6 Ways to Boost the Value of Your Home

Renovations aren’t just for looks. The right ones have a good chance of increasing your home’s value, too.

Are you considering making some updates in and around your property?

While there aren't any guarantees, some updates and changes might be more likely to pay off than others — and for Veterans and military homeowners, choosing the right ones can carry extra weight. If you're facing a PCS move or planning to sell in the near future, knowing which renovations offer the best return can help you make the most of your timeline.

For any homeowner, military or otherwise, here’s a look at six common renovations that can show a solid return on investment.

Home Energy Efficient Upgrades

Increasing your home’s energy efficiency can pay off on multiple fronts. For one, it can significantly cut down on your energy bills. According to Consumer Reports, simply upgrading to an Energy Star-certified smart thermostat saves users an average of 8% on their utility bills. With electricity rates rising across much of the country, those savings can add up over time.

Energy-efficient upgrades also make your home more marketable. According to the 2025 REALTORS® Residential Sustainability Report, more than half of real estate professionals say highlighting energy-efficient features in a listing can add value. Buyers know the savings that come with high-efficiency homes, and they’re often willing to pay a premium for them.

Some upgrades you might want to think about include:

• Installing a smart thermostat
• Upgrading to low-flow toilets and showerheads
• Installing low-emittance windows
• Adding more insulation
• Installing solar panels
• Upgrading to Energy Star appliances

You could also strategically plant trees to provide your house with more shade, which could improve your air conditioner's efficiency.

Maximize Your Home’s Usable Space

Increasing the usability of your house can add serious value, too. This doesn’t necessarily mean adding another bedroom or building a second story. Instead, think of ways you can make currently existing spaces more functional.

Could you finish the basement or turn it into a game room or exercise space? How about turning the attic into a small guest room or study? Could you add a closet in that empty space under the stairs? The more usable space you’re able to add, the more your home will be worth to future buyers.

Upgrade Your Kitchen — Even Just Slightly

A kitchen remodel is one of the highest ROI home improvements.

According to Zillow, a minor kitchen remodel returns an average of 113% — meaning most homeowners recoup more than they spend.

The updates don’t have to be huge, either. Installing a modern farmhouse sink, refacing the cabinetry, swapping out the drawer and cabinet hardware and redoing the countertops in quartz can all be smart options.

You might also consider upgrading appliances like the fridge or dishwasher to more energy-efficient models.

Boost Curb Appeal

Curb appeal improvements are among the most cost-effective ways to increase your home's value and marketability. A more marketable home means more competition, bidding wars and potentially a higher sale price once all is said and done.

And the benefits go beyond the sale price. An attractive exterior is also likely to appraise higher, too.

You might try sticking with basic upgrades to landscaping and home features rather than pumping a bunch of money into expensive water features or other more extravagant options. Everyone’s tastes are different, and going too far could push some buyers away.

Improve Your Home’s Outdoor Space and Functionality

Improving how your home looks on the outside is undoubtedly important, but enhancing the functionality of your outdoor spaces is even better.

A wooden deck is one of the smartest backyard investments you can make before selling. Zillow reports that homeowners spend an average of $17,600 on a wood deck addition and can expect to recoup 83% of that cost at resale.

You can also consider installing an outdoor kitchen, a covered patio or even just a pergola for extra shade.

Reduce the Home’s Maintenance and Upkeep Needs

A low-maintenance home is more attractive to buyers, appraisers and your wallet. If you want to increase your home’s value, find ways to reduce the home maintenance and upkeep it needs.

That might mean replacing sections of your lawn with gravel, stone or native plants that require little to no upkeep, upgrading to longer-lasting systems and appliances or swapping out hard-to-care-for exterior features (like stucco or wood siding) with more durable options.

The Bottom Line on Home ROI

Your home's not just a place to lay your head at night; it's also an investment. Making smart upgrades to your property not only helps protect that investment but can also increase its long-term value and your eventual sale profits.

Real estate agents in competitive markets will tell you that some listings simply won't move without things like updated flooring, fresh landscaping and a coat of paint on the walls. These don't have to be major projects, but they can be the difference between a home that sits and one that sells.

And if upfront costs are a concern, today's homeowners have a multitude of financing options available. Some sellers even hire contractors before listing and defer payment until closing, so upfront costs don't have to stand in the way. No matter where you are in the process, Veterans United is here to help you make the most of your home.