What Can My Budget Buy?
Enter your budget and see which home improvement projects you can afford — ranked by estimated return on investment.
Region
Cost type
13 projects within your budget · sorted by estimated ROI
About these estimates
ROI percentages without * are national averages from the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Remodeling Magazine / Zonda), the most widely cited annual study on home improvement returns. Projects marked * are not in that report — their figures are industry estimates and carry more uncertainty.
Actual costs and returns vary significantly by location, housing market, project quality, and timing. This tool is for planning purposes only. Always get multiple contractor quotes before committing to a project.
How to Think About Home Improvement ROI
ROI is not the only reason to renovate
High-ROI projects recoup more at resale, but the best project is often the one you'll actually use and enjoy. A deck you use every summer has value beyond what Zillow reflects.
Minor improvements beat over-improving
A minor kitchen update (paint, hardware, countertops) often returns more than a full gut renovation. Buyers pay for function, not perfection.
Budget 10–20% for surprises
Once walls open up, surprises happen. The estimates here are midpoints — factor in a contingency before you commit.
Location matters more than the report
The Cost vs. Value report is a national average. A bathroom remodel in San Francisco adds different value than one in rural Ohio. Know your market.