Owning a home brings a mix of freedom and responsibility that can shift from exciting to overwhelming depending on the day or project. One moment, you’re picturing how great the living room would look with new hardwood floors, and the next, you’re facing a clogged gutter that’s leaking into the roof. Every homeowner quickly learns that projects accumulate, styles change, home systems improve, and the to-do list rarely ever gets fully completed.
While some home renovations are done simply because the homeowner wants them, many people also consider how these changes will affect their home’s value when it’s time to sell. Unfortunately, not all home renovations are equal, and their payoff can be unpredictable. A project that seems major might only provide a slight increase in value, while something simple or inexpensive can impress future buyers far more than expected. This gap between what appears important and what truly adds value can make planning tricky, especially when choices range from small home improvement projects to larger exterior renovations.
To help clear up the confusion, Ace Handyman Services compiled a list of the 25 home improvement projects that offer the highest return on investment (ROI).
Methodology: Determining the ROI of Home Improvement Projects
To determine the return on investment (ROI) for common handyman home improvement projects, we compared each project’s average cost to the estimated increase in a home’s resale value after completion. We gathered average project costs and resale value increases from reputable sources in the home improvement and real estate sectors, including The Journal of Light Construction, HomeGuide, the National Association of Realtors, and Zillow.
Using the average job cost and the corresponding resale value added to the home, we calculated ROI using the following formula: resale value added ÷ average job cost, expressed as a percentage. This consistent calculation method allows for comparability across projects, even when individual home upgrade costs vary widely. After completing the calculations, we ranked the projects from highest to lowest ROI to highlight which projects most efficiently convert spending into resale value.
This ROI analysis focuses on smaller home improvement projects that a handyman or homeowner can undertake. We excluded large-scale projects such as full kitchen or bathroom remodels, room additions, and major structural changes. Including them would reduce comparability and make the rankings less practical for homeowners seeking more manageable upgrades.
Best Home Improvements for Resale Value
When it comes to return on investment, few home upgrades beat replacing your garage door. However, smaller cosmetic and functional improvements can also deliver impressive results. Simple updates, like painting the door, lubricating moving parts, adjusting ground clearance for a tighter seal, replacing or resealing windows, can refresh its look and performance. These upgrades create the feel of a brand-new garage door without the expense of a full replacement.
The average job costs just under $5,000 but adds an average retail value of over $12,500, making it a 268% ROI. Entry door replacements, particularly steel doors, function similarly and offer a $5,200 increase in value.
Similarly, landscaping and manufactured stone veneers also ranked highly on our list. Exterior features like these are part of a home’s curb appeal, which is a big part of a potential buyer’s first impression of a property. Buyers often form opinions within moments of arriving at a house, and having freshly cut grass and shiny new doors can signal that the property is well-maintained and cared for.
Cheapest Home Improvements With Strong ROI
Comparing our list of home improvement costs, standard lawn care services are by far the cheapest and offer the highest ROI. At an average investment of $415, homeowners can double their return with just some simple yard work. However, for those seeking indoor projects, indoor painting does the trick as well, at just $2–$6 per square foot, for a 107% ROI. A new coat of paint can make an older space feel more current, and according to a Zillow poll, changing your walls to earth tones and neutral colors is proven to entice buyers. Closet remodels also fit here, such as adding shelving and permanent drawers. For $2,500 or less, you can usually expect a $2,000 return on these projects, making them an option for sellers who are looking for small home improvement projects.
Home Improvement Projects
We have already covered the top ROIs related to curb appeal, but many other outdoor improvements can’t be discounted. For example, upgraded landscaping projects, including adding walkways, new shrubs, or refreshed garden beds, also add value, as they make a home seem more put-together and upmarket.
Around back, even decks and patios can attract buyer interest. Wood decks offer a solid return, while composite decks and paver patios provide slightly lower percentage returns. Outdoor fire features and landscape lighting returns are more moderate, but they help shape inviting spaces that can stand out during showings.
Systems, Appliances, and Practical Upgrades
Functional upgrades can’t be ignored when evaluating a house’s long-term value. These practical improvements may not always yield the highest returns, but they appeal to buyers who prioritize comfort and reliability. For example, backup power generators are especially attractive in regions with severe weather, while things like smart home upgrades rank well among tech-loving buyers and add a wow factor that influences all home buyers.
When it comes to home efficiency upgrades, window replacements improve energy performance and indoor comfort. In the latter category, vinyl windows offer stronger returns than wood models, with ROIs of 76% and 70%, respectively. Finally, irrigation systems support water conservation while providing long-term convenience and require less commitment than manual care, resulting in a potential $5,000.
Large or small, inexpensive or costly, the best home improvement projects balance modern appeal, functionality, and, of course, value. Whether refreshing the exterior, boosting comfort indoors, or investing in practical systems, the right mix of upgrades can significantly strengthen your home’s market presence.
If you are ready to explore which updates fit your home and budget, Ace Handyman Services is prepared to help. We offer dependable home improvement services that deliver immediate comfort and long-term value. Reach out today to schedule your next project and take a step toward improving your home’s appeal with our handyman home improvement team.
Home Improvement ROI
|
# |
Home Improvement Project |
Average Job Cost |
Resale Value Added |
Return on Investment |
|
1 |
Replace Garage Door |
$4,672 |
$12,507 |
268% |
|
2 |
Standard Lawn Care Service |
$415 |
$900 |
217% |
|
3 |
Replace Entry Door (Steel) |
$2,435 |
$5,270 |
216% |
|
4 |
Install Manufactured Stone Veneer |
$11,702 |
$24,328 |
208% |
|
5 |
Sand and Refinish Hardwood Floors |
$3,400 |
$5,000 |
147% |
|
6 |
Install New Hardwood Floors |
$5,000 |
$6,500 |
118% |
|
7 |
Replace Siding (Fiber-cement) |
$21,485 |
$24,420 |
114% |
|
8 |
Paint Interior |
$1,000–$3,000 |
$1,070–$3,210 |
107% |
|
9 |
Landscape Maintenance |
$4,800 |
$5,000 |
104% |
|
10 |
Upgrade Landscape (Install walkway, planters, shrubs, trees) |
$9,000 |
$9,000 |
100% |
|
11 |
Replace Siding (Vinyl) |
$17,950 |
$17,313 |
97% |
|
12 |
Install Backup Power Generator |
$13,534 |
$12,902 |
95% |
|
12 |
New Wood Deck |
$18,263 |
$17,323 |
95% |
|
12 |
New Patio (Concrete paver patio over base of compacted gravel and sand) |
$10,500 |
$10,000 |
95% |
|
15 |
New Composite Deck |
$25,096 |
$22,199 |
89% |
|
16 |
Smart-Home Upgrades |
$3,026 |
$2,633 |
87% |
|
17 |
Upgrade to Grand Entrance (Fiberglass) |
$11,754 |
$9,959 |
85% |
|
18 |
Install Irrigation System |
$6,000 |
$5,000 |
83% |
|
19 |
Replace Windows (Vinyl) |
$22,073 |
$16,657 |
76% |
|
20 |
Convert HVAC (Fuel to electric) |
$19,484 |
$14,053 |
72% |
|
21 |
Replace Windows (Wood) |
$26,781 |
$18,764 |
70% |
|
22 |
Landscape Lighting |
$6,800 |
$4,000 |
59% |
|
23 |
Add Outdoor Fire Feature |
$9,000 |
$5,000 |
56% |
|
24 |
Closet Remodel |
$500–$2,500 |
$2,000 |
55–60% |
|
25 |
Paint Exterior |
$1,500–$4,000 |
$825–$2,200 |
55% |
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Sources:
https://www.jlconline.com/cost-vs-value/2025/
https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/quick-tips/smart-home-survey/
https://www.bhg.com/landscaping-projects-that-add-value-to-your-home-11693838