5 best ROI home improvements for Boston homeowners

A home improvement project can make your home more comfortable, provide extra room and improve energy efficiency. Not all upgrades provide a return on investment (ROI), however. Some have a negative ROI, while others offer returns that are much greater than your investment.

Here are five of the best ROI home improvements to upgrade your Boston home.

1. Start small

You don't have to spend a lot to improve your Boston home. Small, budget-friendly upgrades can have a big impact. These projects are also DIY-friendly, which helps you save even more.

Try starting with these affordable projects:

• Repaint walls
• Swap out old light fixtures
• Add new decor
• Replace flooring

These small changes can make a big difference. A fresh coat of paint or new lighting can make rooms feel brighter and more inviting. Replacing worn flooring can make rooms look cleaner and updated. And by adding new decor, you can customize rooms to reflect your style.

2. Make energy-efficient upgrades

Boston winters are notoriously cold, but eco-friendly home improvements can make a big difference. They can lower your utility bills and create a more comfortable living space. Plus, if you decide to sell, these improvements can make your home more attractive to buyers.

There are energy-efficient projects for every budget. Adding insulation and sealing air leaks is a fast and affordable upgrade. Energy Star-certified windows help you save 12% on energy and have an ROI of about 70%. If your HVAC or natural gas furnace is outdated, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient unit can also lower your energy costs and reduce the risk of breakdowns during severe weather.

If your home has single-pane windows, replacing them with double-pane windows can prevent energy leaks. Be sure to look for Energy Star-certified windows with gas-filled panes. Although this is the most expensive energy upgrade, it can have the biggest impact on your home's efficiency.

3. Enhance curb appeal and outdoor space

In 2024, the top home renovations with the best ROI were all exterior upgrades. First impressions matter. If you're selling, many people won't bother looking inside if your home has poor curb appeal. That's why a mid-range garage door replacement in New England can have a ROI as high as 314.7%

Other exterior upgrades can also make a big difference. If your front door, siding, and trim are faded, repainting them can refresh your home's appearance. Simple outdoor renovation projects, like adding exterior lighting, new house numbers and seasonal flowers, can make your home look more inviting. Power washing and re-staining decking, and adding weather-resistant patio furniture and covers can make your outside space more enjoyable.

Well-maintained landscaping can also improve your home's appearance. Adding mulch to flower beds, trimming overgrown shrubs and planting a few perennials can boost curb appeal all year long.

4. Renovate kitchen and bathroom

Kitchen and bathroom renovations often deliver high ROIs for Boston homes. The ROI for a minor kitchen remodel can be 70-80%, while the average bathroom remodel has an ROI of 72.7%.

Upgrades can be as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint, changing cabinet hardware or installing modern lighting. Larger bathroom and kitchen remodel projects that involve replacing flooring, countertops, vanities and bathtubs require a bigger investment, but the ROI can be worth it. It makes your space more comfortable and functional, and it can also help your home sell faster and for a higher price.

5. Increase living space

Increasing your living space is a home improvement that can give you the room you need without moving to a bigger home. If your Boston home has an unfinished basement or attic, consider finishing it to add livable square footage. A finished basement or attic can add another floor to your home, and the space can serve as family rooms, home offices, bedrooms and storage rooms. Also, consider adding a deck, patio or porch to expand your outdoor space.

The ROI for a home addition is less when compared to other home improvement projects, but it may be worth it if it helps you avoid the hassle of moving or if you live close to work. According to the Journal of Light Construction, a mid-range bathroom addition has an ROI of 35%. Before you make any major modifications to your home, be sure to consult with architects who are familiar with Boston's zoning and code requirements to ensure you are compliant.

Get started with a HELOC

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be a smart way to finance a home improvement project. It allows you to borrow what you need, when you need it. The interest rate is typically lower than personal loans and credit cards, and you only pay interest on the amount you actually use.

Ready to update your home? A HELOC lets you tap into your home's equity to cover everything from minor updates to a major remodel. Learn more and get started today.

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