14 Garage Upgrades With The Best Return On Investment

Whether you're looking to sell your home soon or are future-proofing your investment, upgrading your garage could spark the interest of many homebuyers. In both 2023 and 2024, the term "garage" made the top 10 list of most-searched home features on Zillow, revealing that prospective homebuyers are considering the garage space when deciding to make a purchase. Depending on your budget, you could drastically improve the space or update minor features, both of which will give you a solid return. For example, according to the 2025 Cost vs Value report by The Journal of Light Construction, a less intrusive garage upgrade, like installing a new garage door, could give you an ROI of well over 250%. However, other sources share that even organizational and functional improvements could also result in a 70% return on investment.

Of course, the type of garage you have will vastly impact the ROI you get from any upgrades and can greatly persuade buyers. For example, the garage feature that instantly adds to your home value is an enclosed garage versus a detached one. Although, if connecting your garage to your house isn't feasible or within budget, you can still add other upgrades to enhance its value. From organization to electrical improvements, upgrading your garage could be an affordable reno with a decent ROI that appeals to many buyers.

One garage upgrade that could dramatically boost your ROI is updating the garage door. With an average job cost of $4,672 and a resale value of $12,507, according to The Journal of Light Construction, you could see a whopping 268% ROI. Replacing your garage door with a more modern option or ensuring the electrical mechanisms are updated is a great way to appeal to buyers. You might even consider adding smartphone integration technology, new windows, or a fresh coat of paint, which could either boost curb appeal or functionality.

Another feature to consider upgrading in your garage is the floor. Some experts share that slip-proof floors in this space could increase home value by as much as 10%. Epoxy floors are a popular choice because folks appreciate the low maintenance needs, durability, and aesthetic value that epoxy slip-proof garage floors bring to the home. However, polished concrete and porcelain tile are also gaining traction thanks to similar benefits like durability and longevity, but also because they have a more sophisticated look and feel.

Built-in storage is almost always a good choice, not just for the living space but for the garage as well. Some sources share that 25% of people with two-car garages don't have enough room to park cars within them, likely due to the challenges of clutter and disorganization, which often plagues these areas. Built-in shelves or pegboard setups along garage walls, storage benches, or even racks along the ceiling can go a long way towards decreasing clutter and increasing storage space.

While adding built-ins and benches can increase storage space in the garage, it's not always the best option for spaces lacking additional square footage. If you're working with a small garage, it might be better to invest in a storage loft or netted storage to use the dead space by the garage ceiling. Utilizing the overhead area is one garage storage solution HGTV's Mike Holmes swears by to maximize space. You can build your own wood frame and shelf, invest in a sturdier mounted loft, add bin tracks to the ceiling, or use cargo netting for lightweight items.

To boost both the look and functionality of your garage, adding a tool bench or designated work station could vastly transform the space. Not only will this help cut clutter and provide more storage, but the organization of tools also looks professional, clean, and appealing to prospective buyers. Spaces tailored to specific hobbies also show a lot of care was put into the room, making buyers envisage themselves utilizing the workstation. However, professionals advise against turning the entire garage into a workshop. Instead, designate only a portion of the space to a work station.

Many garages can feel dark and dingy. Lighting can be an afterthought in the garage since many folks focus on storage space and having a place to park the car. However, when selling, a dark garage can feel unkept or unsafe to a buyer. Investing in bright, quality lighting can give the space a clean, maintained look. Well-lit garages feel more open and inviting. Bright LEDs are a good choice, though experts also recommend prioritizing natural light with sturdy windows.

If you're interested in tackling a more involved garage upgrade, you might consider insulating the space. Garage insulation can range in price from $1,900 to $7,700, depending on the type of insulation you choose, scale of the project, and your region. However, many see this as a good investment since insulating your garage could increase the amount of usable living space, lower energy costs in attached garages, and offer better temperature control to protect belongings. Some experts, however, point out that ROI can be limited, depending on your local area.

Not every house has space for an additional laundry room. Rather than shoving the machines into a closet, consider converting part of your garage into a laundry space. You can try this DIY to turn your garage into a luxurious-looking laundry room, or invest in a laundry station that functions much the same. Updating the flooring, installing built-in shelves, and adding functional laundry must-haves could appeal to some buyers.

One of the appeals of the attached garage is that it functions as a secondary entrance to the home, safe from the elements. By creating a quasi-mudroom, equipped with storage, coat racks, and floor mats to prevent mud and dirt from entering the home, the space adds more functionality for the whole family. Be sure not to skip over the details. Quality shelving, custom cabinetry, new hardware, a bench for shoes, and good lighting can make this space feel intentional.

Many homeowners know that replacing or updating the roof can give a decent ROI. However, don't forget to update your garage roof as well. If your garage is attached, this may be a no-brainer. But if you have a detached garage, updating the roof can still give you a good return on investment by increasing the home's efficiency and reducing the risk of leaks or water damage.

Some experts say improving your garage ventilation system could reduce energy consumption by up to as much as 95%. Whether you use your garage for a parked car or as a workshop, fumes, dust, mildew, and chemicals are likely to filter through the air. A quality ventilation system will make your home safer and reduce the potential pollutants in this space. Installing exhaust fans and vent systems could improve the space and give you a slight ROI when selling.

If you're willing to put in the upfront costs, installing a heated floor in your garage could give you a great return on investment. Installing electric heated floor systems can cost between $10 and $20 per square foot, while hydronic systems range from $15 to $30 per square foot. However, this investment could appeal to potential buyers in the future. Homeowners favor the benefits of heated floors, such as reduced ice and snow hazards, comfort, and versatile functionality. It's also a great choice if you plan to extend or install radiant heating to the driveway.

Turning the garage into a functional living space, whether as a separate family room, a games room, den, or rental space could boost your home value. According to statistics from HomeAdvisor (via Realtor.com), a well-done garage-to-living space conversion could have an 80% ROI. However, some professionals argue that turning your garage into a living space could hurt your ROI and deter buyers. Consider your climate and local market preferences prior to investing in this upgrade, as some locations will value a garage for parked cars over an additional living space.

In many communities, electric vehicles are gaining popularity, and many homebuyers may already have an EV. By investing in a charging station, you could potentially boost your home value by 3%. Tax benefits and saving on energy costs are other incentives that can attract buyers. While this may not give you the biggest bang for your buck, it could be a good investment, depending on your area. You might also consider investing in a solar roof on your garage, which reduces your home's eco-footprint but can also help reduce energy costs.