Welcome back to January, the month of a thousand New Year’s resolutions and often a thousand broken resolutions by January 10 (also known as Quitters Day).
So what does 2025 have in store for you besides another 365 days?
We are all looking for resolutions that can improve our family’s health, well-being and quality of life. One resolution that never fails to bring back a strong Return on Investment if kept is saving money. And when you save money on needed home maintenance projects, it’s a win-win for your wallet and the all-important place you and your family call home.
“As 2025 begins, many people set personal goals to improve their lives—healthier habits, career growth, or spending more time with loved ones. But why stop there?” The World or Bust asks. “Your home, the space where life unfolds, deserves a fresh start, too, doesn’t it?”
The trick here is choosing the right project at the right budget. Finding the project that matches your home’s immediate needs and your budget can be a challenge.
“This may come as a surprise, but few improvements add as much to your property’s sale price as they cost,” The Mortgage Report’s Peter Warden notes. “So, you need to know the top renovations that increase home value.”
The X-factor in deciding which home improvement project you should make your top priority this year should naturally be Cost vs. Value.
As Martha Stewart.com’s Helena Madden reminds us, “not every home update is a winner.”
For example, a full-scale kitchen renovation should remain just a dream as Remodeling pegs the average cost this year at $158,530. That six-figure investment will bring back just a 38% ROI on average at $60,176.
Here are Remodeling’s top maintenance and repair projects that will bring back guaranteed strong ROIs this year.
Garage Door Replacement
Average Cost: $4,513
Added to Resale Value: $8,751
Immediate Return on Investment: 193.9%
Entry Door Replacement (Steel)
Average Cost: $2,355
Added to Resale Value: $4,430
Immediate ROI: 188.1%
Manufactured-Stone Veneer
Average Cost: $11,287
Added to Resale Value: $17,291
Immediate ROI: 153.2%
Grand Entrance (Fiberglass)
Average Cost: $11,353
Added to Resale Value: $11,054
Immediate ROI: 97.4%
Minor-Midrange Kitchen Remodel
Average Cost: $27,492
Added to Resale Value: $26,406
Immediate ROI: 96.1%
Choose Projects That Energize Savings
Projects that improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce their monthly energy usage are golden investments that can pay off well beyond December 31, 2025.
Here are just a few:
- Upgrading Windows
- Adding Insulation
- Adding New Siding
- Installing Smart Home Technology Like A Smart Thermostat
- Switching To Whole-House Water Filtration & Air Purification Systems
These projects also immediately improve your home’s livability and comfort level.
“These upgrades could help you to improve your financial situation immediately … improve your health and lower your monthly bills,” CBS News’ Christy Bieber stresses.
This year, don’t keep your resolutions tucked away in your journal. Resolve to improve your home’s health, functionality and liveability with a smart home maintenance or repair project.
