CCFB News» June 2026

June is National Homeownership Month, making it a great time to think about upgrades that help you enjoy your space now while adding value over time. If you’re planning improvements, it helps to focus first on projects with the strongest resale potential, then consider other updates that can still improve appeal and function. Here’s a practical look at which home improvement projects tend to offer the best return.

Update Your Kitchen

Updating your kitchen remains one of the smartest interior improvements you can make, and it does not require a full gut renovation. Smaller upgrades such as refreshed cabinets, new countertops, updated fixtures, and improved storage can make a noticeable difference. Major kitchen remodels typically recoup about 38% to 50% of their cost, while minor remodels can return as much as 96%.

Update The Flooring

Flooring is another upgrade buyers notice right away. If your home already has hardwood, refinishing it can be a cost-effective way to refresh the look of the space. For homeowners considering new flooring, the current market estimates suggest hardwood or similar premium flooring projects often cost about $8,000 to $15,000 and can add roughly $5,600 to $10,500 in resale value, depending on the home and market. The key is choosing durable, timeless finishes that help the home feel clean, updated, and move-in ready.

Replace Doors

Replacing exterior doors is a simple way to improve curb appeal and boost resale value. Nationally, a steel entry door replacement recoups about 216% of its cost, while a garage door replacement can return around 268%. If your doors or windows look dated or worn, replacing them can also improve energy efficiency, comfort, and the impression that your home is well maintained. As with any project, set a realistic budget and prioritize the upgrades that best match your timeline and goals.

Interior Paint

A fresh coat of interior paint is one of the most affordable ways to improve a home’s appearance and can deliver an estimated 107% return. To get the best results, the work needs to be done cleanly and professionally, which may make hiring a painter worthwhile.

If you prefer to do it yourself, a careful paint job can still save money and add value. Clean wall preparation, well-chosen colors, and crisp edging all help maximize the return.

Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom updates can also pay off, especially when the space looks dated or poorly maintained. The good news is that you do not always need a full remodel to make an impact. Simple improvements like updated fixtures, fresh finishes, improved lighting, or a new showerhead can make the room feel cleaner and more current while helping appeal to future buyers.

Other Home Improvements With Strong ROI

Once you’ve completed the highest-impact upgrades, exterior and cosmetic improvements can also strengthen resale appeal. They may not deliver the same return as a kitchen update, new flooring, or replacement doors, but they can still be worthwhile based on your home’s condition and local market.

• Siding: Replacing siding can add meaningful value, especially when the current exterior is worn. Stone veneer is expensive often averaging $87,500 to $125,000 but can deliver an ROI of about 153% or more. Lower-cost materials such as vinyl typically recoup around 80% of the cost at resale.
   
• Roofing: Roof replacement returns vary by material. A metal roof averages about $11,800 and typically recoups 60% to 70% of its cost. Asphalt shingles usually return about 57%, partly because they tend to have a shorter lifespan.
   
• New or renovated deck: Building or updating a deck can return roughly 68% to 83% of the cost. Wood decks generally cost more but may deliver a higher ROI, while composite decks still tend to recover more than half of the investment.

Ways To Finance Repairs

If you’re ready to tackle repairs or renovations but need flexibility, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) may be worth discussing with a mortgage expert. A HELOC gives you access to a borrowing limit you can draw from as needed, and you typically only pay interest on the amount you use. Because rates are often adjustable, monthly payments can change over time, so it’s best suited for homeowners who want a flexible funding option for emergencies or longer-term projects completed in stages.