrading can instantly create a more modern look. You are signaling to future potential homebuyers you care for the upkeep of your space.

A garage also serves as an entry point for your property. So an optimally functioning garage door increases the security of your home. Newer doors offer better insulation and seals to not only protect your belongings but to prevent unwanted pests.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

If you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen, it's a good idea to take into account the homes in your neighborhood. What kitchen upgrades do comparable homes in your area have? Because it’s easy to sink a lot of money into a kitchen upgrade and not see the return you were looking for.

On the other hand, smaller kitchen projects have a great ROI. Savvy homeowners know the benefits of replacing kitchen hardware, upgrading countertops, adding in a new backsplash and showing off your style with new pendant lighting. Replacing kitchen cabinets is another great way to improve the overall appearance of your kitchen, without a major gut renovation. Because anyone who has lived through a major kitchen renovation knows the struggle of being without a kitchen.

You can reface outdated kitchen cabinets and save yourself the trouble of replacing them entirely. Minor kitchen projects like these have an ROI of 74.7% – with the added benefit of designing your space just how you like.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Lathering a fresh coat of paint on the walls is one of my favorite ways to make a home feel newer. It requires minimal investment and yields substantial results. There’s nothing else like a freshly painted home! It’s also a critical part of preparing your home to hit the market.

If you’re preparing to sell your home, I recommend selecting neutral shades. A Zillow study found choosing a pinkish taupe for the living room saw an increase in home value by 1.3%. Buyers need to be able to envision themselves in your space, so the key is selecting colors that have the most universal appeal.

A fresh coat of paint can have an ROI of up to 107%. High-quality paint lasts 5- 7 years before it starts to chip or fade. This is one home improvement project homeowners should keep up with.

A New Front Door

Making this minor change instantly upgrades the first impression of your home. An appealing home exterior immediately welcomes any visitor or a potential buyer. Replacing your old front door can also boost your home’s energy efficiency. Over time, the weatherstripping around your door begins to see wear and tear. This can lead to potential drafts of wind sneaking in on a cold winter day. And that’s no one’s idea of a good time.

According to Realm, simply swapping out your front door can have an ROI of 484%! That’s nothing to sneeze at. Plus you get the added benefit of selecting the color. When picking out your shade, you want to choose one that has mass appeal for the highest ROI. A black front door can increase your home’s sale price by 2.9% according to this Zillow report. So go ahead, have fun with it!

Energy Efficient Additions

From smart thermostats to energy-efficient appliances, small replacements go a long way to quickly boosting your home’s worth. Switching to energy-efficient windows and lights not only has a great ROI but also immediately starts to save you money. Other options to consider are solar panels, replacing worn insulation (like in an attic) and upgrading your HVAC system.

Energy-efficient home upgrades not only decrease your energy bill amount every month but pay off when it’s time to sell your home.

Up Your Home’s Greenery

Simple put: curb appeal helps sell homes. New landscaping gives a fresh appearance to any home – boosting first impressions. You don’t need to have overly ornate plant life. You can achieve equally breathtaking results with a well-placed selection of shrubs, grass and flowers. Looking for low-maintenance landscaping? Try incorporating native Connecticut plants. Scrubs like redtwig dogwood and winterberry holly require very little watering and tending to. They survive just fine in their natural habitat!

When preparing a home to hit the market, grass and plants need to be trimmed and tidied to maximize a home’s value. Well-executed landscaping can have an ROI of 100%. It’s worth every penny.

Deck/ Patio/ Porch Addition

An expansive outdoor space is a huge selling point for potential buyers. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more usable yard space is at the top of everyone’s wish list. Adding a deck or patio means having an area to host backyard get-togethers with family and friends. Bring on the happy memories!

A deck addition has an ROI of anywhere from 65- 90%. The best part? Newer decks are made from materials that can withstand extreme temperatures with very little maintenance. Exactly the type of results from a home improvement project most homeowners shoot for.

Refinish or Install Hardwood Floors

Beautiful floors make a fabulous first impression. Installing hardwood floors in your home is a great way to transform your space and up its appeal. Available in a wide variety of colors and sizes, consider your home’s natural features and design when selecting your new floors. You want all the elements to feel like they’re working together.

Refinishing or adding hardwood floors can have an ROI of up to 80%. Selecting a look that feels right for your space will make all the difference in maximizing your home’s value.

Want more home improvement project recommendations?

Hit the link below to contact me for the latest info on what home buyers are looking for in their next Greenwich, CT home.

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