How to Increase Home Value: 9 High-ROI Upgrades for 2025

You want your next project to do more than look good—you want it to appraise well, attract stronger offers, and avoid sinking money into upgrades buyers won’t pay for. The challenge is knowing where to invest for 2025: which projects deliver visible, measurable value; which are quick wins versus multi-week undertakings; and which energy- and comfort-focused improvements reduce ownership costs that buyers notice during showings and inspections.

This guide zeroes in on nine high-ROI upgrades backed by current cost‑vs‑value trends and buyer preferences. For each, you’ll get why it boosts value, typical cost ranges, expected ROI and payback, best-fit scenarios and timelines, plus pro tips to maximize returns. We’ll cover exterior all-stars like garage and entry doors, stone veneer, fiber‑cement siding, and curb appeal refreshes; smart interior moves like minor kitchen and midrange bath updates; outdoor living with a wood deck; and a quiet, insulated whole house fan that cuts cooling costs while improving indoor air quality. Ready to invest where it counts? Let’s walk through the nine upgrades that can move your home’s value needle in 2025.

1. Install a quiet, insulated whole house fan

If you’re deciding how to increase home value in 2025, start with comfort and operating costs buyers feel every day. A modern, insulated whole house fan quietly flushes hot, stale air while pulling in cool evening air, cutting reliance on AC by a claimed 50–90% and improving indoor air quality. Today’s “whisper quiet” models (about 40–52 dB) use insulated acoustical ducts, suspended mounts and noise‑isolated motor housings, so you get airflow without the racket associated with older fans.

Why this boosts value

Lower ownership costs and better air sell. Buyers notice fresher rooms during showings, cooler attics at inspections, and appreciate features like app control, timers, and remote access. Positioning an efficient, quiet ventilation system as a daily-use alternative to AC makes your listing stand out to eco‑ and budget‑minded shoppers.

Cost, ROI and payback

While prices vary by size and features, the return shows up on your utility bill. By slashing AC use (often 50–90%), peak‑season savings can reach up to $500 per month, according to vendor claims—meaning payback can be measured in months in hotter climates and within a season or two in mixed climates. You also reduce wear on your AC system, another plus at resale.

Best fit and project timeline

Whole house fans shine in areas with cool nights or strong diurnal swings, and in homes with accessible attics and adequate roof or gable venting. Most modern units arrive largely pre‑assembled and require minimal wiring; confident DIYers can install in about an hour, while pros typically complete the job in a half day.

Pro tips to maximize return

• Open a few windows before running the fan to maximize cross‑ventilation and protect pressure balance.
• Size the fan appropriately for your home and ensure your attic has sufficient exhaust vent area.
• Choose an insulated model to prevent heat loss/gain when the fan is off and to keep noise low.
• Use programmable controls to pre‑cool the home in the evening and purge morning stuffiness.
• Showcase energy bills and the fan’s dB rating in your listing to underscore comfort and savings.

2. Replace your garage door

If you want a slam‑dunk resale move for 2025, replace the garage door. It tops national ROI charts and resets first impressions in photos and at the curb, all with minimal disruption—a quick, high‑impact upgrade buyers notice immediately and that can pay you back.

Why this boosts value

A tired, dented or noisy door screams deferred maintenance. A crisp, well‑scaled door with updated panels, a tasteful color, and optional glass lites sharpens listing photos, lifts curb appeal, and signals overall care—small cues that translate into more showings and stronger offers.

Cost, ROI and payback

According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value report (as summarized by Zillow), a new garage door averages $4,317 installed, returns about $15,081 at resale, and recoups roughly 349% nationally—the highest ROI on the list. Few projects add value so efficiently.

Best fit and project timeline

Best for front‑facing garages or facades the door dominates, and for any home with a visibly aging or builder‑basic door. Pros measure, order, then install once materials arrive; on‑site work commonly wraps in a single day.

Pro tips to maximize return

A few choices can squeeze even more value from this simple swap. Prioritize broad buyer appeal and practical upgrades over custom flourishes.

• Match architecture and trim color.
• Add top‑row windows for daylight/privacy.
• Choose an insulated door for comfort near living space.
• Upgrade to a quiet, smart belt‑drive opener.
• Keep hardware simple and proportionate.

3. Upgrade to a steel entry door

If you’re weighing how to increase home value fast, the front door is prime real estate. A fresh steel entry door sharpens that all‑important first impression, elevates perceived security, tightens weather sealing, and reads as “well‑maintained” in listing photos and at the curb—small signals that nudge buyers toward stronger offers.

Why this boosts value

The entry sets the tone for the entire showing. A solid‑feeling, well‑styled steel door with clean lines, modern hardware, and good fit conveys quality and care. Add light with glass lites if appropriate, and you’re improving both day‑to‑day living and marketing photos without remodeling the whole facade.

Cost, ROI and payback

Per the 2025 Cost vs. Value data summarized by Zillow, steel entry door replacement averages about $2,435, resells for roughly $5,270, and recoups around 216%—making it one of the highest‑ROI projects nationwide. Few upgrades deliver that much perceived value for so little cost or downtime.

Best fit and project timeline

Ideal when your door is dented, drafty, sun‑faded, or stylistically off with the rest of the exterior. Pros can measure, order, and complete installation in a few hours once the door arrives; most homeowners can plan this as a one‑day project with minimal disruption.

Pro tips to maximize return

• Specify an insulated core, quality weatherstripping, and a tight threshold for comfort and durability.
• Keep the design architecture‑appropriate; let hardware be modern but understated.
• Add a smart lock; 36% of buyers rate smart‑home capabilities highly, according to Zillow’s 2024 report.
• Choose a market‑friendly color—Zillow’s research shows black front doors can spur buyers to offer more.
• If adding glass, use privacy or textured lites that complement sidelites/transoms.
• Refresh adjacent elements (house numbers, mailbox, sconce) so the whole entry reads “new.”

4. Add manufactured stone veneer to your facade

Stone veneer is a visual upgrade that photographs beautifully and reads “premium” at the curb. Used as an accent around entries, columns, or as a wainscot, it breaks up large planes of siding, adds depth and texture, and helps your home stand out in listing photos and drive-bys—key moments where buyers form value judgments.

Why this boosts value

Curb appeal is often the first filter for buyers. Stone veneer adds a custom, upscale feel without a full exterior remodel, signaling care and quality. It pairs well with other high-ROI exterior swaps (garage and entry doors), amplifying the overall impression for a relatively modest scope.

Cost, ROI and payback

According to 2025 Cost vs. Value data summarized by Zillow, manufactured stone veneer averages about $11,702, has an estimated resale value of $24,328, and recoups roughly 208% nationally. That puts it among the top projects for increasing home value relative to cost.

Best fit and project timeline

Best for homes with large stretches of siding or plain foundations where an accent would add interest. It’s also ideal to frame focal points like the front entry or garage. Installers can complete this as an exterior-only project; schedule and duration depend on coverage area and wall prep, minimizing disruption inside the home.

Pro tips to maximize return

• Target focal areas: Prioritize the porch/entry, garage piers, and lower front facade for maximum photo impact.
• Match architecture and color: Coordinate stone tones with roof, siding, and door colors for a cohesive look.
• Finish transitions cleanly: Use proper sills, caps, and corner pieces; avoid abrupt terminations.
• Mind moisture management: Ensure flashing, drainage, and manufacturer-recommended details are followed for durability.
• Bundle upgrades: Pair with a new garage or steel entry door to lift perceived value across the whole facade.

5. Replace siding with fiber-cement

If you’re weighing how to increase home value with one big exterior move, fiber‑cement siding is a proven performer. A full replacement instantly refreshes curb appeal, erases years of wear, and makes your photos pop—signals that help drive more showings and stronger offers without altering your home’s footprint.

Why this boosts value

Siding dominates the facade, so upgrading it resets the perceived age of the entire property. Clean reveals, crisp trim lines, and consistent color read as “well‑maintained,” reducing buyer objections before they start. Pair fiber‑cement with previously listed exterior winners (new garage and entry doors, stone accents) and the whole front elevation levels up.

Cost, ROI and payback

Per 2025 Cost vs. Value figures summarized by Zillow, fiber‑cement siding replacement averages about $21,485, carries an estimated resale value of $24,420, and recoups roughly 114% nationally. That places it among the few projects projected to return more than their cost at resale in 2025.

Best fit and project timeline

This upgrade shines when existing siding is faded, patched, or visibly dated, and on homes where curb appeal is a key comp driver. Pros typically handle removal, weather barrier, trim, and panels; most projects take several days of exterior‑only work, minimizing disruption inside the home.

Pro tips to maximize return

• Keep the design timeless: Choose profiles and colors that align with neighborhood norms for broad buyer appeal.
• Mind the details: Quality trim, straight shadow lines, and clean transitions at corners and openings amplify the “new” look.
• Refresh adjacent elements: Update gutters, downspouts, and light fixtures so nothing drags the facade backward.
• Bundle selectively: If budget allows, coordinate with a steel entry door or stone veneer for a cohesive, high‑impact front.
• Document the upgrade: Save permits, specs, and warranties to showcase in your listing and during buyer due diligence.

6. Do a minor, midrange kitchen remodel

You don’t need a full gut to move the needle. A minor, midrange kitchen refresh delivers the “new kitchen” feel buyers crave without blowing the budget or timeline—think cosmetic upgrades that modernize photos, reduce objections at showings, and help the home appraise cleanly.

Why this boosts value

Kitchens sell houses because they dominate daily life and listing photos. Fresh finishes, quiet lighting, and clean surfaces signal “move‑in ready.” Even modest swaps—like a new sink or upgrading a tired microwave to stainless—elevate perceived quality and confidence.

Cost, ROI and payback

Per 2025 Cost vs. Value figures summarized by Zillow, a minor midrange kitchen remodel averages about $28,458, has an estimated resale value of $32,141, and recoups roughly 113% nationally. That makes it one of the rare interior projects projected to return more than its cost in 2025.

Best fit and project timeline

Best when your layout works and cabinets are structurally sound but finishes date the space. Because you’re not moving walls or major utilities, many projects wrap in days to a couple of weeks with limited disruption—perfect for prepping to list in the near term.

Pro tips to maximize return

Start with the highest‑visibility touchpoints buyers notice first, and keep choices broadly appealing.

• Keep the layout: Avoid relocating plumbing/electrical; spend on finishes instead.
• Refresh cabinets: Paint or reface doors and add modern hardware for outsized impact.
• Swap key surfaces: Prioritize a new sink/faucet, durable counters, and a simple tile backsplash.
• Upgrade lighting: Layer bright, efficient LEDs; smart lighting features are popular with buyers.
• Select midrange stainless appliances: Replacing one or two visibly dated pieces still reads “updated.”
• Choose market‑friendly colors: Zillow research suggests certain hues help; kitchens in on‑trend greens, for example, have tested well.
• Skip luxury splurges: Ultra‑high‑end finishes often don’t pay back outside luxury markets.
• Document the work: Save receipts and capture before/after photos to support appraisals and buyer confidence.

7. Refresh a bathroom with a midrange update

Bathrooms punch above their size in buyer perception. Bright, clean, and contemporary finishes photograph well, reduce “move-in work” concerns, and help your home appraise smoothly. Even if you’re not relocating plumbing, a strategic midrange refresh can erase years of wear and make the whole house feel newer.

Why this boosts value

Buyers mentally price out fix‑ups the moment they see dingy grout, dated lights, or a worn vanity. A tidy, well‑lit bath signals good maintenance and move‑in readiness. Zillow notes that over a quarter of sellers improved bathrooms before listing, and simple fixes like swapping vanity lights or re‑caulking/reglazing a tub can meaningfully lift appeal.

Cost, ROI and payback

According to 2025 Cost vs. Value figures summarized by Zillow, a midrange bath remodel averages about $26,138, has an estimated resale value near $20,915, and recoups roughly 80% nationally. While not a profit center like a new garage door, this upgrade reliably shortens buyer objections and can support faster market times and stronger offers.

Best fit and project timeline

Choose this path when the layout functions, the tub/shower can be refinished rather than replaced, and the room mainly needs cosmetic modernization. Because you’re keeping the footprint, many projects complete in days to a couple of weeks with limited disruption—an efficient way to prep for spring or summer listings.

Pro tips to maximize return

Dial in the high‑visibility touchpoints buyers notice first and keep selections broadly appealing.

• Upgrade lighting: Bright, efficient LED vanity and overhead lights flatter the space.
• Refresh the wet zone: Re‑caulk or reglaze the tub/shower; replace stained doors/curtains.
• Swap the vanity/top: A clean‑lined vanity with a new faucet reads “new” instantly.
• Modernize surfaces: Install a simple, neutral tile or durable LVP; regrout where needed.
• Update hardware: Coordinated faucets, bars, and pulls in brushed nickel or matte black unify the look.
• Improve storage and mirrors: A framed mirror or mirrored medicine cabinet adds function and style.
• Choose water‑savvy fixtures: EPA WaterSense toilets and showerheads appeal to cost‑ and eco‑minded buyers.
• Ensure ventilation: A quiet exhaust fan protects finishes and keeps the room fresh for showings.

8. Add or upgrade a wood deck

Outdoor living is high on buyer wish lists, and a handsome wood deck makes your photos pop while adding a functional “extra room” for gatherings. It’s a relatively contained exterior project that elevates lifestyle, helps listings stand out, and supports stronger offers without touching the interior.

Why this boosts value

A deck visually expands usable living space and creates a natural staging zone for dining and lounging. Buyers imagine weekend meals, morning coffee, and easy entertaining—value that shows up in both showings and listing photos. Financial institutions and housing pros consistently flag decks as smart, curb‑appeal‑friendly investments.

Cost, ROI and payback

Per 2025 Cost vs. Value data summarized by Zillow, a wood deck addition averages about $18,263, with an estimated resale value of $17,323—recouping roughly 95% nationally. For comparison, composite decks average $25,096 and recoup about 89%. If budget and ROI are your top priorities, wood leads on payback.

Best fit and project timeline

A deck shines when your home lacks an outdoor gathering area or the backyard connects naturally to the kitchen or great room. It’s especially compelling on flat or gently sloped lots with privacy potential. Work is exterior‑only, and timeline depends on size, site conditions, permits, and design complexity.

Pro tips to maximize return

• Scale to your comps: Match size and finish level to neighborhood standards for broad buyer appeal.
• Keep the design clean: Simple footprints with thoughtful steps and railings read well in photos.
• Plan flow: Align doors, grills, and seating so the space lives comfortably from day one.
• Light it right: Add low‑voltage or LED step/cap lights for safety and evening ambience.
• Mind codes and moisture: Pull permits, meet railing/stair requirements, and detail for drainage at the house.
• Stage for lifestyle: Neutral furniture, planters, and a rug help buyers picture daily use.
• Maintain the finish: Fresh stain/seal before listing so the deck reads “new,” not “to‑do.”

9. Boost curb appeal with landscaping and exterior paint

Curb appeal is the thumbnail image for your home—online and from the street. Clean beds, crisp edges, fresh paint, and a welcoming entry can lift perceived value instantly, drive more showings, and reduce buyer objections. Zillow notes landscaping was among the most common pre-listing projects in 2024 (about a quarter of sellers), and nearly one in five painted exteriors; a black front door alone can entice buyers to offer roughly $6,450 more.

Why this boosts value

First impressions frame everything that follows during a showing. A tidy lawn, native plantings, and a freshly painted facade signal low maintenance and “move‑in ready.” Small, visible upgrades (house numbers, lighting, mailbox) photograph well and suggest overall care. Properly placed shade trees can also cut cooling costs by as much as 40%, a comfort and cost win buyers appreciate.

Cost, ROI and payback

These are budget‑friendly, high‑perception upgrades with fast payback. Weekend projects (mulch, pruning, pressure washing, sealing walkway cracks) are low cost yet high impact. Exterior paint and a front‑door refresh deliver outsized visual returns; Zillow’s research links black doors with higher offers, and landscaping/paint upgrades are repeatedly cited as quick value boosters.

Best fit and project timeline

Ideal if the front photo underwhelms, paint is chalky, or beds look tired. Most yard cleanups and front‑door painting fit in a day; a full exterior repaint often takes several days, weather permitting. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment and easier maintenance during showings.

Pro tips to maximize return

Prioritize what buyers see first and what the camera catches.

• Pressure wash: Siding, walks, and driveway for instant brightness.
• Mow, edge, mulch: Clean lines and fresh mulch read “well‑kept.”
• Prune and remove dead growth: Clear sightlines to windows and entry.
• Plant native, low‑maintenance species: Drought‑tolerant choices save water and upkeep.
• Add a shade tree (properly placed): Long‑term energy savings and curb appeal.
• Paint the front door (consider black): Pair with modern, understated hardware.
• Upgrade accents: House numbers, mailbox, and porch sconces for a cohesive entry.
• Seal cracks: Driveway and walkway repairs tidy the approach.
• Layer lighting: Path and porch LEDs boost safety and evening photos.
• Avoid overbuilding: Skip high‑end landscaping and water features that can feel like maintenance burdens.

Next steps

You’ve got the nine projects that move the value needle in 2025; now sequence them for speed, impact, and resale confidence. Start with the fastest curb‑appeal wins, then tackle the midrange updates that modernize photos and reduce buyer objections, and finish with any larger exterior replacements timed to your listing window.

• Audit and prioritize: Walk the property with comps in mind. List repairs, energy upgrades, and photo‑visible eyesores. Rank by ROI, cost, and timeline.
• Budget and bundle: Get two to three quotes per project. Bundle exterior swaps (garage/entry doors, stone accents, paint) for a cohesive facelift.
• Knock out quick wins: Refresh the front door, replace a dated garage door, pressure wash, prune, mulch, and update numbers/lighting before photos.
• Plan midrange updates: Schedule a minor kitchen refresh, a bathroom tidy‑up, or a wood deck upgrade. Save receipts, permits, and warranties for buyers.

If lowering cooling costs and improving air quality is on your list, compare a quiet, insulated whole house fan to complement your upgrades at quiet, insulated whole house fan. Start now, document everything, and your future buyer—and appraisal—will notice.