The Most Underrated Home Improvements for Long-Term Value
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Introduction
When it comes to home improvements, most people immediately think about major renovations like kitchen remodels or bathroom overhauls. While these upgrades certainly have their place, they’re not always the most cost-effective way to boost your home’s value in the long run.
Some of the most underrated home improvements can have a massive impact on your property’s value and overall functionality—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to sell in the near future or simply want to improve your home for your family, these upgrades provide lasting value.
In this article, we’ll explore the top underrated home improvements that add real long-term value to your home. From energy efficiency to curb appeal, these changes can make a big difference over time.
🏡 1. Energy-Efficient Windows and Insulation
Why It’s Underrated:
Many homeowners focus on aesthetic improvements but overlook the functional upgrades that can significantly improve a home’s energy efficiency. Energy-efficient windows and proper insulation might not seem like glamorous updates, but they offer substantial long-term benefits.
Why It Adds Value:
- Lower utility bills: Energy-efficient windows and insulation reduce the need for heating and cooling, resulting in lower energy bills over time.
- Increased comfort: A well-insulated home stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter, improving your living experience.
- Marketability: Potential buyers are drawn to homes with energy-saving features, making these upgrades a valuable selling point.
Estimated ROI:
Energy-efficient window installations can have an ROI of around 70% - 80%, depending on your location and energy savings.
Pro Tip:
If you’re on a budget, consider upgrading just a few key windows in areas with high heat loss or adding insulation to your attic to start reaping the benefits.
🛠️ 2. Upgraded Attic Insulation
Why It’s Underrated:
When people think about upgrading their homes, they often focus on visible areas. However, the attic is one of the most important places to improve for energy efficiency.
Why It Adds Value:
- Improved energy efficiency: Insulating your attic reduces heat transfer, keeping your home’s temperature consistent and reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
- Preventing moisture issues: Good attic insulation prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and structural damage.
- Increased comfort: Well-insulated homes feel more comfortable, regardless of the weather.
Estimated ROI:
Upgrading attic insulation can yield an ROI of 110% - 130%, making it one of the best investments for long-term value.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking to boost energy efficiency quickly, consider adding spray foam or fiberglass batt insulation to your attic.
🌳 3. Landscaping and Curb Appeal
Why It’s Underrated:
Many people underestimate the impact of curb appeal on a home’s overall value. While landscaping may not add square footage or change the interior, it plays a huge role in how your home is perceived by potential buyers or guests.
Why It Adds Value:
- First impressions matter: A well-maintained lawn, hedges, and trees can dramatically improve your home’s first impression, attracting more buyers and raising its market value.
- Improved outdoor living space: Landscaping can create functional outdoor areas such as patios, gardens, or entertainment spaces, increasing your home’s usable square footage.
- Low-cost, high-reward: Landscaping improvements like planting low-maintenance plants or adding decorative features can provide a big return without a major investment.
Estimated ROI:
Investing in landscaping can yield an ROI of 100% - 200% depending on the type of improvements and local real estate trends.
Pro Tip:
Add a mix of perennials for low-maintenance greenery and flowering plants for color. A new lawn, fresh mulch, and trimmed hedges can go a long way.
🚪 4. Upgraded Doors and Hardware
Why It’s Underrated:
Sometimes, the smallest upgrades can have the biggest impact. Upgrading your doors—whether they’re entry doors or interior doors—along with replacing old hardware, can give your home a fresh, modern feel.
Why It Adds Value:
- Enhanced security: A high-quality entry door improves the security of your home while adding an elegant touch.
- Energy efficiency: Many newer doors are more energy-efficient, helping to reduce energy loss through drafts.
- Aesthetic appeal: Upgrading hardware (such as knobs, handles, and faucets) instantly gives your home a more polished look.
Estimated ROI:
A new entry door can have an ROI of 70% - 90%, and upgrading hardware can provide a quick style boost with little investment.
Pro Tip:
Consider installing a fiberglass entry door with a steel core for added energy efficiency and durability, and replace old door hardware for a modern touch.
💡 5. Smart Home Upgrades
Why It’s Underrated:
Smart home technology is rapidly gaining popularity, but it’s still an underrated improvement when it comes to adding value. While things like smart thermostats or security systems are often seen as gadgets, they offer real value that improves convenience, security, and energy efficiency.
Why It Adds Value:
- Increased convenience: Features like smart lighting, thermostats, and security cameras make everyday life easier.
- Energy savings: Smart thermostats and lighting systems can help lower your utility bills by automatically adjusting based on your habits.
- Attracting tech-savvy buyers: Younger buyers, in particular, are looking for homes with smart capabilities, making these upgrades appealing when it comes time to sell.
Estimated ROI:
Smart home upgrades can provide an ROI of 80% - 100%, depending on the type of upgrades and local market demand.
Pro Tip:
Start with smart thermostats, smart locks, and smart lighting to add value without a hefty investment. These upgrades can often be installed in under an hour.
🏚️ 6. Basement and Attic Conversions
Why It’s Underrated:
The potential to finish an unused basement or attic is often overlooked by homeowners, but these spaces can provide a massive return on investment when converted into livable areas.
Why It Adds Value:
- Increased usable space: Finishing a basement or attic can give you additional living space, whether it’s a home office, extra bedroom, or guest suite.
- Affordable expansion: Basement and attic conversions tend to be more affordable than building an addition, especially if the structural framework is already in place.
- Marketability: A finished basement or attic adds functional square footage, which can increase the home’s overall appeal and value.
Estimated ROI:
Basement and attic conversions often offer an ROI of 70% - 90%, depending on how well the space is finished.
Pro Tip:
If you’re working on a budget, focus on lighting and ventilation to make the space feel open and inviting. A fresh coat of paint and some basic finishes can transform a basement into an attractive living space.
🔧 7. Bathroom Updates
Why It’s Underrated:
While full bathroom renovations can be expensive, small updates like new vanities, tile, or a fresh coat of paint can significantly improve your bathroom without the need for a total overhaul.
Why It Adds Value:
- Aesthetics and functionality: Replacing outdated vanities or toilets with modern, energy-efficient models can give your bathroom a fresh, contemporary look.
- Increased appeal: Even small changes like adding a new showerhead, mirror, or storage solutions can dramatically enhance the appeal of your bathroom.
- Low-cost, high return: Bathroom updates are generally cost-effective compared to a full remodel, making them an ideal choice for long-term value.
Estimated ROI:
Bathroom updates often see an ROI of 60% - 80%, especially when targeting improvements that focus on energy efficiency or space optimization.
Pro Tip:
Install a new toilet, energy-efficient lighting, and modern fixtures to make your bathroom feel new without a full renovation.
Conclusion: The Power of Small, Underrated Home Improvements
While major remodeling projects like kitchen or bathroom overhauls often grab attention, the most underrated home improvements offer lasting benefits with minimal investment. These upgrades can increase your home’s value, enhance its functionality, and improve energy efficiency—all without the huge price tag of more dramatic renovations.
By focusing on energy efficiency, curb appeal, and small functional improvements, you can achieve long-term value that pays off whether you plan to sell soon or just want to enjoy a more comfortable living space.
💡 Ready to tackle your next underrated home improvement? Try Estimero for accurate cost estimates and expert advice on smart, cost-effective upgrades!
Helpful Links:
- Estimero’s Value-Adding Home Improvement Estimators
- Budget-Friendly Home Upgrades
- Energy-Efficient Remodeling Tips
Need help estimating your next home improvement project?
Contact Estimero Support to get expert advice and cost estimates tailored to your goals!