What Adds Value to a Home? 20+ Best Home Improvements
Posted by Dave Kotler on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at 8:29am.

Want to boost your home's value without wasting money? Focus on smart upgrades that buyers actually care about.
Whether you’re preparing to market your home for sale or simply making the home more liveable, the right changes can provide value in multiple ways. Let's look at improvements that give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Quick Tips for Value-Adding Improvements
- Stone veneer, new siding, fresh paint, and energy-efficient HVAC systems can return 90% or more of their cost
- Smart thermostats, Energy Star appliances, and low-flow toilets save money on utilities and are major selling points for modern buyers
- Custom storage, finished basements, and dedicated home offices make your home more livable now (and more marketable later)
- Updated paint, added parking, screened porches, and outdoor kitchens make a great first impression and increase home value
Can’t-Miss Curb Appeal Upgrades
Add Stone Veneer to Your Front Exterior
Stone veneer isn't just pretty—it pays back more than you spend! This upgrade returns about 102% of what you put in. Translation? Spend $10,000, get $10,230 back when you sell.
Stone veneer is common for all types of homes in British Columbia and is a popular option for affordable and luxury homes alike. It makes your home look well-maintained without the hassle of real stone, and buyers notice this upgrade right away when they pull up to your house.
Put on Fresh Exterior Paint
A new coat of paint can help your home sell faster—and for up to 5% more. That's thousands of extra dollars for a few cans of paint!
Stick with light, neutral colours that appeal to most people. Even just painting your front door can make a huge difference in how buyers see your home.
Add a Parking Spot
In cities where parking is hard to find, adding a dedicated spot is gold. Buyers will pay a premium for the convenience of not having to circle the block.
You don’t need to be in Downtown Kelowna or Vancouver for an added parking spot to pay off. Even in quieter neighbourhoods and more suburban towns, more room for parking can make your home stand out.
A neat, paved parking area also makes your property look more organized and well-planned. For many, easy parking is a must-have.
Cut Your Energy Bills with Smart Upgrades

Replace Old Toilets with Low-Flow Fixtures
Older toilets waste a lot of water—up to 3.5 gallons per flush! New models use less than half that amount.
This small change can slash your water bills by 20%–60%. In areas with high water costs, you'll get your money back in just a few years.
Put in Energy-Efficient Appliances and Windows
Drafty windows and old appliances are huge energy wasters. New Energy Star appliances can save you $500+ each year on utility bills.
Energy-efficient windows cut heating and cooling costs by up to 15%. While they cost $600–$1,300 each to replace, they make your home more comfortable and attractive to buyers.
Add a Programmable Thermostat
For just $100–$300, a smart thermostat can cut your energy bills by about 10% per year. That's money in your pocket every month! Many models let you control temperatures from your phone, which is a feature younger buyers love.
This small upgrade, one of the top smart tech home improvements you can make, signals that your home is modern and efficient.
Add More Storage and Make Your Home Work Better
Create Custom Storage Areas
Storage of various types ranks consistently near the top of buyer preferences. A surprising number of buyers are more willing to compromise on the home's size than give up effective storage options!
Built-in shelving, under-stairs storage, or a dedicated mudroom with hooks and cubbies can make your home feel bigger and more organized. Upgrade your closets if you can (and stage them with fewer clothes so they look more spacious).
For smaller homes, multi-purpose furniture like storage ottomans or beds with drawers underneath help maximize space. Walk-in closets with custom shelving can make organizing your home easier and are hugely appealing to buyers.
Two-car garages are popular, since they can protect vehicles during bad weather and are an excellent opportunity for added storage. Building a two-car garage is an investment, but it appeals to a broad range of buyers. If you already have a two-car garage, adding garage storage options, especially overhead storage, allows buyers to park two cars and enjoy extra room for seasonal storage.
Install Built-in Bookshelves
Built-in bookshelves add storage and style to any room. They help reduce clutter while creating an organized, attractive space.
These shelves can hold books, photos, or decorative items, making rooms feel more personal and inviting. Buyers love seeing smart storage solutions already in place.
Lay Low-Cost Flooring in Laundry Rooms and Mudrooms
Upgrade your laundry room and mudroom with durable, water-resistant flooring. These high-traffic areas need floors that can withstand moisture and dirt.
Easy-to-clean floors make daily tasks simpler and create a more welcoming space for storing shoes, coats, and outdoor gear.
Consider installing linoleum in these rooms: it’s an affordable and eco-friendly flooring option.
Make Your Interior Spaces Look Amazing
Refinish Hardwood Floors or Install Luxury Vinyl Planks
Worn-out floors make your whole house look tired. Refinishing hardwood floors costs about $1,000–$2,600 and makes them look brand new again.
If you don't have hardwood, luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are a great option. They're affordable, durable, and come in styles that look like wood or stone.
Paint in Neutral Colors
Light, neutral wall colours make homes for sale feel bigger, brighter, and more modern. They also help buyers imagine their own furniture in the space.
Homes with neutral paint can sell for up to $2,000 more than those with bold or unusual colours. Grey, beige, and "greige" (grey-beige) appeal to the most buyers.
Swap Out Fixtures in the Kitchen and Bathrooms
New faucets, cabinet handles, and light fixtures can give kitchens and bathrooms a fresh look without a full remodel. These small changes can yield an ROI of up to 85.7%!
Trendy finishes like matte black or brushed nickel can make these spaces feel updated and stylish. Buyers notice these details more than you might think.
Kitchens & Bathrooms Sell Homes
If you want the most bang for your buck, there are two rooms you need to focus on: the kitchen and the master bathroom. Buyers inspect these rooms more closely than anything else.
There's no denying the beauty of a complete kitchen overhaul. However, they can also be expensive and time-consuming. You're actually better off doing some minor kitchen remodels than doing a total gut job.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Paint the cabinets. Refurbishing your cabinets is a relatively cheap way to completely change the look of your kitchen.
- Add some new lighting fixtures. Good lighting can make a huge difference in how your kitchen looks and feels. Install some new pendant lights over the sink or island, or add under-cabinet lighting to brighten the workspace.
- Open the layout. Modern buyers are excited by kitchens that appear inviting and easy to use. Instead of boxing in the kitchen on three sides, as is common in older designs, adding a plumbed kitchen island provides extra counter space and storage.
- Countertops in stone slabs or composites, such as granite or quartz, round out the design for an updated, fashionable and functional look.
And that master bath? Homeowners who have the space to expand may find that adding a deep tub, separate glass-encased shower, and stone tile floors provides the level of delight buyers are looking for.
Appeal to Today's Buyers

Convert or Build a Home Office
With more people working from home, a dedicated home office space is a huge selling point. You don't need a whole extra room—even a converted closet or a well-designed corner can work.
Some homeowners are even adding small office pods or sheds in their backyards. Any workspace that offers privacy and comfort will appeal to today's buyers.
Finish Your Basement
A finished basement adds valuable living space for about $18,400–$34,000. Most homeowners get back 70%–75% of this cost when they sell.
This extra space can be used as a family room, guest bedroom, home gym, or play area. That flexibility makes your home appeal to more types of buyers.
Open Up the Floor Plan
Removing non-load-bearing walls can make your home feel bigger and brighter. Open layouts are perfect for entertaining and keeping an eye on kids while cooking. This change lets in more natural light and helps buyers see possibilities in the space.
Just be sure to work with a pro: one of the most common home remodelling mistakes is undertaking DIY projects without the proper experience. It’s vital to make sure the walls you remove aren't structural!
Create Amazing Outdoor Living Areas
Build an Outdoor Path
A well-designed path makes your yard more inviting and functional. It creates a natural flow between different outdoor areas, protects your lawn from foot traffic, and adds significantly to curb appeal.
Adding lighting along the path improves safety and lets you enjoy your yard after dark. A thoughtful path design shows attention to detail that buyers appreciate.
Install a Screened-in Porch
A screened porch allows you to enjoy outdoor living without bugs or weather worries. It's like adding another room to your house for a fraction of the cost.
This upgrade typically returns 80%–90% of its cost when you sell. Buyers love having a dedicated space for relaxing or entertaining outdoors, and they're especially popular backyard additions for lake houses.
Create an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor cooking area extends your living space and creates a perfect spot for entertaining. Built-in grills, countertops, and seating make outdoor cooking convenient and fun.
Adding extras like a small refrigerator or pizza oven makes your outdoor space even more appealing to buyers who love to entertain.
Boost Your Home's Value and Asking Price
Add a Bathroom
An extra bathroom can boost your home's value significantly, especially if you currently have just one. While it costs about $35,000 on average, you'll typically get back at least 50% of that investment when you sell.
Homes with more bathrooms appeal to larger families and buyers who like convenience. Even a small half bath can make a big difference in your home's marketability.
Install New Siding
New siding gives your home a complete facelift and can return almost 95% of its cost when you sell. Home siding options range from high-priced stone veneer to affordable vinyl siding, and no matter your choice, it can provide high returns on investment.
Quality siding also improves energy efficiency by adding insulation to your home's exterior. Buyers recognize the value of this upgrade immediately when they see your house.
Replace an Aging HVAC System
A new heating and cooling system can actually return more than 100% of its cost! While not the most exciting upgrade, it's one that buyers really care about.
No one wants to buy a house and immediately replace the HVAC system. A new, energy-efficient system means better comfort, lower utility bills, and peace of mind for the new owners.
Reduce Maintenance Headaches

Install Quality Gutters with Leaf Guards
Good gutters with leaf guards prevent water damage and reduce cleaning chores. They also protect your foundation, landscaping, and siding and can help protect your home from roof damage.
This practical upgrade signals to buyers that your home is well-maintained. Less maintenance is always appealing to prospective buyers!
Install Smart Home Features
Smart home technology makes daily life easier and more convenient. Security systems with cameras and doorbells let homeowners monitor their property from anywhere.
Smart irrigation systems water your lawn only when needed, saving water and reducing yard work. Homes with smart features can sell for about 5% more than similar homes without them.
Choose Improvements That Pay You Back
The best home upgrades improve your daily life AND boost your home's value. Focus on curb appeal, energy efficiency, and creating functional spaces that buyers want.
When choosing projects, think about what buyers in your area care about most. In hot climates, efficient cooling systems matter more. In urban areas, parking and storage are huge selling points.
Small changes like fresh paint, new fixtures, and better storage often give you more bang for your buck than major renovations. The key is making smart choices that make your home more enjoyable now and more valuable when it's time to sell.
Dave Kotler