When preparing to sell your home, one of the biggest questions sellers ask is:
“What renovations will actually help my home sell faster and for more money?”

Should you replace the furnace or update the kitchen? Add a bathroom or renovate the one you already have? Replace the roof or invest in new appliances? And just as importantly — how much of that investment will you actually get back when you sell?

At Next Move ATL, we help sellers across Metro Atlanta and North Metro areas like Gwinnett County, Buford, Suwanee, and Sugar Hill make smart, strategic decisions before listing. The goal isn’t to renovate everything — it’s to invest in the upgrades that buyers value most and that deliver the strongest return.

Below are the most worthwhile renovations to consider before selling your home, based on buyer behavior, resale data, and real-world listing experience.

Painting: One of the Highest ROI Improvements You Can Make

Estimated Return: 100% or more

Painting is one of the simplest, fastest, and most cost-effective ways to prepare your home for the market — and in many cases, it actually pays for itself. A fresh coat of paint can instantly make a home feel cleaner, brighter, and more move-in ready, which directly impacts buyer perception.

Neutral, modern colors are key. While bold or highly personalized colors may reflect your taste, they can make it harder for buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Light neutrals help rooms feel larger and appeal to the widest audience, which often translates into stronger offers.

For sellers, painting is often the first improvement we recommend because it delivers immediate visual impact with minimal investment.

Garage Door Replacement: Big Curb Appeal, Strong Return

Estimated Return: ~98%

Curb appeal plays a major role in how buyers perceive a home before they ever step inside. One of the most overlooked — yet impactful — exterior upgrades is replacing the garage door.

Because garage doors make up a large portion of a home’s front elevation, worn or outdated doors can significantly affect first impressions. New or updated garage doors signal that the home has been well maintained and can dramatically improve how buyers feel when they arrive for a showing.

In many cases, sellers recoup nearly all of this investment, making it one of the strongest exterior upgrades before listing.

Entry Door Upgrade: Small Change, Big First Impression

Estimated Return: ~91%

The front door sets the tone for the entire showing. While it may seem like a minor detail, replacing or updating your entry door can have a meaningful impact on buyer perception.

Clean lines, neutral colors, and a modern design help create a welcoming and well-cared-for feel. Since first impressions matter so much in real estate, this relatively small upgrade can help your home stand out in listing photos and in person.

Adding Square Footage: High Impact When Strategically Done

Estimated Return: ~70–80%

Additional livable space is always appealing to buyers, especially in markets where comparable homes offer more square footage. If your home is noticeably smaller than others in the neighborhood, adding space may make sense from both a functional and resale standpoint.

A study conducted for the National Association of Realtors found that every additional 1,000 square feet can increase a home’s sale price by 30% or more, depending on market conditions. That said, this type of renovation requires careful analysis to ensure the cost aligns with neighborhood values.

This is where local market knowledge becomes critical.

Adding a Bathroom: Often a Smart Move for Resale

Estimated Return: ~60%

Bathrooms matter — and for many buyers, the number of bathrooms can be a deal-breaker. While renovating an existing bathroom can add value, adding an additional bathroom often provides more functional appeal, especially for families.

If your home has fewer bathrooms than most comparable properties in the area, buyers may view it as a drawback before they even schedule a showing. In those cases, adding a bathroom can significantly improve marketability and buyer interest.

Minor Kitchen Remodel: Focus on Function, Not Luxury

Estimated Return: ~81%

Kitchens sell homes, but not all kitchen remodels are created equal. A minor kitchen remodel often delivers a stronger return than a full-scale renovation.

Minor upgrades typically include new countertops, refreshed cabinets or doors, updated flooring, and modern fixtures. These improvements can dramatically update the look of a kitchen without the expense of replacing everything.

Major remodels, which include full appliance replacement and layout changes, can quickly exceed what the market will reward. The goal is to make the kitchen feel clean, functional, and modern — not overbuilt for the neighborhood.

Bathroom Remodel: Prioritize the Most Dated Spaces

Estimated Return: ~70%

Bathrooms are high-impact rooms for buyers, especially primary bathrooms. If your home already has a sufficient number of bathrooms, updating the most outdated one can be a worthwhile investment.

Modern buyers often prefer walk-in showers over large tubs, as long as there is at least one tub in the home. Clean finishes, updated vanities, and improved lighting can make a bathroom feel significantly more appealing without excessive cost.

Roof Replacement: Not Glamorous, But Often Necessary

Estimated Return: ~68%

Replacing a roof may not be the most exciting upgrade, but it can be one of the most important. Buyers prioritize function and peace of mind, and a worn or aging roof can raise concerns about future expenses.

While sellers may not recoup the full cost, being able to list “new roof” often prevents deals from falling apart during inspections and keeps homes from lingering on the market.

If the roof is in poor condition, replacing it usually takes priority over cosmetic upgrades.

Adding or Updating a Deck: Expanding Livable Space

Estimated Return: ~70%

Outdoor living space has become increasingly important to buyers. If your home already has a deck, refurbishing or replacing worn materials can enhance its appeal. If no deck exists, adding one can expand usable space and increase perceived value.

As with other additions, the key is ensuring the cost aligns with neighborhood expectations and buyer demand.

Finishing a Basement: Valuable Space When Done Right

Estimated Return: ~70%

A finished basement adds functional square footage that buyers value, particularly for flex spaces, home offices, or guest areas. Industry recommendations suggest keeping basement finishing costs between 5% and 10% of the home’s value to maximize return.

As always, market context matters. In neighborhoods where finished basements are common, leaving one unfinished can put a home at a disadvantage.

Final Thoughts: Think Like a Buyer, Not a Homeowner

When preparing to sell, it’s important to shift your mindset from homeowner to buyer. A beautiful kitchen won’t compensate for a failing roof. A luxury bathroom won’t make up for a lack of bathrooms overall. Function, condition, and livability almost always outweigh cosmetic upgrades.

Most buyers expect to personalize a home after they move in, so over-improving rarely delivers the return sellers hope for. Instead, focus on upgrades that improve condition, functionality, and first impressions.

The return on renovations depends on several factors, including price point, neighborhood standards, local market conditions, and timing. That’s why a personalized strategy matters.

At Next Move ATL, we help sellers decide where to invest — and where to save — so they can maximize value and minimize unnecessary expense.

👉 If you’re thinking about selling, start with a strategic home evaluation at FindAtlantaProperties.com or schedule a consultation with Next Move ATL to build a plan that makes sense for your home and your market.

Sources The Paint Colors that can Boost Your Homes Value These 15 Home Renovations Have The Highest Return on Investment Which Home Improvements Pay Off? Deck Building: What Will Be Your Return On Investment? Finished Basements Add Space and Home Value