Erik Wright
Managing Broker & Founder
After years in construction before real estate, I've seen plenty of renovations that cost a fortune and added almost nothing to a home's sale price. Here are the ones that consistently pay off.
Fresh paint in neutral tones is the cheapest, highest-return project there is. Updated light fixtures and hardware come next — small changes that make a home photograph dramatically better.
Kitchens matter, but a full gut job rarely returns its cost. New counters, a modern faucet, and painted cabinets get you most of the way for a fraction of the price.
Finally, don't skip the boring stuff. A newer roof, furnace, or water heater won't wow anyone in photos, but it removes objections during inspection — and that protects your sale price at the negotiating table.
