Which Home Improvements Actually Pay Off in Utah?

When homeowners think about remodeling, the first question is usually simple:

“Will I get my money back when I sell?”

The answer depends on the project. Some updates can make a home more enjoyable while you live there, but they may not return dollar-for-dollar when it is time to sell. Others can make a strong first impression and help buyers immediately see value.

The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report for Salt Lake City gives us a helpful look at which projects are performing best in our local market.

One of the biggest takeaways is this: the highest-return improvements are not always the biggest remodels. In fact, many of the best-performing projects are exterior updates that improve curb appeal and buyer confidence before someone even walks through the front door.

First Impressions Still Matter

In Salt Lake City, exterior updates showed some of the strongest returns.

A garage door replacement was one of the standout projects, with the report showing a resale value far above the project cost. That makes sense in Utah, where garages are a major part of the front elevation of many homes. A clean, updated garage door can change the entire look of a property.

A steel entry door replacement also performed extremely well. This is a great reminder that buyers notice the entry experience. A fresh front door can make a home feel more secure, updated, and cared for before a buyer ever steps inside.

Manufactured stone veneer was another strong-performing project. In many Salt Lake and Utah County neighborhoods, stone accents can add warmth, texture, and a more custom feel to the exterior. It is the kind of improvement that can help a home stand out quickly online and in person.

Smaller Kitchen Updates Can Be Smarter Than Big Remodels

The report also reinforces something I often tell sellers: you do not always need to completely gut a kitchen to create value.

A minor midrange kitchen remodel performed very well in the Salt Lake City data, while larger and more expensive kitchen remodels showed a much lower percentage of cost recouped.

That does not mean kitchens are not important. They absolutely are. But it does mean homeowners should be careful about over-improving.

Buyers want a kitchen that feels clean, current, functional, and well maintained. They do not always pay extra for the most expensive finishes, especially if those finishes go beyond what is typical for the neighborhood.

In many cases, fresh cabinet fronts, updated hardware, improved lighting, newer appliances, clean countertops, and a fresh overall look can be a better resale strategy than a full luxury remodel.

Bigger Projects May Improve Lifestyle, But Not Always Resale

Some of the largest projects, including major additions and upscale remodels, had much lower returns in the report.

That does not mean those projects are bad. A primary suite addition, a major kitchen remodel, a backyard patio, or a solar installation may greatly improve the way you live in your home. But if your main goal is preparing to sell, those projects may not be the best place to spend your money.

There is a big difference between remodeling for your lifestyle and remodeling for resale.

If you plan to stay in the home for many years, comfort and enjoyment matter. But if you are thinking about selling in the near future, every dollar should be spent strategically.

What I Would Tell a Seller

If you are preparing your home for the market, I would focus first on the things buyers notice immediately:

• Curb appeal

• Exterior condition

• Front door and garage door

• Clean landscaping

• Fresh paint

• Updated lighting

• Flooring condition

• Kitchen freshness

• Obvious repairs or deferred maintenance

The goal is not always to make the home perfect. The goal is to help buyers feel confident.

Buyers are asking themselves, sometimes without even realizing it:

“Does this home feel cared for?”

When the answer is yes, the home usually shows better, creates more interest, and can command stronger offers.

My Advice Before You Remodel

Before spending money on any major improvement, get local real estate advice. The right project depends on your neighborhood, price point, buyer expectations, timing, and the current condition of your home.

After 34 years in real estate, I can tell you that the smartest improvements are not always the most expensive ones. They are the ones buyers notice, understand, and value.

Sometimes that is a beautiful kitchen.

Sometimes it is a new garage door, a fresh front entry, clean landscaping, and a home that feels move-in ready.

The key is knowing where the market will reward you before you spend the money.

Source: 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, www.costvsvalue.com. ©2025 Zonda Media, a Delaware corporation. Complete data from the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.