Home Renovations That Add the Most Value in 2026
- ONE Marketing
- Dec 3
- 4 min read
As we head into 2026, many homeowners are asking: “If I’m going to invest in a remodel, which projects give me the biggest bang for my buck?” Whether you plan to stay in your home a while — or eventually sell — strategic renovations can significantly increase your property’s value. Below are the top-value upgrades for 2026.
1. Boost Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter
Exterior and curb-side upgrades remain among the highest-return projects.
Garage door replacement — Often cited as the #1 exterior upgrade, a new garage door can recoup up to ~268% of its cost at resale.
Entry door update — A modern, secure front door can return roughly 216% of its cost.
New siding (e.g. stone veneer) — Upgrading siding can yield a return around 208%, while instantly elevating a home’s look.
Landscaping, exterior lighting, and cosmetic touches — Even small improvements like fresh mulch, seasonal plants, well-placed lighting, a clean walkway or driveway, and updated house numbers can polish the exterior and improve first impressions.
Because curb appeal is the first thing buyers and visitors see, these changes can often add perceived value far greater than their cost — sometimes even before someone walks inside.
2. Modernize the Kitchen — High Impact Inside the Home
The kitchen remains arguably the single most influential interior space for value, lifestyle, and resale appeal.
A minor to mid-range kitchen remodel — Think fresh paint or backsplash, updated countertops, improved lighting, new cabinet hardware, or modest appliance upgrades — can recoup nearly 96% of its cost.
Consider adding practical and modern touches like a kitchen island or a walk-in pantry — buyers appreciate layout functionality, storage, and preparation space.
Because the kitchen is often the heart of a home, even moderate upgrades can significantly raise perceived value and appeal to buyers looking for move-in–ready comfort and style.
3. Upgrade Bathrooms — Spa-Like Comfort & Strong ROI
Buyers increasingly seek bathrooms that feel clean, modern, and a little luxurious. Renovated bathrooms not only provide comfort — they also boost resale value.
Features like double-sink vanities, updated fixtures, rain-style showerheads, soaking tubs, or extra storage can elevate a bathroom into a spa-like retreat that appeals to many buyers.
Even modest bathroom remodels tend to return a substantial portion of their cost — offering strong ROI compared to the investment.
Bathrooms are high on many buyers’ “must-have” lists — which means a thoughtful update here can pay off big time when it’s time to sell.
4. Rework Layout / Add Functional Space
As lifestyles shift (remote work, multigenerational families, more flexible living), functional layout and usable space are in high demand.
Finish or convert an unfinished basement, attic, or other underused spaces — converting those into livable areas (guest rooms, home offices, recreation spaces) can yield ~70% ROI while increasing usable square footage.
For homes lacking workspace, adding or converting a home office — e.g., turning a large closet or spare bedroom into a compact office — can give a competitive edge in today’s market.
Sometimes it’s not about adding square feet — just reconfiguring a dated or awkward layout (e.g., closed-off rooms, impractical flow) can make a house feel modern and more appealing.
Especially post-pandemic, flexibility and function carry a premium.
5. Improve Outdoor Living / Lifestyle Appeal
Outdoor and lifestyle-oriented upgrades can make a home feel more livable and desirable — and often recoup a high percentage of their cost.
Decks or patios — A well-built deck or patio can provide a nearly full recovery (often 89%–95%) of the cost at resale.
Mudrooms / Improved entry-way “drop zones” — In regions with changing seasons (like Virginia), nice mudrooms — with benches, built-in storage, hooks — appeal to families. Even modest upgrades here can earn a ~50% ROI.
For homes in markets or neighborhoods where extra dwelling units make sense — an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) might add long-term value (e.g., for rental income or multigenerational living), though the cost tends to be high.
Outdoor and lifestyle upgrades often strike a balance between living enjoyment now and resale appeal later.
6. Quick, Low-Cost Maintenance & Cosmetic Fixes — Don’t Overlook the Basics
Not all worthwhile “renovations” are major remodels. Sometimes, small, low-cost updates make a big difference — especially when your home shows signs of deferred maintenance.
Fresh paint (interior and exterior), power-washing siding, repairing caulk or grout, fixing minor issues (like leaky windows or outdated lighting), refinishing wood floors — these can dramatically improve the feel and appearance of a home.
Because these require modest budgets but often return a high relative value (some refinishing projects recoup more than their cost), they’re ideal “pre-sale tune-ups” or simple upgrades for homeowners who aren’t ready for a full remodel.
What This Means for Homeowners & Buyers in 2026
If you plan to sell soon: Prioritize curb appeal, kitchen updates, modern bathrooms, and small cosmetic fixes. These tend to deliver the highest return-on-investment and boost buyer interest — often without requiring huge budgets.
If you plan to stay long-term: Think about functionality and lifestyle: finishing basements, adding flexible home offices, improving outdoor living, or upgrading for energy efficiency. These projects may pay off over time in value — especially when paired with thoughtful financing.
If financing through a lender (or considering future refinancing): Renovation-friendly loans can help you fund value-adding upgrades without destabilizing your finances.
At ONE Presidential Mortgage, we understand that every homeowner’s situation is unique — whether you’re renovating to resale, remodeling for comfort, or investing for future equity. If you’re exploring renovation financing, a home equity loan, or want to recalibrate your mortgage after a remodel, we’re here to help guide you through your options and find the solution that fits your goals.