Best Returns On Investment (ROI)
Costs and ROI Percentage
Best Returns On Investment
Highest ROI (Often 100%+ Return)
- Declutter & Deep Clean
- Interior Painting (light neutral)
- Minor Repairs / Deferred Maintenance
- Declutter Garage & Clean
- Improve Lighting (LED, brighten rooms)
- Front Yard Cleanup (trim, mulch, refresh)
- New Switch Plates / Small Hardware Updates
- Neutralize Odors
- Clean Windows & Floors
- Update Cabinet Pulls / Door Hardware
These are inexpensive and improve buyer perception if selling.
Very High ROI (Strong Return)
- Remove Popcorn Ceilings
- Landscaping Refresh (mulch, trimming)
- Power Wash Driveway & Walkways
- Entry Door Refinish or Replacement
- Replace/Refinish Garage Door
- Update Light Fixtures
- Epoxy Garage Floor
- Unified Flooring (where mismatched)
- Staging (when selling)
- Front Door Hardware Upgrade
High ROI (Depends on Condition)
- Exterior Painting (if needed)
- Dual Pane Windows (good but expensive)
- Interior Design Consult & Implementation
- Deep Kitchen Refresh (not full remodel)
- Bathroom Refresh (not remodel)
- Replace Outdated Tile (LVP/hardwood)
- Add Recessed Lighting
- Backyard Declutter & Cleanup
- Add Closet Organizers
- Add Crown Molding / Baseboards
Moderate to High ROI
- Plantation Shutters
- New Ceiling Fans
- Mailbox Upgrade
- House Numbers Upgrade
- Updated Mirrors
- New Front Door Mat / Entry Accents
- Soft Close Hinges (Cabinets & Drawers)
- Finished Garage (Texture, Paint, Lighting)
- Patio Furniture Staging (when selling)
- French Drains (with grade towards home)
Moderate ROI (Situational)
- Major Kitchen Remodel
- Major Bathroom Remodel
- HVAC Service or Replacement
- New Roof
- Outdoor Kitchen
- Security System
- Backyard Lighting
- Fire Pit (simple)
- Synthetic Grass (maintenance benefit)
- Raised Garden Beds
Neutral to Moderate ROI (Lifestyle-driven)
- Whole House Fan
- EV Charger
- Smart Home Systems
- Alarm System
- Keyless Entry
- Sewer Scope & Fixes
- Workshop Area
- Fireplace Insert
- Storage Shed
- Decorative Fountain
Lower ROI (Nice but rarely recovered)
- Outdoor Kitchen
- Automated Pergola
- Sport Court / Pickleball
- Putting Green
- Koi Pond
- Sauna
- Landscaping Redesign
- Extensive Hardscape
- Storage Cabinets in Garage
- Decorative Benches / Boulders
Low ROI (Often Under 50% Return)
- Pool (unless neighborhood standard)
- Room Additions (costly)
- Second Story Addition
- Wine Cellar
- Smart Integrated Speakers
- High-end Security Systems
- Decorative Water Features
- Luxury Backyard Retreats
ROI Depends on Market & Property Type
These can be high ROI only in certain scenarios:
- ADU (high ROI potential)
- SB-9 lot split (very high ROI if lot qualifies)
- Solar (buyer appeal varies & only if owned)
- New Roof (high ROI when needed)
- Foundation fixes (value preservation)
Top 15 ROI
- Declutter & deep clean
- Interior paint
- Minor repairs
- Lighting upgrades
- Landscaping refresh
- Power wash exterior
- Hardware updates
- Garage cleanup / epoxy
- Remove popcorn ceilings
- Neutral flooring (if mismatched)
- Entry door upgrade
- Garage door refresh
- Kitchen refresh (not remodel)
- Bathroom refresh (not remodel)
- Curb appeal lighting
Costs and ROI Percentage
Improvement
Typical Cost / Estimated ROI
Highest ROI
1 Declutter & Deep Clean
$0 – $1,500 / 300% – 800%
2 Interior Paint (Neutral)
$2,000 – $10,000 / 150% – 300%
3 Minor Repairs & Maintenance
$0 – $3,000 / 150% – 250%
4 Garage Declutter + Clean
$0 – $500 / 200% – 500%
5 Lighting (LED/Recessed)
$1,500 – $6,000 / 120% – 220%
6 Landscaping Refresh
$1,000 – $5,000 / 120% – 250%
7 Switch Plates & Hardware Updates
$200 – $900 / 150% – 300%
8 Neutralize Odors
$0 – $600 / 200% – 400%
9 Window Cleaning
$250 – $700 / 150% – 300%
10 Power Wash Hardscapes
$0 – $800 / 200% – 400%
Very High ROI
11 Exterior Paint
$5,000 – $20,000 / 90% – 140%
12 Remove Popcorn Ceilings
$1,000 – $12,000 / 110% – 180%
13 Kitchen Refresh
$2,000 – $8,000 / 110% – 180%
14 Bathroom Refresh
$1,500 – $5,000 / 110% – 170%
15 Entry Door Refinish
$300 – $1,200 / 120% – 200%
16 Garage Door Refinish
$400 – $1,500 / 110% – 180%
17 Light Fixture Updates
$400 – $2,000 / 120% – 220%
18 Epoxy Garage Floor
$2,000 – $4,500 / 100% – 170%
19 Mailbox & House #’s
$150 – $500 / 150% – 300%
20 Smart Thermostat + Small Tech
$200 – $800 / 100% – 180%
Strong ROI (But Higher Cost)
21 Dual Pane Windows
$12,000 – $35,000 / 60% – 100%
22 Floors (LVP/Hardwood)
$8,000 – $25,000 / 90% – 140%
23 Front Door Replacement
$2,000 – $5,000 / 80% – 130%
24 Recessed Lighting
$1,000 – $8,000 / 90% – 140%
25 Crown Molding & Baseboards
$3,000 – $12,000 / 80% – 130%
26 Finished Garage
$1,000 – $10,000 / 80% – 130%
27 Backyard Cleanup
$0 – $4,000 / 100% – 160%
28 Synthetic Grass
$5,000 – $20,000 / 60% – 100%
29 Landscape Lighting
$500 – $3,500 / 100% – 180%
30 Staging (When Selling)
$2,000 – $6,000 / 150% – 400%
Moderate ROI (Condition Dependent)
31 HVAC Replacement
$8,000 – $18,000 / 60% – 100%
32 Roof Replacement
$15,000 – $50,000 / 60% – 100%
33 French Drains
$3,000 – $15,000 / 60% – 110%
34 Fire Pit
$1,500 – $6,000 / 60% – 110%
35 EV Charger
$800 – $2,500 / 70% – 120%
36 Security Cameras
$400 – $2,000 / 70% – 110%
Note: Most of the estimates are AI generated for the Bay Area. We have vendors for nearly all items on the list. Most will charge less than the AI numbers. Our painter, who also removes popcorn ceilings, is much less. Landscaping items, hardscaping, pavers and synthetic grass is often less with our landscape contractor. Our handyman charges by the hour and can do most on the list.