Staring at a list of home improvement projects can feel overwhelming when every project seems to promise a great return on investment (ROI). But what exactly does that mean, and which ones will give you the most bang for your buck (and sweat equity)?
In the world of home improvement, ROI refers to the financial return you get on your investment relative to the upfront costs. It can be calculated by dividing the net profit earned on an investment by the cost of an investment. When projecting the ROI of a home project, it’s important to consider factors such as market conditions, project costs, how long you plan to stay in a home, and your overall goals (such as whether you’re prioritizing resale value or personal enjoyment).
With 39% of homeowners citing home upgrades as their biggest concern in our 2023 Housepower report, it’s important to know that some home improvements offer a much higher ROI than others. This goes beyond just increasing your home's value when you sell. Maintenance-focused improvements can help save you money on utilities, prevent future repairs, and give you more peace of mind.
This guide will help you navigate high-value home improvements—with a focus on preventative maintenance to help you avoid future headaches. We’ll cover projects that increase long-term ROI potential, as well as lower-cost DIY projects with a short-term ROI, in case you’re looking to sell your home soon.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade to new doors and windows entirely or simply want to freshen things up before you sell your home, consider the long-term and short-term ROI upgrades below.
On average, U.S. homeowners earned back 188% of their investment from improving their entry door in 2024 based on market resale values. If you want to give your doors and windows an upgrade, consider the following improvements:
Average cost: $2,355 (steel entry door), $21,264 (vinyl windows)
Average resale value: $4,430(steel entry door), $14,270 (vinyl windows)
Effort: Moderate
Replacing your entry door and windows can be expensive, but it offers a high return on investment in several ways.
Upgrading your windows can also drastically improve the visual appeal of your home’s exterior. Based on average resale costs, homeowners earned back 67% of the upfront cost of replacing existing windows with new vinyl windows based on average resale values in the U.S.
Aside from the visual enhancements, these projects can also help address important home maintenance factors, including:
Smart home features are becoming increasingly popular, and there are a range of small to large-scale upgrades that can add value and convenience to your home, depending on your short and long-term goals.
Even if you're not ready for a complete smart home overhaul, there are still ways to incorporate some smart features without breaking the bank. These short-term benefits include increased convenience, remote control of lights and appliances, potential energy savings, and a peace of mind from features like smart security cameras.
Average cost: Varies
Average resale value: Varies
Effort: Low to moderate
Smart home technology can provide your home with comfort, security, and efficiency. It can also save you money in the long run by minimizing dangers like water damage. Here are some long-term smart home upgrades that can help prevent major repair expenses, providing indirect ROI opportunities:
The importance of a well-maintained HVAC system goes far. Whether you need to fully update your system for the long-term or just want some short-term improvements, consider the following options below.
Keeping your HVAC system well-maintained doesn't require a professional every time. Regular maintenance can improve air quality, potentially reduce energy costs, and make your home more appealing to buyers. Here are some simple DIY tasks to help improve air quality and potentially reduce energy costs.
Average cost: $18,800
Average resale value: $12,422
Effort: High
Upgrading your HVAC and ventilation system offers a significant return on investment by improving your home's safety depending on the age of your current unit, reducing energy costs, and enhancing indoor air quality. Based on average resale costs, switching from a low-efficiency gas furnace to an electric heat pump allowed homeowners to earn back 66% of the upfront replacement cost.
Heat pumps offer a trendy solution for eco-friendly living, aligning with the growing demand for renewable energy sources. Unlike traditional furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps handle both heating and cooling needs, which can reduce your reliance on energy-hungry AC systems. This can translate to a positive impact on your wallet and the environment.
It’s important to note that electric heat pumps rely on extracting heat from the outside air, which can be less efficient in colder climates and may not be the right fit for every household. Additionally, some older homes may not have the electrical capacity to handle an electric heat pump. If your home has natural gas and you live in a colder climate, a high-efficiency gas furnace is an alternative to consider.
When seeking a high-efficiency gas furnace, look for Energy Star-certified options. These certified furnaces meet the energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and can offer energy cost savings. That could include an average of $30 in energy costs each year for homes in southern U.S. states and $80 per year in energy costs for the northern states.
Upgrading your HVAC and ventilation system can also help address important home maintenance factors, including:
Whether you’re looking into a full roof replacement or just want to take advantage of some short-term solutions to extend the life of your existing roof, consider the options below.
A well-maintained roof can help increase your home’s curb appeal and prevent weather-related damage. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your roof is in great shape for potential buyers.
Average cost: $30,680
Average resale value: $17,461
Effort: High
A new roof isn't just about aesthetics—it's a critical investment that can protect your home's value and ensure your family’s safety. While replacing your existing roof is no small undertaking, U.S. homeowners earned back 57% of their investment based on the latest market resale values after opting for a new roof with fiberglass asphalt shingles. Fiberglass shingles are a composite material that combines asphalt with fiberglass strands. This makes them more resistant to tearing and wind damage compared to traditional organic asphalt shingles.
Here's how a roof replacement can offer a high return on investment:
Keep in mind that most roofs typically last roughly 25 years, depending on factors like climate and shingle quality. Signs it might be time to consider a roof replacement include the age of your roof, visible damage like cracked shingles or exposed underlayment, leaks in your attic, ceiling or walls, and daylight peeking through your roof deck (which indicates the underlayment or shingles are failing).
Whether you opt to completely overhaul your home’s siding or simply give it some attention with a few easy fixes, it can make a big difference in boosting curb appeal and protecting your home from harsh weather elements.
While a full siding replacement is a significant project, there are easy and affordable ways to refresh your existing siding and make it look its best. Refreshing your siding with a deep cleaning, painting, or minor repairs can make your home look fresh, new, and more attractive to potential buyers. This can increase your home's value if you're planning to sell.
Average cost: $20,619
Average resale value: $18,230
Effort: High
Investing in your home's exterior with new siding offers a double benefit: it enhances your home's visual appeal while also providing a significant return on investment. Thanks to increased durability and reduced maintenance costs (and based on average resale costs) homeowners earned back roughly 88.4% of their upfront investment after upgrading their siding with fiber cement, a versatile and low-maintenance material composed of cement, wood pulp, sand, and fibers.
Highly resistant to fire, rot, insect damage, and harsh weather conditions, fiber cement siding can last with minimal upkeep. Unlike wood siding, which requires regular staining or painting, fiber cement siding requires minimal maintenance. Occasional cleaning it with a hose is typically sufficient.
Here's why upgrading your siding is a smart choice among high ROI renovations:
With home improvement projects, the sheer number of options available can easily overshadow the excitement of potential upgrades. But before diving headfirst into renovations, it's crucial to consider your unique circumstances and goals for your home, especially when prioritizing maintenance and maximizing return on investment.
Here are some key factors to keep in mind to ensure the projects you choose align with your lifestyle and contribute to a well-maintained home:
A well-maintained home is a secure investment. By strategically focusing on improvements that enhance your home's value, durability, and safety, you can reap the benefits of a high ROI while minimizing future risks.
For personalized guidance or to learn more about how we can support your homeownership journey, download our Hippo Home app for free from the App Store and Google Play.
YourHaus, Inc. (“Hippo Home”) is an affiliate of Hippo Insurance Services. Services (including all repair or maintenance services) provided to customers through affiliated and unaffiliated third-party contractors. Services provided by Hippo Home include speaking to a home care specialist, or providing repairs or maintenance either remotely or on site. Use of Hippo Home is subject to Hippo Home’s terms and conditions and privacy policies. Use of unaffiliated third-party vendors is subject to the terms of service provided by such third party. Hippo Insurance Services is not responsible for your use/non-use of Hippo Home or any service vendor. © YourHaus, Inc. 2024
Hippo Insurance Services ("Hippo") is a general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Hippo is licensed as a property casualty insurance agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy. Coverage and coverage amounts selected are the decision of the buyer.
This guidance and advice is not error-proof and not applicable to every home. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and neither Hippo nor Hippo Home is responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance.
(800) 585-0705[email protected]We are here around the clock from Monday to Friday. We're closed from 6 pm CST on Saturday and resume service at 5 am CST on Monday. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected] or call us during our regular hours.
(855) 999-9746[email protected]Contact us to file a claim. We're here 24/7.
(650) 426-0546[email protected]We are here Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT.
(800) 585-0705 Opt #3[email protected]We are here Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT.
home.hippo.comStay on top of home maintenance with the Hippo Home app.