The Top Home Remodels With the Best Return on Investment for 2026
As homeowners start planning their 2026 projects, one of the most common questions I hear is:
“Which remodels actually give me the best return on my investment?”
A remodel should make your home feel better, function better, and look more like the life you want to live—but it’s also smart to understand which updates hold their value long-term. As a designer, I get a front-row seat to the projects that increase both resale value and daily enjoyment, and the spaces where mistakes can cost you money down the road.
If you’re planning a remodel in 2026, here are the top spaces and upgrades with the strongest ROI—plus my insights on how to get the most out of each one.
1. Minor or Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel
Estimated ROI: 70–80%
A full luxury gut renovation can be stunning, but when it comes to ROI, strategic kitchen upgrades consistently perform best. Buyers notice updated kitchens immediately. They photograph beautifully, improve everyday function, and raise the perceived value of the home.
High-ROI kitchen updates include:
Refining or updating the layout
New countertops
Upgraded lighting
New backsplash
Modern cabinet fronts or refinishing
Quality appliances
Flooring upgrades
Designer Insight:
The biggest return isn’t from making the kitchen bigger, it's from making it smarter. Improving workflow, correcting awkward layouts, adding storage, and updating finishes will dramatically increase both your home’s value and the way you live in the space.
Simple upgrades can improve the functionality and user experience of your kitchen.
2. Bathroom Remodel (Primary or Guest)
Estimated ROI: 60–75%
Bathrooms are another major selling point. Even modest updates can dramatically elevate the home’s overall feeling of quality.
High-ROI bathroom upgrades include:
New tile
Updated vanity
Modern plumbing fixtures
Better lighting
Fresh paint
Replacing old tubs or showers
Designer Insight:
Think “spa, but practical.” Clean lines, calming colors, quality materials, and great lighting instantly increase appeal. Bathrooms don’t need to be extravagant—they just need to feel fresh, intentional, and well-designed.
A bathroom remodel is the best way to bring the spa home.
3. Fireplace Update + Living Room Refresh
Estimated ROI: 80–85%
One of the highest dollar-for-dollar returns: updating an old fireplace or adding a new one entirely.
In Colorado especially, fireplaces aren’t just features—they’re focal points. They define the style of the entire living space.
High-value updates include:
Replacing outdated units
Installing a modern linear or 360° unit
Adding a new surround (stone, tile, plaster, etc.)
Updating the mantle or millwork
Enhancing lighting around the feature wall
Designer Insight:
A fireplace remodel has an emotional ROI that’s off the charts. It transforms the living room instantly, elevates the architecture, and dramatically increases perceived home value—especially in listing photos.
A fireplace feature wall improves comfort and well-being while also improving the homes value.
Why These Three Projects Outperform the Rest
They share four powerful traits:
High visibility — These are the spaces buyers focus on.
High daily use — Improvements impact your life every single day.
Strong emotional appeal — People fall in love with kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces.
Manageable scope — These projects add value without needing full structural changes.
In other words:
They’re practical, beautiful, and financially smart.
Planning a Remodel in 2026? Start Design Now.
Winter is the ideal time to begin the design process so your project is ready for spring or summer construction. Starting early helps you:
Avoid rushed decisions
Secure contractors
Prevent costly mistakes
Create a cohesive, timeless design
If you’re ready to explore what’s possible in your home, I’d love to help.