What Improvements Increase the Value of a Home? 7 Helpful Tips!

Selling your home can be a stressful experience, especially when you’re trying to get the most value from your property. For Wisconsin homeowners wondering what improvements increase the value of a home, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your options. As Milwaukee cash home buyers, we understand that making the right improvements can significantly impact your home’s resale value, but not all upgrades are equal. Below we’ll share what improvements increase the value of a home and which don’t and so much more!

What Improvements Increase The Value of A Home in Wisconsin?

When considering what improvements increase the value of a home in Wisconsin, it’s important to think about what local buyers are looking for. Wisconsin’s specific climate and housing market can influence which improvements yield the best return on investment (ROI).

Improvements that add value to Wisconsin homes often address practical concerns like energy efficiency (crucial for those cold winters), additional living space, and modern kitchens. Unlike warmer states, Wisconsin homeowners find particular value in upgrades that keep homes comfortable year-round while keeping energy bills manageable.

Before diving into any renovation project, consider your neighborhood, comparable homes, and the current housing market. Some improvements might work wonderfully in Shorewood but not add significant value in Glendale or Fox Point.

Home Improvement Projects

Not all home improvement projects deliver equal returns. When adding value, focusing on quick and easy home improvements can sometimes be more cost-effective than major renovations. Here are seven of the most effective home improvements that can increase your property value in Wisconsin.

1. Adding Square Footage to Your Home

Expanding your living space through additions or converting existing space can dramatically increase your home’s value. An additional bedroom or bathroom typically adds more value than expanding an existing room, with remodeling magazine statistics showing bedroom additions recovering about 65-80% of the average job cost at resale. A finished basement provides valuable living space without expanding your home’s footprint and can serve as an extra bedroom, home office, or entertainment area. In Wisconsin’s long winters, this indoor space is especially appealing to potential buyers and typically recovers about 70% of its cost. While not technically “square footage,” a wooden deck expands your usable outdoor living space—something Wisconsin residents cherish during warm months. This relatively affordable improvement typically recoups about 65-75% of its cost at resale.

2. Improving the Structure of Your House

What improvements increase the value of a home more reliably than fixing structural issues? Almost none. Foundation problems are major red flags for buyers—repairs range from $2,000 for minor issues to $10,000+ for major problems but are essential for maintaining value. For example, trying to sell a water-damaged house without addressing these issues will significantly lower your selling price. A failing roof can derail a home sale quickly. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan (typically 20-30 years for asphalt shingles), replacement before selling prevents negotiation issues and price reductions that often exceed the replacement cost.

3. Kitchen Remodel

When asking what improvements increase the value of a home, kitchen upgrades almost always top the list. A kitchen renovation can range from simple updates to complete overhauls, with minor remodels (refinishing cabinets, new countertops, updated hardware, replacing appliances) typically returning 70-80% of costs. Major kitchen remodels involving custom cabinets, high-end appliances, luxury countertops, and structural changes can transform an outdated kitchen into a showpiece. However, they typically return a smaller percentage (about 55-65%) than minor remodels, making the latter often more cost-effective for resale value.

4. Bathroom Remodel

Modern, functional bathrooms consistently rank high on buyer wish lists. A full bathroom renovation typically includes replacing fixtures, updating tile work, installing new flooring, and improving lighting and ventilation. Costing $10,000-$25,000 for a standard bathroom, this investment typically recovers 60-70% of its value at resale. The most value-adding bathroom improvements focus on water-efficient fixtures, quality tile work in neutral patterns, improved lighting, proper ventilation, and additional storage solutions. If your home has only one bathroom, adding a half bath can significantly increase property value, with this $5,000-$15,000 addition recovering up to 80% of its cost.

5. Adding Curb Appeal

First impressions count when selling your home. A new front door offers one of the best returns on investment, with a quality steel entry door recouping nearly 90% of its cost, according to national averages, while enhancing curb appeal. Garage door replacement is another high-ROI improvement. This relatively inexpensive upgrade (typically $1,000-3,500) can recoup 90-95% of its cost while dramatically improving your home’s appearance. Modern garage doors offer better insulation, improved security, and updated styles that complement your home’s architecture—making a big impact since garages often face the street.

6. Upgrading to Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy efficiency is increasingly important to today’s buyers, especially in Wisconsin’s climate, where heating and cooling costs can be substantial. Look for the Energy Star certification, which indicates products that meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Energy efficient options appeal to future buyers by lowering ongoing utility costs and reducing environmental impact. Many buyers will pay extra for homes with proven energy efficiency. Updating an old heating and cooling system to a modern, efficient HVAC system can be particularly valuable in Wisconsin, offering better performance, lower energy bills, and improved comfort during extreme weather.

7. Smart Home Technology

Modern buyers increasingly value homes equipped with thoughtful smart technology upgrades. The most value-adding smart features include security systems (doorbell cameras, smart locks), programmable thermostats, and integrated lighting systems. These technologies appeal to buyers by offering convenience, enhanced security, and potential energy savings. When installing smart home features, focus on user-friendly systems from established brands that can integrate with multiple platforms. Avoid overly complex or proprietary systems that may confuse buyers or become outdated. The key is selecting technologies that enhance daily living without requiring technical expertise to operate or maintain.

When considering what improvements increase the value of a home, these seven projects consistently deliver the best return on investment according to value reports and national averages. But remember that returns vary based on your specific neighborhood and the existing condition of your property.

Things That Don’t Increase Your Home’s Value

While some home improvements can substantially boost your asking price, others deliver disappointing returns despite their popularity. Before taking out personal loans for remodeling projects, it’s worth understanding which upgrades rarely add value to your home. According to the latest value report data, the following upgrades typically fail to deliver meaningful ROI:

Solar Panels

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that solar panels rarely increase a home’s value in Wisconsin for several compelling reasons:

• Cost vs. benefit mismatch: With an average price of $20,000-$30,000, solar installations rarely recoup even 70% of their cost in our climate.
• Limited sunshine hours: Wisconsin’s weather patterns reduce energy production potential compared to sunnier states.
• Financing complications: Leased panels can create title obstacles during sale, while owned systems depreciate faster than they add value.
• Technological concerns: Buyers often worry about maintaining unfamiliar systems or getting stuck with outdated technology as newer options emerge.

Despite their environmental benefits, solar panels should be installed primarily for your long-term energy savings, not as a value-adding improvement for resale.

Fresh Coat of Paint

While a fresh coat of paint makes your house feel more appealing, it doesn’t meaningfully increase your home’s value because:

• Expected maintenance: Buyers consider well-maintained walls a baseline assumption, not a premium feature worth paying extra for.
• Temporary improvement: Paint begins showing wear within a few years, so buyers don’t view it as a lasting investment.
• Personal preferences: Your carefully selected colors might clash with a buyer’s vision, potentially becoming a replacement cost in their eyes.
• Low-cost fix: Since repainting is relatively inexpensive, it doesn’t justify a higher asking price.

Instead of an extensive painting project, a simple power wash of your home’s exterior often creates sufficient visual impact at a fraction of the cost.

Landscaping Your Garden

Elaborate landscaping typically yields poor returns despite its visual appeal:

• Maintenance burden: What you see as beautiful, many potential buyers view as weekend work they’d rather avoid.
• Regional limitations: Wisconsin’s climate restricts outdoor enjoyment to a few months yearly, reducing perceived value.
• Taste differences: Your garden style may not match buyer preferences, potentially becoming a liability rather than an asset.
• Rapid deterioration: Without perfect care during the selling process, landscaping can quickly appear neglected.

Basic landscaping that enhances curb appeal without suggesting high maintenance will serve you better than expensive, elaborate gardens.

Light Fixtures and Minor Cosmetics

Replacing outdated light switches and fixtures might improve aesthetics but rarely affects home value because:

• Low-cost replacements: Buyers know they can easily swap fixtures for relatively little money.
• Style subjectivity: Design preferences for fixtures vary widely, and your selections may not align with buyer tastes.
• Minimal functional impact: Unlike major systems (HVAC, plumbing), lighting doesn’t significantly affect home functionality.
• Standard expectations: Modern fixtures are considered baseline features in today’s market, not premium additions.

Similarly, cosmetic touches like new house numbers might enhance first impressions but won’t justify a higher price point.

Adding a Pool to Your Backyard

In-ground Swimming Pool

Contrary to popular belief, an in-ground swimming pool rarely adds value equal to its cost in Wisconsin. Our short swimming season means many potential buyers see pools as maintenance headaches rather than desirable features.

If you’re installing a pool purely for resale value, you might want to reconsider. Pools typically recoup only about 30-50% of their installation cost. However, if your neighborhood has many pools or you’ll personally enjoy it for years before selling, it might still be worthwhile for your lifestyle.

The following upgrades often prove most disappointing to sellers because their perceived value doesn’t match market reality. Rather than investing in these improvements before selling, consider whether working with a direct buyer might be more economical, especially if your home needs substantial updates across multiple categories.

Do Technological Improvements Increase Home Value?

Smart home technology has become increasingly popular, but its impact on home value varies widely. Simple, practical upgrades like a smart thermostat can appeal to buyers by promising lower energy bills. However, complex systems that require special knowledge to operate may not add value for many buyers.

The key is to focus on user-friendly technology that offers clear benefits. A smart security system or programmable thermostat is more likely to appeal to the average buyer than an elaborate whole-home automation system.

Things That Don’t Increase a Home’s Value in Wisconsin

Some improvements that might add value in other regions don’t perform well in Wisconsin’s specific market:

1. Luxury upgrades in mid-range neighborhoods rarely recoup their costs
2. Swimming pools, as mentioned earlier, due to our short summer season
3. Highly personalized renovations like themed rooms
4. Manufactured stone veneer or new vinyl siding in some neighborhoods
5. Marble floors or other features that seem out of place for the home’s price range

Remember that improvements should be appropriate for your home’s overall value and neighborhood standards. Even the most beautiful renovations won’t add significant value if they make your home the most expensive on the block by a wide margin.

When Your Home Needs Extensive Improvements: Is It Worth The Investment?

Sometimes, a property requires significant work to bring it up to market standards. If your home needs multiple major improvements—perhaps a new roof, updated electrical systems, foundation repairs, and a kitchen overhaul—you’re looking at potentially tens of thousands of dollars in renovation costs before listing. This presents homeowners with a difficult decision.

The financial reality can be sobering. Even with careful planning, extensive renovations often:

• Take 2-3 times longer than initially estimated
• Exceed budgets by 15-30% due to unexpected issues
• Require temporary housing arrangements during work
• Create significant stress managing contractors and timelines
• Delay your ability to move forward with life plans

Many homeowners find themselves wondering if the potential value increase will justify such significant investments of time, money, and energy. This is especially true in situations where you need to relocate quickly for a job, are dealing with financial pressures, or have inherited a property that needs substantial work.

For those facing this dilemma, particularly in desirable communities like Shorewood, there’s another option worth considering. You can sell your house fast in Shorewood without making any improvements. Cream City Home Buyers specializes in purchasing homes that need work, taking on all the renovation responsibilities while providing homeowners with a straightforward, hassle-free selling experience.

Rather than spending months and depleting savings on improvements with uncertain returns, many homeowners find that selling directly to a professional buyer provides the freedom to move forward without the burden of extensive renovations. With a closing timeline that works for your schedule and no need for repairs, you can simply walk away from renovation headaches and start your next chapter with cash.

Skip Costly Improvements: Sell Your Home As-Is Today

Wondering what improvements increase the value of a home? The truth is, many popular home improvements deliver disappointing returns despite what remodeling magazine articles might suggest. That eye-catching stone veneer or stylish front door might look impressive, but national averages from the latest value report reveal that most projects recover only 50-80% of their costs. This means the thousands you invest in remodeling projects may add surprisingly little value to your home when it’s time to sell.

Rather than depleting savings or taking out personal loans for uncertain resale value gains, more Wisconsin homeowners are choosing a simpler path. Selling your home as-is eliminates the guesswork, expense, and disruption of renovations while putting money in your pocket immediately—not months after living through construction chaos.

At Cream City Home Buyers, we’ve helped hundreds of Milwaukee area families skip the renovation headaches completely by providing fair cash offers on homes in any condition, whether they need minor updates or significant repairs. Get a free, no-obligation cash offer today and discover how quickly you could move forward without the burden of improvements hanging over your head.

Conclusion

When considering what improvements increase the value of a home, focus on projects that address structural issues, enhance energy efficiency, add usable space, or update key areas like kitchens. Remember that the improvements that add the most value can vary based on your neighborhood, local market conditions, and property type.

While home improvements can boost your property value, they also require a significant investment of time and money. If you’re looking for the easiest way to sell a house without the hassle of renovations, consider working with Cream City Home Buyers. We buy houses in Elm Grove and throughout the Milwaukee area in as-is condition, saving you the time, money, and stress of making improvements before selling.

How our home buying process works at Cream City Home Buyers is simple: you contact us, we evaluate your property, and provide a fair cash offer with no obligation. Learn more about our team at Cream City Home Buyers by visiting our website, where you can get a free cash offer on your home. Whether your property needs updates or has serious issues, we can help you sell quickly and move on with your life.

Contact us today to discover how we can help you sell your Wisconsin home without the need for costly improvements or lengthy listing processes.