Best (and Worst) Home Improvements by ROI in 2026

Home improvement projects can be a gamble when it comes to return on investment (ROI). While most renovation projects are a terrible investment, there are some exceptions that can significantly enhance your home’s value. In this article, we’ll focus on the top 10 home improvement projects that provide the highest ROI, according to two recent reports: Today’s Homeowner’s report and Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value Study. If you are looking for ways to finance your home improvement, check our home improvement finance section.

Replacing your garage door is the top contender for ROI. According to Remodeling Magazine, the cost is $4,513 with a resale value of $8,751, resulting in a 193.9% ROI. Today’s Homeowner reports a lower cost of $2,028 and a resale value that matches the cost, achieving a 100% ROI.

Replacing a steel entry door is another high-ROI project. Remodeling Magazine highlights a cost of $2,355 and a resale value of $4,430, recouping 188.1% of the cost.

Adding manufactured stone veneer to your home is a smart investment. Remodeling Magazine reports a cost of $11,287 and a resale value of $17,291, recouping 153.2% of the cost, emphasizing its value in curb appeal. While Today’s Homeowner lists a lower ROI of 59.8%.

A screened-in porch addition offers a great return. According to Today’s Homeowner, this project costs $19,367 and has a resale value of $18,000, recovering 92.9% of the cost. This addition enhances outdoor living space, making it attractive to buyers.

Replacing siding with fiber-cement material is a worthwhile investment. Remodeling Magazine shows a cost of $20,619 and a resale value of $18,230, recovering 88.4% of the cost. Today’s Homeowner lists a lower cost of $13,379 and a resale value of $12,400, recovering 92.7% of the cost.

Vinyl siding replacement is another high-ROI project. Today’s Homeowner reports a cost of $9,227 with a resale value of $8,400, recovering 91.0% of the cost. This project improves the home’s exterior appeal significantly.

Replacing windows with vinyl offers a good return. Today’s Homeowner lists a cost of $3,941 and a resale value of $3,550, recovering 90.1% of the cost. This project improves energy efficiency and the home’s overall appeal.

Of the projects above, an inground pool is perhaps the most uncertain when it comes to estimating the value added to a home. While some homebuyers may prioritize having a pool, others may see it as a downside given the regularly required maintenance and recurring costs. The Cost Vs. Value report does not include inground pools in it’s list of projects, but according to Today’s Homeowner, an inground pool costs around $46,800 and has a resale value of $42,150, recovering 90.1% of the cost. Despite its high initial cost, it can be a selling point for some buyers. COVID changed things. With social distancing and business closures, pools were a hot commodity and properties with pools became much more attractive.

Adding a composite deck is a valuable project. Today’s Homeowner reports a cost of $13,391 and a resale value of $11,643, recovering 86.9% of the cost. This addition enhances outdoor living space and is appealing to potential buyers.

A concrete backyard patio offers a strong return on investment. According to Today’s Homeowner, this project costs $4,488 and has a resale value of $3,877, recovering 86.4% of the cost. It provides functional outdoor space that is attractive to buyers.

Based on the studies, garage door replacements, steel entry door replacements, and manufactured stone veneer offer the highest returns.

Not always. While some high-cost renovations like major kitchen remodels can add value, they often don’t recoup the entire investment.

Focus on cost-effective projects with high ROI, such as garage door replacements, entry door replacements, and minor kitchen remodels.

Factors such as market demand, location, and the current condition of the home can affect ROI. High-cost projects may also have lower returns due to the significant initial investment required.