10 Upgrades To Raise A Home's Value, According To HGTV's Property Brothers

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It can be difficult to decide what to prioritize when it comes to adding value to your home. Whether you're getting ready to sell your property or you're simply planning for the future, it's important to recognize that some investments have a greater return than others. If you're looking for advice from house-flipping pros, the Property Brothers have offered tons of tips on how to improve the value of your home. Drew and Jonathan Scott have renovated countless homes across North America, giving them expert insight when it comes to what sells. In fact, one of their most recent programs is titled "Backed by the Bros," where they mentor investors on making smart decisions around real estate and renovations.

Whether you're ready to renovate an entire room or you're looking for quick and simple upgrades, Drew and Jonathan have ideas for every level of project. You don't have to break the bank in order to add value to your interior and exterior. In fact, there are several affordable and attainable ways to make your property more desirable. We've highlighted their top-rated upgrades that not only enhance your day-to-day living but also create lasting appeal and long-term benefits.

In Season 5, Episode 4, of "Brother vs. Brother," Jonathan and Drew had unused patio spaces under the deck of each of their homes. Unknowingly, both brothers decided to turn the deck on the bottom level of each house into additional living space. Jonathan explained, "I'll start by adding louvered walls right here under the deck to create a chic and nicely shaded outdoor lounge where you can beat the heat." During Drew's renovation, he emphasized the value of this transformation, saying, "On the ground level, I'll turn all that wasted space near the boat launch into a second lounging area. This could be what sells this house." The brothers have often mentioned the importance of adding the illusion of extra square footage by turning outdoor areas into livable space.

The value of a well-designed outdoor space is significant. In fact, a renovated patio not only increases your home value, but it can also make it appealing to more buyers — which can equal a quicker close. So, consider the ways in which you can upgrade and elevate your outdoor space. An outdoor rug with comfortable seating, like this Hillga Luxury Patio Furniture Set, can instantly elevate a basic patio into a lounging area. You can also transform your patio into a cozy outdoor living room with these clever ideas.

There are a few rooms that may seem superfluous in a home, but they actually make a huge difference when it comes to resale. Even if you have a laundry closet, consider adding an entire laundry room for extra convenience. Another small luxury that makes a big impact is a half bathroom for guests, maximizing privacy for the homeowners. These were two of Drew's priorities in Season 7, Episode 6, of "Brother vs. Brother." He said, "I'll add value to the house with a full laundry room and a brand-new powder room, two things I know buyers will love!"

Adding a laundry room to your property can result in an ROI of about 60-70%. The Property Brothers have enough experience to know that this is a must-have for many buyers. In fact, according to a National Association of Home Builders study, a separate laundry room is desired by approximately 87% of homebuyers. Powder rooms are also highly coveted, and a new half bathroom can increase your home's value by an average of 10%. While you might end up having to steal square footage from another room or storage space, the increased value can be worth the transformation. When it comes to design, don't be afraid to be bold in your half bath with these tips.

It's no secret that a stunning master suite can make a huge difference in the value of your home, and Jonathan made sure to prioritize this grown-up space in Season 8, Episode 3, of "Brother vs. Brother." Jonathan focused heavily on maximizing the luxurious elements within the master suite. He detailed, "I'm adding a ton of value by creating a modern masterpiece of a main bath with a luxury shower and right next to that a custom walk-in closet where neither existed before." These are just a few of the ways you can add valuable amenities to your master suite.

According to Zillow, the national average return for an upscale bathroom renovation is about 56.2%. There are also a few ways to maximize this increase in value. For example, a master bathroom with accessibility features like a wider doorway or a walk-in shower can garner a whopping 70.6% return. If you don't have the budget to renovate your entire master suite with top-tier amenities, don't fret! You may only need a few simple tweaks to make your bathroom feel like a retreat, so consider a few easy upgrades like swapping hardware, towels, or light fixtures.

On the HGTV YouTube Channel, Drew gave homeowners a key tip to instantly improve curb appeal with an attainable upgrade that packs a valuable punch. He explained, "Having a well-maintained exterior shows pride of ownership, and that's invaluable. And it's as easy as just trimming back shrubs, adding a coat of paint where needed, and just adding some color and interest through plants and outdoor features." 

There are tons of low-maintenance ways to landscape a front yard for added curb appeal, making this ideal advice to follow if you are looking for ways to transform your property. According to the NAR 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, you could see a 100% cost recovery with a comprehensive landscape upgrade. Plus, you can expect a 104% value recovery on maintaining your landscaping.

Keep in mind that certain plants are better suited for a traditional home, whereas others suit a more modern façade. A cottage-style home can look beautiful with an array of wildflowers, whereas a Mediterranean-style home will best match more water-wise species like rosemary, lavender, and ornamental olive trees. You can also pull colors from your trim or front door and find floral displays with similar shades. Landscaping is not one size fits all, and it should always be customized to your aesthetic. If you can't redo your entire front yard, a few affordable exterior landscaping ideas include window boxes, hanging baskets, and symmetrical planters.

In an interview with My Domaine, the brothers emphasized the value of high-end toilets and tubs in the bathroom. It's crucial not to neglect these elements when renovating a guest bathroom or master suite. Jonathan explained, "Avoid skimping on toilets and tubs. These are wow factor products for a bathroom, and by putting in a cheap toilet or undersized tub, you're just telling the buyer that you don't see value in the work you've done." The importance of these plumbing fixtures is easily overlooked, but they can make a huge difference when buyers are observing your house.

There are a few things to know before buying a toilet for your bathroom. Not only can a new toilet improve the look of your bathroom, but it can also give your home an eco-friendly touch. Modern toilets are often more efficient and waste less water overall. Refinishing your bathtub is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to increase your ROI. If you have the space, a freestanding tub could offer you the ability to keep or create a walk-in shower, a top accessibility feature, and a coveted upgrade mentioned above.

Jonathan and Drew have sung the praises of energy-efficient appliances time and time again, including in an interview with Architectural Digest about increasing your home's ROI. Drew explained, "If you're going to be upgrading anyway, why not get the latest tech and something that will lower your bills?" Jonathan also designed an "eco-chic" house in "Brother vs. Brother," and showed viewers efficient upgrades like a built-in induction stove and a smart electric panel with automatic moderation.

Induction cooktops are sleek in their appearance and also highly functional. Compared to a gas stove, they can boil water 20-40% faster. Plus, they are up to three times more efficient than gas and up to 10% more efficient than electric ranges. Depending on your home, a smart thermostat can save you up to 8% a year, and energy-efficient lighting can save about 15%. Electric bills continue to climb, so energy-efficient upgrades aren't just about saving the planet; they can also save you (and your future buyer) a significant amount of money in the long run. 

You don't have to complete an expensive renovation to add value to your home. Custom storage systems are an affordable upgrade that can help a buyer visualize themselves in your space. Jonathan told Architectural Digest, "Storage is everything, and one thing that so many people forget about when they're selling is how attractive it is to have closet organization systems in your home." From simply adding shelving to designing an entirely customized closet, there are plenty of possibilities depending on how much you want to invest.

Although a closet organization system may seem like a minor upgrade, small details matter when prospective buyers are looking at your home. Thoughtful details like matching hangers and LED closet lights will make your home appear well-maintained. If you want to command a high price tag, it's imperative to pay attention to every nook and cranny. For a ready-to-install organization option, this iSunirm Eight-Foot Closet System is adjustable and full of clever storage features. If you prefer a wall-mounted version for stability, try the H3 Wall-Mounted Closet System.

It's easy to get sucked into the world of luxury kitchen finishes and appliances, but you shouldn't get distracted from the layout. In a kitchen renovation, a good layout can add immense value. Jonathan told The New York Times, "I can't stand it when I go into a house that's listed and they say it's been renovated, but all they've done is they've ripped out a kitchen and put in brand-new cabinets into the exact same bad layout, then all you have is a cramped, dated layout with your new kitchen," In Season 7, Episode 6, of "Brother vs. Brother," Drew wasn't able to preserve all of the historic elements, so he focused on key modern upgrades like the kitchen layout. Upon the reveal, one of the potential buyers said, "I really enjoy a kitchen with a lot of room."

Remodeling a kitchen can increase your home's value and fetch an average ROI of 50% to 96%. Before you take on the project, decide what to prioritize when it comes to functionality and flow. You don't always have to knock down walls to change the layout of your space. Instead, try switching the placement of appliances for optimal convenience. If there is any way you can create space for recessed appliances, this will make your space look more streamlined. Modern kitchens tend to be more open, which means you should minimize barriers like half walls or peninsulas that will separate the space. A freestanding workspace, like a kitchen island, is a more contemporary alternative.

In an episode of "Backed by the Bros," Jonathan and Drew debated on the best ways to add value to a rental property. One must-have that they agreed on was a finished outdoor area that would expand the overall living space. Jonathan said, "For the downstairs, you can probably get $3,600, $3,700 per month furnished. But if you finish the backyard, you could get over $4,000." This is a significant return on a rental investment, which is especially important if you live in an area where the next owner may want to use the home as a second home or investment property.

There are endless ways to approach backyard improvement, but some projects are more valuable than others. One of the most profitable upgrades and a favorite of Drew and Jonathan's is to create a brand-new patio space if you don't already have one. However, be aware of adding too much concrete. Some natural outdoor spaces should be preserved and include natural elements, and removing concrete is a difficult and expensive process. If you're ready to commit to a higher-ticket upgrade that will really boost your backyard's value, consider adding an outdoor kitchen. This addition has an ROI of between 55%-200%. This Mont Alpi Barbecue Island Grill is a great place to start.

In an interview with HGTV, Drew and Jonathan shared some dos and don'ts for homeowners wanting to add value to their property. While the brothers disagreed on the value of certain upgrades, there is one feature they both urged homeowners to stay away from. Jonathan elaborated, "I can't think of a single kitchen design where laminate would look better than stone, butcher block, or a solid surface like Corian. Yes, laminate is cheaper, but in many cases, you can actually take value away from a house by installing it." A quality countertop is essential for preserving and increasing the value of your home.

Realtor.com reported that homes described as having a luxury kitchen sold 8% faster than similar properties. One of the key elements of a luxury kitchen is a contemporary countertop. There are a few materials that are ranked above the rest when it comes to improving the salability of a home. 

Quartz is one of the most desirable countertop materials due to its durability and low-maintenance nature. Plus, its longevity means you can feel confident installing quartz countertops even if you don't have immediate plans to sell your home. Marble is more porous and can suffer from regular wear and tear. Corian, the option mentioned by the Property Brothers, is similar to quartz countertops, but it includes more resin and less natural stone. This makes it a more affordable option that still offers excellent resilience.