Which Remodeling Projects Recover Their Costs at the Property’s Resale?

You may be preparing to sell your home or thinking about selling in the future and wondering if you should do any remodeling or renovations before listing. Florida Realtors® recently published an article summarizing the "2025 Remodeling Impact Report" put together by the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. We have linked the article below.

The Report "compared the estimated cost of various home remodeling projects to real estate professionals' estimates of the likely dollar value each project could add to the home at resale."

At the top of the list is a new steel front door, recovering all of its cost at the property's resale. Close behind is a new fiberglass front door with a nearly 80% return. Both of these upgrades speak to the importance of curb appeal when selling your home. While not listed, a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of your house would likely provide a similar return on investment. 

Generally speaking, other upgrades that show a favorable return on investment are window replacements, storage solutions, and “improvements that add space without expanding the footprint of the house.”

Here are the top 12 remodeling projects that have been ranked based on the estimated recovery of the cost at the sale of the property. Although not all of these renovations, such as basement and attic conversions, are relevant to Florida homes, some may be insightful. 

1. 1. New steel front door: 100%
   2. Closet renovation: 83%
   3. New fiberglass front door: 80%
   4. New vinyl windows: 74%
   5. New wood windows: 71%
   6. Basement conversion to living area: 71%
   7. Attic conversion to living area: 67%
   8. Complete kitchen renovation: 60%
   9. Minor kitchen upgrade: 60%
   10. Bathroom addition: 56%
   11. New primary suite: 54%
   12. Bathroom renovation: 50%

Hopefully, this list will help you decide if it's worth undertaking the remodeling project prior to listing your home. If you have any questions, reach out to our team!

Melissa Dittmann Tracey, Should I Remodel My Home Before I Sell? Florida Realtors®, April 18, 2025

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2025/04/should-i-remodel-my-home-i-sell