Four Home Improvements that Deliver the Biggest Return on Investment

If you’re thinking about improving your home to either enhance your lifestyle or prepare for resale, some upgrades simply offer more bang for your buck. In today’s Utah market, where buyers are selective and inventory is high, certain improvements consistently stand out as clear winners. At Lemonade Real Estate, we see four core upgrades that deliver the strongest return on investment, both emotionally and financially. Let’s break them down.

1. A Finished Basement
In Utah, finished basements are one of the strongest dollar-for-dollar value multipliers but surprisingly, many buyers move into new construction homes thinking, “We’ll just finish it later.” In reality, once a sofa, treadmill, or “Seasonal” storage gets placed downstairs, the odds of completing that project “Fall” dramatically (see what I did there?). A finished basement isn’t just bonus square footage. It can add sleeping capacity, entertainment flexibility, and rental opportunity. Even better, A finished basement revives a dormant bathroom or pre-plumbed kitchenette which compounds its value even further.

2. A Remodeled Kitchen
With the longest standing track record, the kitchen remains the heart of the home and the centerpiece of buyer emotion. Assuming you are staying current with trends, and the remodel isn’t too distracting; updated cabinets, modern appliances, improved lighting, and fresh surfaces dramatically elevate how a home feels and functions. Buyers rarely want the hassle or cost of renovating a kitchen themselves, which is why quality updated kitchens consistently command premium pricing and reduce days on market.

3. An Improved Garage
In our experience, one of the most common “Must Haves” in a home is having at least a two car garage. Think it about it, this is usually the first and last room of the home you see before travelling from and returning to home. Utah buyers love garage space and not just for parking. Epoxy flooring, ceiling racks, storage systems, wall shelving, workbenches, and this list didn’t even scratch the surface. A functional garage supports hobbies, protects vehicles, adds real utility and gives me a place to hide out in a house full of girls. In a region where outdoor gear is a way of life, a thoughtfully improved garage often ranks higher in buyer value than homeowners expect.

4. Enhanced Landscaping
It shouldn’t be a secret to anyone that looks matter. Just like in the dating world, humans are naturally drawn to features they find attractive. So physical features on homes that build curb appeal will attract and sell homes long before a buyer steps inside. Finished landscaping throughout the property grounds such as mature healthy trees, clean lawns, professionally installed lighting and tasteful stone, rock and paver designs create an emotional connection and signals pride of ownership. Take it a step further by adding additional gathering areas such as patios, pergolas, decks, firepits, pools and additional covered seating to enhance the ambiance. Buyers naturally equate a well-kept yard with a well-kept home, and that impression directly influences buyer interest, competitiveness, and final offer strength.

Whether you’re improving over time or preparing for a future sale, focusing on upgrades that enhance livability and expand usable space will always return the sweetest value. If you’re wondering which improvements make sense for your home or how to prioritize them for maximum impact, our team at Lemonade Real Estate is here to guide you with clarity, care, and strategy.