Top 5 Renovation Projects with the Highest ROI

Key Takeaways

• Renovations
• Sellers
• ROI
• Written by Mark Nesci, Broker Associate with Baird & Warner

Maximizing Your Home's Value

When preparing to sell your North Shore home, you want to ensure every dollar spent on renovations yields a positive return. Not all updates are created equal. Here are the top five projects that consistently offer the best return on investment (ROI).

1. Minor Kitchen Remodel

You don't need a complete gut rehab to see a return. Updating cabinet hardware, painting existing cabinets, installing new countertops, and upgrading to stainless steel appliances can completely refresh the space without the massive price tag of a full remodel.

2. Fresh Paint and Refinished Floors

Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of neutral paint. It makes a home feel clean, updated, and move-in ready. Coupling this with refinished hardwood floors-highly desirable in North Shore homes-can significantly boost your home's appeal.

3. Bathroom Refresh

Similar to the kitchen, minor updates in the bathroom go a long way. Reglazing an old tub, updating fixtures, adding new lighting, and replacing a dated vanity can modernize the space effectively.

4. Curb Appeal Enhancements

First impressions matter. Landscaping improvements, a new front door, and updated exterior lighting can draw buyers in before they even step inside.

5. Energy-Efficient Windows

Buyers in Chicago's climate appreciate energy efficiency. Replacing old, drafty windows not only improves the home's aesthetic but also offers tangible utility savings for the new owner.

Should I Renovate Before Selling?

This is a common question. The answer is often yes, but strategically. As a licensed General Contractor and Realtor, I can walk through your home and pinpoint exactly which improvements will increase your sale price and which will simply be a sunk cost.