Home improvements that add the most value before you sell in retirement

Replacing a garage door offers the highest ROI at 268%, followed by steel entry door replacement and manufactured stone veneer, both over 200%. Minor kitchen remodels return 113%, while fiber-cement siding replacement yields 114%. Fresh interior paint, wood deck additions, midrange bathroom remodels, backup generators, roof replacements, flooring updates, landscaping refreshes, vinyl window replacements, HVAC updates, and professional deep cleaning with staging also boost home value and buyer appeal, often exceeding costs.