These Home Improvement Projects Have the Biggest ROI, According to a New Report

Home improvement projects can get expensive fast, and bigger doesn’t always mean better.

In fact, some of the most expensive renovations don’t deliver nearly as much return as small, more practical upgrades.

empty room with red toolbox and renovations under way and new wooden flooring. — makasana photo / Shutterstock

A recent analysis ranked common handyman-level home improvement projects based on their return on investment (ROI), comparing cost to the value added to a home.

Here are the top 10 projects that deliver the biggest payoff.

10. Upgraded Landscaping (Walkways, Shrubs, Trees)

Even relatively simple landscaping improvements can go a long way.

Projects like adding walkways, shrubs, or refreshed garden beds can deliver a 100% return, meaning you’ll likely get back what you put in. It’s all about first impressions.

9. Landscape Maintenance

Regular landscaping, like trimming, planting, and general upkeep, can go a long way. Even small improvements help create a stronger first impression, boosting curb appeal with minimal effort, yielding a 104% return on investment.

8. Interior Painting

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to update a home.

With a 107% ROI, it’s a low-cost project that can make older spaces feel modern and more appealing to buyers. Keep in mind that neutral tones tend to work best when it comes to resale.

7. Fiber-Cement Siding Replacement

Replacing siding isn’t the cheapest project, but it pays off.

Fiber-cement siding upgrades can deliver around a 114% return, while also improving durability and curb appeal, significantly boosting the value of your home.

6. New Hardwood Floors

Flooring plays a huge role in how a home feels.

As a result, installing new hardwood floors can bring in about a 118% ROI, while refinishing existing floors still offers strong returns as well.

5. Hardwood Floor Refinishing

If you already have hardwood floors, refinishing them might be even smarter than replacing them. With a 147% return, it’s a more affordable way to refresh your space without a full replacement and is usually a fairly simple process.

4. Manufactured Stone Veneer

This one is all about curb appeal. Adding manufactured stone veneer to your home’s exterior can generate a 208% ROI, dramatically boosting how your home looks from the outside. As a result, buyers may be more interested from the start.

3. Steel Entry Door Replacement

Your front door matters more than you might think. Replacing it with a steel door can return about 216% of the cost, making it one of the highest-value upgrades overall.

2. Standard Lawn Care Services

Similar to landscape maintenance, basic lawn care made the list and is even more important.

For an average cost of around $415, homeowners can see a 217% return simply by keeping their yard well-maintained. Sometimes, the simplest upgrades make the biggest impact.

1. Garage Door Replacement

This single improvement stands out among the rest.

Replacing your garage door offers one of the highest returns on the list, with a 268% ROI, adding over $12,000 in value on average for a project that typically costs under $5,000.

It’s a relatively straightforward project, but it makes a huge difference visually and functionally.

If you’re thinking about selling your home or simply want to improve its appearance and perceived value, it’s clear that exterior upgrades dominate in terms of ROI. However, not every project needs to be expensive.
Smaller upgrades can outperform major renovations, and cosmetic improvements matter more than you may think. Start with the exterior of your home, and then browse the biggest home interior trends of 2026 to start tackling indoor appearance, too!

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