01/03/2026
The BEST renovations for return on your investment 2026
1. Kitchen Upgrades
Multiple Realtors® commented on the value that kitchen upgrades bring to a home, from small changes, like adding new fixtures, to bigger ones, such as repainting the cabinets.
Charlotte Bradley, a member of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors®, agreed.
“While home is where the heart is, for most, the heart of the home is the kitchen,” she commented. “From a business perspective, I am here to tell you that the bidding wars are usually over the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and many would agree that it is by far the biggest return on your investment. It deserves all of the focus when renovating or remodeling for resale.”
2. Refreshed Baths
While kitchens are often the stars of the show, another renovation that can bring great ROI is bathrooms. Todd Van Horn, a Realtor® with the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, noted that bathroom renovations are among the top investments in terms of payoff.
“It’s been kitchens and baths that give a homeowner the best ROI for the past 30-plus years,” he says. “Nothing seems to be changing anytime soon!”
“Fresh bath upgrades!” Stephanie DiDomenico, a member of the Central Susquehanna Valley Board of Realtors®, added. “Paint and textiles can go a long way in these areas.”
3. New Garage Doors
Kitchen and bath renovations have a strong reputation for offering positive ROI, but Timothy Garrity, a Realtor® with Tri-County Suburban Realtors®, highlighted what may be a lesser-known ROI-giving renovation.
“For home renovations, 2026 looks to be all about practicality,” he said. “One of the top recommended upgrades is also one that most would gloss over: new garage doors. Replacing old garage doors with new, attractive and insulated garage doors will provide a solid ROI!”
Notably, a study by the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association found that the average overall cost-value ratio for garage door replacements in 2024 was 194%.
4. Other Curb Appeal Projects
In addition to garage doors, renovation projects that enhance the exterior aesthetic of a home can pay off significantly.
“Projects that improve curb appeal typically have the most ROI. New garage doors will provide the largest ROI,” Jason Drissel, another member of TCSR, said, agreeing with Garrity’s sentiments. “In addition, exterior paint and landscape cleanup will get you a big bang for your buck,” he added.
