The Home Projects That Actually Pay Off in 2025

If you’ve been on the fence about remodeling — wondering whether to embrace the quirks of your current space or finally make a change — here’s something that might tip the scales.

According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS®, Americans invested a staggering $603 billion in home remodeling last year. These weren’t just vanity projects. With 46% of buyers today less willing to compromise on condition, the value of strategic upgrades has never been higher.

But before you swing a hammer or call a contractor, it helps to know which projects actually deliver a solid return.

📈 The Home Renovations with the Best ROI

If resale value is on your mind, here are the 2025 remodeling projects that offer the highest cost recovery, according to NAR:

• New Steel Front Door: 100%

• Closet Renovation: 83%

• New Fiberglass Front Door: 80%

• New Vinyl Windows: 74%

• New Wood Windows: 71%

• Basement Conversion to Living Area: 71%

• Attic Conversion to Living Area: 71%

• Complete Kitchen Renovation: 60%

• Minor Kitchen Upgrade: 60%

• Add New Bathroom: 56%

• New Primary Suite: 54%

• Bathroom Renovation: 50%

Even smaller updates, like painting a room or replacing outdated fixtures, can make a big difference in appeal and perceived value.

💛 The Home Projects That Bring the Most Joy

Return on investment is important, but don’t underestimate the emotional return of a remodel. That’s where the Joy Score comes in: a 1-to-10 rating based on how happy homeowners felt after completing their projects.

Here are the top-rated joy-inducing renovations:

• Added Primary Bedroom Suite: Joy Score 10/10

• Kitchen Upgrade: 10/10

• New Roofing: 10/10

• Bathroom Renovation: 9.8/10

• Complete Kitchen Renovation: 9.7/10

• Paint 1 Interior Room: 9.3/10

• New Wood Flooring: 9.1/10

• Basement Conversion to Living Area: 8.8/10

• Paint Exterior Siding: 8.8/10

• New Front Door: 7.5/10

• New Siding: 7.3/10

• Garage Door: 7/10

Beyond aesthetics, here’s how remodeling impacted homeowners emotionally:

• 64% felt a greater desire to be at home

• 46% reported increased daily enjoyment

• 55% said they felt a major sense of accomplishment

• 92% said they’d do more projects if cost weren’t a factor

🏡 Remodel Now, Enjoy Now; and Sell for More Later

Many people think remodeling only matters if you’re planning to sell soon, but the data says otherwise:

• Only 18% of homeowners remodeled with plans to sell in the next two years.

• Most (27%) updated their homes simply to improve worn-out surfaces or materials.

That means the right improvements can boost your quality of life now and provide serious payback later. Whether it’s a new front door or a full kitchen reno, today’s upgrades are tomorrow’s added value.

Thinking of remodeling before you sell? Let’s talk.
We can help you choose the right updates to maximize your return - and your enjoyment.