Renovations that cost more but still pay off

Planning ahead: Renovations that cost more but still pay off

As the new year begins, many homeowners look ahead to selling their home and consider any updates needed before listing.

It’s a smart approach to a home sale. In the competitive Boulder County housing market, the right renovations can make a difference in how quickly a home sells and at what price.

But remodeling isn’t as straightforward as it once was. The current 25% tariff on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities, effective September 2025, has driven up the price of many building materials, increasing project costs. Fortunately, homeowners received temporary relief from additional tariffs of 30%-50% initially scheduled for January 1, 2026, which were delayed by a year, according to Realtor.com.

Although current tariffs raise costs, strategic renovations with proven return on investment (ROI) and that align with local buyer demand can be worthwhile.

Renovations worth the investment

Many buyers prefer move-in-ready homes, despite rising interest in buying a home that needs work. Here are six updates that can deliver strong returns when it’s time to sell, according to Realtor.com:

1. Kitchen remodels

The kitchen makes a major impact on first impressions, so it's no surprise that kitchen remodels stand out as a top renovation for payback. Even modest upgrades, such as adding new cabinets and updated flooring, can improve first impressions and significantly increase resale appeal.

In Colorado, a mid-range kitchen remodel ranked as the No. 4 project for top ROI, according to Zonda’s Journal of Light Construction (JLC) 2025 Cost vs. Value Report. Updating a 200-square-foot kitchen with new shaker-style cabinet fronts, hardware, appliances, laminate countertops, sink, faucet and resilient flooring returned about 113% on a $28,490 investment.

2. Bathroom upgrades

Bathroom upgrades can help your home feel fresh and current. Again, a complete remodel isn’t required; even minor refreshes can boost impressions of an attractive lifestyle and home value, according to Realtor.com.

3. Roof replacements

A new roof is a plus for buyers and appraisers, particularly for homes built in the 2000s that may need maintenance. In Colorado, updating to fire- and hail-resistant roofs would increase buyer appeal. Common roofing options in Boulder County include asphalt shingles, metal roofing and synthetic shingles.

4. Energy-efficient windows and doors

Homeowners value sustainability and features that help lower utility bills. As a result, energy-efficient windows and doors rank high on wish lists, especially for environmentally conscious buyers. The value of these improvements was confirmed in a survey by the National Association of REALTORS®.

5. Outdoor living spaces

Spending time outside is a party of everyday life in Boulder County, making updated outdoor patios, decks and summer kitchens highly valued.

It’s worth noting that while outdoor kitchens are increasingly popular in Colorado’s climate, only 1% of Realtors® recommend adding one before selling, due to higher costs and specialized appeal.

Additional high ROI Colorado projects

In addition to the projects listed by Realtor.com, several exterior upgrades ranked high in Colorado in JLC’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report:

·Garage door replacement — A $4,968 investment delivered an estimated a 236.1% return for a 16x7-foot garage door on new galvanized steel tracks.

·New entry door — Replacing the front door with a 20-gauge steel door featuring a clear dual-pane half-glass panel yielded a return of over 186%.

Renovations to skip for resale

It’s essential to recognize that not every remodel pays off. Highly personalized projects — such as luxury home theaters, wine cellars and specialty rooms — typically don’t translate into higher resale value. Swimming pools also fall into this category.

Bottom line

If you’re planning to remodel before selling, focus on projects that balance cost, buyer appeal and proven ROI. And if you’re buying a home that needs updates, many of these renovations can be enjoyed now and add long-term value. A knowledgeable local Realtor can help assess which improvements make the most sense for your home and the Boulder County market.

Read the complete articles at (https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/renovations-that-cost-more-tariffs-worthy-investment/) and (https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/trump-tariff-increase-pause-timber-kitchen-cabinents/).