Simulation

Which Renovations Return the Most

Using illustrative recoup rates, interior paint (~85% return), flooring upgrade (~80%), and landscaping (~75%) lead the ROI ranking, while HVAC and roof replacement return closer to 60%. With a $30,000 budget, a greedy pick of the highest-value projects might spend about $29,000 and add roughly $22,000 in value. ROI is only one lens: roofs and HVAC are often necessary even at lower return. Use the ranking to prioritize discretionary upgrades, and pair it with the loan simulator if you plan to finance.

Results

Visualization

RenoFig provides illustrative estimates only. Actual renovation costs vary widely by region, materials, labor rates, and contractor. The figures and recoup percentages here are planning assumptions, not quotes or guaranteed returns. Verify all costs and ROI with licensed contractors and local real-estate professionals before making decisions.

How It Works

The simulator holds an illustrative catalog of projects, each with a cost and an assumed recoup rate (share of cost returned as value). ROI per project is (recoup - 1) expressed as a percent; value added is cost times recoup. Projects are ranked by ROI, then a greedy selection adds the highest-value projects (by added value) until the budget is exhausted, reporting the portfolio spend and total value added. The chart ranks the top eight projects by ROI so discretionary upgrades can be prioritized. Necessary repairs like roof or HVAC may still belong in your plan despite lower ROI.

What Should You Do?

Use ROI to prioritize wants, not needs: a failing roof or HVAC should be fixed regardless of return because deferred damage costs more later. For pure upgrades, lead with paint, flooring, and curb-appeal items that recover the most. Keep total renovation under 25% of home value unless the work is essential. Remember recoup rates are averages; in a hot seller's market they rise, in a slow market they fall. Confirm with a local agent before large discretionary spend, and consider the loan simulator if financing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these ROI figures guaranteed?

No. They are illustrative recoup rates that vary by market, project quality, and timing. Treat them as a ranking aid, not a promise.

Why does the portfolio pick by value, not ROI?

Within a fixed budget, maximizing total added value usually beats chasing the single highest-ROI small project, though you can override with your own priorities.

Should I skip low-ROI repairs?

No. Roof and HVAC have lower ROI but are often necessary; skipping them can lower overall home value and block a sale.

How do I use this with financing?

Take the recommended portfolio spend into the renovation loan simulator to see the monthly cost and whether the value gain covers it.

Does home value affect the result?

Directly it does not change ROI here, but it is the context for the 25% over-improvement caution in the related tools.