Home Remodeling for Resale: Projects That Increase Value
As a homeowner in New Jersey, you’ve likely wondered how strategic remodeling, renovation, or light construction can boost your home’s resale value. In other words, what home improvement projects pay off the most?
The good news: smart choices — especially when you use American-made products — can deliver impressive returns!
High ROI Exterior Upgrades
Garage Door Replacement
According to The Journal of Light Construction’s 2024 Cost vs. Value report, replacing a garage door recovers an extraordinary 194% of its cost — meaning the average $4,513 investment nationally returns around $8,751 at resale time! That makes it one of the highest-return projects available.
Steel Entry Door Replacement
The same study mentions that replacing your front door with a sturdy steel model offers similarly strong performance — delivering a 188% ROI. A high-return exterior improvement like this signals quality, and opting for American-made doors adds additional value.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Logging the third-highest ROI mentioned in the Cost vs. Value report is manufactured stone veneer, which returns approximately 153% vs. the cost, enhancing curb appeal with a premium, sophisticated look. Many of these veneer options are U.S.-manufactured, which is excellent news for buyers who value domestic craftsmanship.
Interior Projects with Strong Returns
Strong ROI isn’t limited to exterior remodeling projects. In its 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, the National Association of Realtors includes the following in a list of top ROI projects:
- Basement Conversion to Living Area
- Attic Conversion to Living Area
These types of projects are a smart way to add usable square footage to your current home — and buyers in New Jersey value flexible living spaces, especially for hybrid work or multigenerational setups.
Organic Modernism: Design That Sells
The design trend known as “Organic Modernism” is also reshaping buyer preferences and remodeling choices. Recent research by Zillow shows that homes featuring natural textures — such as soapstone countertops, onyx accents, cork or herringbone floors, and Venetian plaster walls — can command up to 3.5% more, equivalent to an extra $12,500 on a typical U.S. home price.
Here are some other value-boosting features identified as having a positive impact on resale value:
- Wet rooms (fully waterproof bathrooms): Add 3.3%
- Outdoor showers/kitchens, Bluestone patios: +2.2% to +2.8%
This aesthetic also aligns with sustainability-minded buyers — using domestically sourced hardwood floors, natural stone, and fixtures reinforces both design and domestic manufacturing values.
Luxury Upgrades That Make a Lasting Impression
For some homeowners, the goal isn’t just to recoup costs—it’s to elevate a property into the next tier of the market. Luxury remodeling projects can do exactly that, particularly in regions like New Jersey, where buyers often seek turnkey homes with premium finishes.
A spa-style bathroom renovation, for example, adds both daily comfort and resale allure. Features like walk-in steam showers, freestanding soaking tubs, heated flooring, and American-made stone or porcelain tile transform an ordinary bath into a serene retreat.
Another high-value upgrade is a chef-inspired kitchen. Beyond mid-range remodels, luxury kitchens often feature professional-grade appliances, custom cabinetry, and expansive quartz or soapstone countertops. These touches not only improve function but also signal craftsmanship and longevity to potential buyers.
Finally, consider incorporating high-end outdoor living. Covered patios with built-in grills and cooktops, natural stone fireplaces, or retractable walls blur the line between indoor and outdoor space — an increasingly desirable feature for buyers who entertain. While luxury projects may not show the same percentage ROI as smaller upgrades, they elevate your home into a premium category, helping it stand out in a competitive market and attract higher offers
Local Considerations for New Jersey Homeowners
For New Jersey homeowners, smart planning matters:
- Permits: Many exterior and interior alterations — especially structural or space conversions — require proper permits. Skipping them can complicate resale.
- Product selection: There’s a growing number of Made-in-America options across all home remodeling product categories. Buying American not only supports local industry and avoids import tariffs, but also resonates with many buyers who value quality.
- Energy efficiency: Consider efficient windows, doors, and insulation. Incentives might be available in New Jersey, and energy-smart features appeal to modern buyers.
As a New Jersey homeowner, focus your remodeling and construction efforts on projects with proven resale value. Start with high-ROI exterior upgrades, such as new garage and entry doors. Then, consider adding stone veneer and converting space for utility purposes. You can also elevate your home’s interiors with touches of Organic Modernism — nature-inspired materials, thoughtful design, and rich, value-enhancing colorways.
Opting for American-made products wherever possible will further enhance quality, support domestic manufacturing, and appeal to discerning buyers.
Whether your goal is resale gain or personal enjoyment, these strategies offer both — and set you up for a beautiful, valuable home.
Ready to start your next home remodeling project? Call Bellari today at 908-895-6436 or visit bellariNJ.com to schedule a free in-home consultation and estimate. Let’s make your home the one you’ve always dreamed of — and one that’s built to last.
