Upgrading your house isn’t exactly a dollar-for-dollar investment. You probably aren’t going to make all of the money back that you sink into an improvement. So think about how long you’re likely to stay in the house and which upgrades you’ll enjoy the most before you start renovating.
Kitchen
Average remodel cost range: $22,000-$24,000
New appliances
New (laminate) counters
New flooring
Updated cabinet fronts/hardware
For $64,000:
New appliances
New (laminate) counters
New lighting
New flooring
New wood cabinets
New island
New sink and faucet
$80,000-$126,000 for a high-end kitchen
New commercial-grade appliances
New (granite) counters
New lighting
New flooring
New custom cabinets
Tile backsplash
What can I get on the cheaper side?
Replace cabinet doors and paint cabinets ($300-$500)
Add a backsplash ($2,000-$4,000)
Update laminate counters to tile or even granite ($2,000-$4,000)
Bathrooms
Average remodel cost range: $9,000-$13,000; up to $55,000 for a full high-end bathroom remodel
New bathtub/shower
New cabinets, countertops, and sinks
New flooring
New toilet
New lighting
What can I get on the cheaper side?
Replace a toilet: $200-$500
Add an outlet: $130-$350
Swap out the sinks: $200-$500
Finished basement
Average remodel cost: $6,000-$18,000; between $30,000-$46,000 for a full-blown remodel
Framing walls and hanging drywall
Painting
Sealing a floor and installing flooring
Adding crown molding
Adding or upgrading electrical systems, including more outlets
Upgrading plumbing
Duct changes or updates
Installing a half-bath or a full bath
Installing a kitchenette
What can I get on the cheaper side?
Piece out your upgrades: Start with sealing the floor, then redo the ceiling. Basic upgrades (framing, drywall, ceilings, and flooring) cost anywhere between $1 and $3.50 per square foot, so if you tackle them one at a time, you can remodel your entire basement
Attic bedroom
Average remodel cost: $50,000-$60,000;
Adding windows for emergency egress
Access from lower floor
Insulation
Ventilation
Electric
Heating and cooling
Framing, drywall, and paint for interior walls
Ceilings and trim
Flooring
Bathroom addition
What can I get on the cheaper side?
Windows cost an average of $2,219
Stair installation costs between $2,000 and $3,000
Adding a ceiling fan costs about $250
Green additions
Upgrade the insulation: $1,500
Replace windows: $175-$700 per window (up to $1,200 for high-end windows)
Replace exterior doors: $500-$1,500
Add solar panels: $10,000-$14,000
Smart-home add-ons
Smart thermostat: $120-$2,000
Smart lock: $150-$1,100
Smart doorbell: $100-$400
Smart lights: $120 for a system plus $10-$40 per bulb
The great outdoors
Deck: $4,000-$10,000
Outdoor kitchen: $2,000-$10,000 for a basic model; up to $100,000 for a deluxe version
Landscaping: $3,000-$15,000
Replace the floors
Average project cost: $1,500-$4,500
Home office
Between $14,000 and $19,000 for an office-sized add-on to most homes
Remember that any upgrade you make needs to suit your current lifestyle. A full dollar-to-dollar return on your home sale investment probably isn't likely, but when you factor in the enjoyment that you and your family will get out of any improvements, you'll find that most of them are well worth what you'll spend — and then some.
Sources: homeadvisor.com, homelight.com, kbrkitchenandbath.com,hgtv.com, daveramsey.com, angieslist.com, remodelingcalculator.org, houselogic.com, news.energysage.com, landscapingnetwork.com, homestratosphere.com