Spring Home Upgrades That Boost Value Without Breaking the Bank

By Gwen Daubenmeyer

Gwen Daubenmeyer is the founder of our team. She brings an unwavering commitment to her clients and a get-it-done attitude. Gwen is unapologetically competitive. Marketing and negotiation are her Olympic events; if she could medal, she would. While winning is her “what,” her clients are her “why.”

Spring is finally here in Michigan! The weather is warming up, and like most homeowners, you’re probably thinking about tackling that long list of home improvement projects. But before you start picking out paint colors or shopping for new tiles, let’s take a moment to discuss how to prioritize those projects the smart way. It’s not just about choosing what looks nice—it’s about making sure you’re investing wisely.

Start with your budget. In today’s economy, it’s smart to avoid financing your home projects whenever possible. If you can’t pay for a project upfront, it might be better to wait. Loans come with interest, and when you add that to the cost of materials, many projects quickly move from the “need” category to the “want” category. It’s tough, but right now, being smart with your money is key.

Focus on maintenance first. Before you start upgrading or remodeling, think about maintenance. Is your roof leaking? Is your siding starting to show wear? These are things you need to fix before considering cosmetic upgrades like new flooring or a fancy kitchen remodel. Repairing damage or deterioration protects your home’s structure and your investment in it. Once the structural issues are taken care of, it’s time to think about improvements.

What projects bring the best return on investment? If you’re like me, you want to get the most out of your investment in your home improvement. Here are the top five projects with the highest ROI:

• Steel entry door replacement: 161% return
• Garage door replacement: 149% return
• Manufactured stone veneer front: 94% return
• Mid-grade kitchen remodel: 86% return
• Refreshing your entry: 71% return

One thing that’s not listed but still highly recommended is a professional coat of interior paint. It’s simple, affordable, and makes a huge visual impact. If you’re not up for the task of painting yourself, trust me, our professional painters are fantastic. It’s an investment that pays off in the look and feel of your home.

Exterior updates are key. The big takeaway here is that most of the top returns come from exterior updates. These are things that boost your curb appeal and protect your home. But not every project has to be about getting the best ROI. Sometimes, it’s simply about loving where you live. If you’re staring at a long list of projects and don’t know where to start, let me help.

Free home improvement consultation. If you have any questions, I’m offering free home improvement consultations to help you prioritize and plan your projects. We’ll take a look at your list and figure out what needs to be done first. Whether it’s maintenance or upgrades, we’ll help you sort it all out. Call or text me today at (248) 850-2575 or email me at hey@theintegrityteam.com to get on the schedule. I’ll help you make your home even better this spring.