Best ROI Home Improvements for Your Home in Houston, TX

When it comes to home improvements, not all renovations yield the same return on investment (ROI). If you’re a homeowner in Houston looking to increase your property’s value before selling or simply want to enhance your living space, focusing on upgrades that provide the best ROI is crucial. At Bolanos Realty, we’ve helped countless homeowners make strategic improvements that boost curb appeal and maximize resale value.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the best home improvements that offer the highest ROI in Houston’s unique real estate market.

A modern, updated kitchen is one of the biggest selling points for potential buyers in Houston. However, you don’t need to undertake a full-scale renovation to see significant returns.

• Minor Remodel ROI: 70-80%
• Major Remodel ROI: 50-60%
• Best Improvements:
  • Replacing outdated countertops with quartz or granite.
  • Installing modern energy-efficient appliances.
  • Updating cabinetry with new hardware or refacing doors.
  • Adding a stylish backsplash to create visual appeal.

Bathrooms are another high-impact area when it comes to ROI. Buyers appreciate clean, updated bathrooms with modern fixtures and finishes.

• Midrange Bathroom Remodel ROI: 60-70%
• Luxury Bathroom Remodel ROI: 50-55%
• Best Improvements:
  • Replacing old vanities with stylish, functional designs.
  • Installing new tile flooring and modern lighting.
  • Upgrading fixtures, including faucets and showerheads.
  • Enhancing storage with built-in shelving or cabinetry.

In Houston’s competitive market, curb appeal can make or break a home sale. Simple exterior upgrades can significantly increase your home’s value and attract more buyers.

• Landscaping ROI: 100%
• Exterior Paint ROI: 60-70%
• Best Improvements:
  • Freshening up landscaping with native plants and trimmed greenery.
  • Painting the front door a bold, inviting color.
  • Power-washing the driveway and exterior walls.
  • Replacing an old garage door for a sleek, modern look.

Given Houston’s hot and humid climate, energy-efficient upgrades are highly desirable. Many buyers are willing to pay more for a home with lower utility costs.

• Energy-Efficient Window ROI: 65-75%
• HVAC System Upgrade ROI: 50-60%
• Best Improvements:
  • Installing double-pane, energy-efficient windows to improve insulation.
  • Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system.
  • Adding attic insulation to reduce cooling costs.
  • Using smart thermostats for better energy management.

Flooring plays a major role in how buyers perceive your home. Worn-out carpet or outdated tile can be a dealbreaker, while new flooring can make the space feel fresh and inviting.

• Hardwood Flooring ROI: 70-80%
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) ROI: 65-75%
• Best Improvements:
  • Installing hardwood floors or high-quality engineered wood.
  • Replacing carpet with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) for durability and style.
  • Refinishing existing hardwood to restore its beauty.

Given Houston’s warm climate, buyers find outdoor living spaces highly attractive. Creating an inviting backyard area can significantly boost your home’s value.

• Deck/Patio Addition ROI: 60-75%
• Outdoor Kitchen ROI: 50-60%
• Best Improvements:
  • Adding a patio or pergola for shaded outdoor enjoyment.
  • Installing an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and seating area.
  • Enhancing landscaping with stone pathways and fire pits.
  • Creating a cozy lounge area with string lights and comfortable seating.

Modern buyers appreciate smart home features that add convenience and security. These upgrades are relatively low-cost but can significantly increase a home’s desirability.

• Smart Security System ROI: 50-70%
• Smart Thermostat ROI: 50-60%
• Best Improvements:
  • Installing smart doorbells and security cameras.
  • Upgrading to smart locks for keyless entry.
  • Using smart thermostats for improved energy efficiency.
  • Adding automated lighting systems for enhanced convenience.

A well-maintained garage can be a selling point, especially for buyers who need extra storage or workspace.

• Garage Door Replacement ROI: 90-95%
• Garage Conversion ROI: 60-70%
• Best Improvements:
  • Upgrading an old garage door with an insulated, modern model.
  • Converting unused garage space into a home office or gym.
  • Adding built-in shelving for increased storage efficiency.

Houston buyers love open-concept living spaces. Minor structural changes can make a home feel more spacious and inviting.

• ROI for Removing Non-Load-Bearing Walls: 50-60%
• Best Improvements:
  • Knocking down non-structural walls to create an open layout.
  • Enlarging entryways to improve flow between rooms.
  • Using consistent flooring to unify spaces visually.

Sometimes, small changes can make a huge difference in how your home is perceived by buyers.

• ROI for Paint and Minor Fixes: 50-100%
• Best Improvements:
  • Painting walls in neutral, modern colors.
  • Updating outdated light fixtures and cabinet hardware.
  • Replacing old faucets and doorknobs with modern finishes.
  • Ensuring all doors and windows function smoothly.

If you want to maximize your home’s value in the Houston market, focusing on high-ROI home improvements is key. From kitchen and bathroom upgrades to curb appeal enhancements and energy-efficient improvements, strategic upgrades can significantly impact your home’s resale value.

At Bolanos Realty, we help Houston homeowners make informed decisions about home improvements that yield the best returns. Whether you plan to sell soon or just want to invest wisely in your home, our expert team can guide you through every step.

For personalized advice and a free home evaluation, contact Bolanos Realty today!