DIY Improvements With the Highest ROI

When you’re considering home upgrades, you probably want to invest the money you spend on wisely, regardless if you're planning to sell someday or not. Making improvements with the highest return on investment can be beneficial to everyone and create a space that you're happy to wake up to every day - but with the price of everything going up, you may not have the money to put into renovations right now.

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So what can you do instead? Put in some sweat equity!

In this article, I am going to lay out some of the highest ROI improvements you can make without breaking the bank.

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Renovations With the Highest ROI

• Roof Replacement

  Expected Return: 68%

  Roof replacements can be expensive, with the national average ranging between $8,000-$10,000

  . If you do not need a new roof right now, but would like to make an upgrade to the most exposed area of your home, here is what you can do instead:

  • Remove moss from your roof

  • Replace gutters

  • Add gutter guards

  • Replace your insulation

  • Trim trees from around your house

• Bathroom Remodel

  Expected Return: 67%

  Bathroom remodels can add up quickly, with the average cost ranging right around $10,000.

  If you’d like to upgrade your bathroom on a budget, here is what you can do instead:

  • Change the paint

  • Add wainscoting or wallpaper

  • Get new hardware

  • Replace the showerhead

  • Replace the faucet

  • Change the light fixtures

• Refinish Hardwood Floors

  Expected Return: 70%-80%

  Refinished hardwoods look beautiful, but can cost up to $8.00/sq ft.

  Here’s what you can do to improve the look of your floors instead:

  • Polish or wax hardwood floors

  • Buy new area rugs

  • Use wood filler to fill in cracks and holes in woods floors

  • Paint tile floors (yes, it works!)

  • Stencil tile

  • Get your carpets cleaned professionally

• Minor Kitchen Remodel

  Expected Return: 80%

  We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so it makes sense for this to be on the top of most people’s remodeling checklist., but it’s also the most costly.

  Here’s what you can do to improve your kitchen, without over-spending:

  • Replace hardware

  • Stain the cabinets

  • Replace the sink

  • Replace the kitchen faucet

  • Paint the walls

  • Change the light fixtures

  • Add under-cabinet lighting

  • Peel and stick back splash

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Saving money on your renovation

Regardless if you are doing it yourself, or hiring someone else to do it, you can save money on your home renovation project with a little planning and creativity. Here are some tips on how to save money on renovations:

1. Set a budget - Before you start any renovations, it's important to set a budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending on particular items and keep your costs under control.

2. Do it yourself - One of the easiest ways to save money on renovations is to do the work yourself. Labor attributes to a large portion of the cost, plus you may learn a new skill.

3. Shop around - Don't be afraid to shop around for the best deals on materials and supplies. Buying second hand, from flea markets, Facebook marketplace and garage sales can save a lot of money.

4. Consider alternative materials - You don't always have to use the most expensive materials to get the look you want. Consider using alternative materials like reclaimed wood, salvaged items, or refurbished appliances to save money..

5. Plan ahead - Plan ahead for your renovations, so you can take advantage of sales and deals on materials and supplies. This will help you save money in the long run.

6. Don't rush - Rushing your renovation project can lead to mistakes and overspending. Take your time and do the job right the first time, so you don't have to spend more money fixing mistakes later on.

7. Get multiple quotes - Before you hire a contractor, get multiple quotes from different contractors. This will help you compare prices and find the best deal.

8. Consider energy-efficient options - Energy-efficient options can save you money on your utility bills in the long run. Consider installing energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems in your renovation project.

9. Sell or donate old materials - If you're replacing old materials in your renovation project, consider selling or donating them. This can help offset the cost of your renovation project and reduce waste.