Ever imagined a simple home upgrade that could more than double your money when you sell? Believe it or not, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), replacing an old garage door can deliver a whopping 194% return on investment at resale. Eye-opening stats like that prove how the right improvements can significantly boost your property’s value.
In Arizona’s competitive housing market, homeowners are always looking for the best ways to add value to their homes. Smart upgrades not only build equity for the future, but also make daily life more enjoyable in the present. As remodeling experts here at The Holtzman Remodeling, we’ve seen first-hand which projects pay off the most for Arizona homeowners. From kitchen transformations to creating outdoor oases, here are seven of the best improvements to increase your home’s value (and a few might surprise you).
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and when it comes to resale value this couldn’t be more true. An outdated kitchen can turn buyers off, whereas a modern, updated kitchen often seals the deal. New buyers love walking into a kitchen with gleaming countertops, updated cabinets, and stainless-steel appliances ready to use on day one. Even relatively small updates like a fresh tile backsplash or an energy-efficient refrigerator can make a big impression and dramatically update the feel of the space.
In fact, kitchen remodels consistently rank among the highest-return projects nationwide – minor kitchen renovations can often recoup around 70–80% of their cost in added value. That means if you invest in quality upgrades, you’re likely to get most of that money back when you sell. Plus, you get to enjoy a beautiful new kitchen in the meantime. From open-concept layouts that create a sense of space to cozy breakfast nooks, a well-planned kitchen remodel makes your home more appealing to both you and future buyers. Speaking of future buyers, once your kitchen is in top shape, it pays to turn attention to another key interior space – the bathroom.
Bathrooms might be private spaces, but they have a very public impact on your home’s value. If you’ve ever toured a home with a dated, mildewed bathroom, you know it can be a deal-breaker. On the flip side, a clean, updated bathroom – or better yet, an additional bathroom – is a huge selling point. Many older Arizona homes have more bedrooms than bathrooms; adding a new bathroom or even a half-bath can instantly boost a property’s worth. One study by the National Association of Home Builders found that adding a full bathroom can increase a home’s value by around 20%, which is massive.
Even if you’re not adding a new bath, renovating an existing one pays off. Think of simple upgrades: replacing an old tub with a modern walk-in shower, updating a plain single vanity to a stylish double-sink, or swapping dull lighting for chic fixtures. These changes make the space feel fresh and spa-like. When buyers see a bathroom that looks clean, contemporary, and functional, they breathe a sigh of relief knowing they won’t have to undertake an immediate bathroom remodel. Once your kitchens and baths are up to par, it’s time to make sure the outside of your home is just as impressive, starting with curb appeal.
First impressions are everything – and for your home, the first impression comes from the curb. Picture two houses side by side: one has peeling paint, a cracked driveway, and overgrown weeds; the other has a fresh coat of exterior paint, a tidy desert-landscaped yard, and a cheerful front door. It’s obvious which one would have buyers lining up for a tour. Improving your home’s curb appeal is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to increase perceived value. Often, it doesn’t even require major construction – just attention to detail.
Start with the basics: keep your landscaping neat and tailored to Arizona’s climate. This might mean replacing a patchy lawn with attractive gravel and low-maintenance succulents, or adding pops of color with hardy native plants. Give the exterior walls a power wash or a new coat of paint if they need it. And don’t underestimate the effect of small upgrades like a new front door, updated house numbers, or modern outdoor light fixtures. Remember that whopping 194% ROI example we mentioned earlier? That was from a garage door replacement – a prime curb appeal upgrade. By making your home look inviting from the outside, you entice more buyers inside. And once you’ve got their attention at the curb, you can really wow them with what’s in the backyard…
In the sweltering Arizona heat, a backyard swimming pool isn’t just a luxury – it’s practically a lifestyle necessity. A well-designed pool can transform a plain yard into a private oasis, offering a place to cool off, entertain, and make family memories. Because of that, many Arizona buyers actively seek homes with a pool and are willing to pay a premium for them. In fact, homes with pools in Phoenix often sell for notably more than similar homes without one, simply because a pool is so desirable in this climate.
If you have the space and budget, adding a pool (or upgrading an older one) can definitely increase your property value. Just be sure to consider the design – a pool should complement the yard and have safety features like secure fencing. Keep in mind that a poorly maintained pool can also detract from value, so regular upkeep is key to reaping the benefits. Of course, not every homeowner wants the cost or responsibility of a pool. If a big in-ground pool isn’t in the cards, there are other creative ways to enhance your outdoor living space – including one that involves a garage door in an unexpected way...
Creating a backyard oasis with a swimming pool is one of the best ways to increase the value of your Arizona home. As Saturn Pool Builders advises, 'Homes with pools see an average value increase of 15%, and in Arizona, this figure can be even higher due to the region's warm climate and outdoor lifestyle. Not only does a pool provide a luxurious retreat, but it also becomes a major selling point for potential buyers looking for a home that offers both relaxation and entertainment options. By designing your pool to complement your landscape, you can transform your backyard into a true oasis that enhances your home’s appeal and value.'
Here’s a trend you may not have considered: using a roll-up garage door to create an indoor-outdoor living space. Imagine you have a covered patio or a section of your living room adjoining the backyard. By installing a glass roll-up door, you can literally open up that wall whenever you want, merging your indoor and outdoor areas into one big entertaining space. Then, when the weather isn’t ideal, you roll the door down and have a fully enclosed room again. It’s the best of both worlds.
We’ve noticed more Arizona homeowners embracing this idea to maximize their living space without adding a completely new extension. At On Track Garage Door, for instance, have helped thousands of customers install these modern glass garage doors to turn a simple porch into a show-stopping sunroom. The natural light and wow-factor of a roll-up wall really impresses visitors (and potential buyers). This kind of upgrade effectively adds functional square footage, making a home feel larger and more versatile – always a plus in the eyes of buyers. Now, flashy features like pools and roll-up patios are great, but some improvements that boost value are a bit less glamorous and a lot more efficient…
What good is a beautiful home if it’s not efficient and affordable to maintain? In our Arizona summers, energy bills can skyrocket if your house isn’t optimized for the heat. That’s why making energy-efficient improvements is such a smart move – it saves you money now and makes your home more attractive to future buyers who value lower utility costs.
Consider upgrades such as:
These behind-the-scenes upgrades might not be as visibly dramatic as a remodeled kitchen or a new pool, but they add serious value in a subtler way. Prospective buyers will appreciate the long-term savings and comfort of an efficient home – and you’ll enjoy those benefits in the meantime. After shoring up your home’s efficiency, there’s one more strategy to consider that can truly supercharge its value: increasing your home’s living space.
When it comes down to it, one surefire way to boost a home’s value is to make the home itself larger. More bedrooms, an extra bathroom, a bigger family room – adding usable square footage almost always raises a property’s worth because you’re literally giving buyers more house. Whether you build a new room addition, finish an underused attic or garage, or even construct a casita/guest house out back, you’ll be rewarded with a higher home valuation.
Of course, adding on to a home is a major project, and it needs to be done thoughtfully. It’s important to ensure any new space flows with the existing layout and meets code requirements (professional guidance is key here). But done right, a well-integrated addition can set your home apart in the market. For example, if your neighborhood is full of three-bedroom houses and you add a fourth bedroom or a dedicated home office, your property instantly stands out. By expanding your living space, you’re not just keeping up with the Joneses – you’re getting ahead of them. Now that we’ve covered a spectrum of value-boosting projects, it’s time to think about how you might put them into action.
You’ve now seen how everything from minor cosmetic fixes to major renovations can elevate your home’s worth. Every house (and every homeowner) is different, so the best upgrades for you will depend on your property’s current condition and your long-term plans. Maybe you’re dreaming of cooking in a gourmet kitchen, or perhaps you’ve got your eye on turning that backyard into a personal paradise. Whatever route you choose, boosting your home’s value is about making smart improvements that enhance your lifestyle today and pay off tomorrow. So, which of these value-boosting projects will you tackle first?
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