How to Boost Home Value Before Selling in Chicago: Renovation Tips with the Best ROI
How to Boost Home Value Before Selling in Chicago
Smart Chicago Renovations and Remodeling ROI Tips for a Higher Sale Price
Thinking of selling your home in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs? Before you list, it's worth asking: What renovations will actually boost your home’s value and give you the best ROI?
Spoiler: It’s not always the big-ticket items.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective ways to increase home value through strategic renovations, based on real estate trends and contractor experience in Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Glenview, and beyond.
Why Strategic Renovation Matters Before You Sell
In competitive real estate markets like Chicago, a few smart upgrades can be the difference between a quick, high-value sale or months of stale showings and price cuts.
Renovations with High ROI in Chicago Include:
Minor kitchen remodels (up to 80% ROI)
Bathroom refreshes (up to 70% ROI)
Painting & curb appeal upgrades
Flooring replacements
Energy-efficient updates (windows, lighting, appliances)
Start with a Pre-Sale Walkthrough
Before you invest in anything, walk through your home like a buyer would. Where are the eyes drawn first? What looks outdated or worn?
At Iris Renovations, we offer free pre-sale consultations to assess your home’s current condition and recommend updates that make the biggest impact, without unnecessary spend.
📍 This is especially helpful in older neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Skokie, where homes can show wear fast.
Upgrade #1: Kitchen Improvements (Without a Full Remodel)
You don’t need to gut your kitchen to add value. In fact, small kitchen improvements often bring more ROI than full renovations.
Smart Value-Boosting Kitchen Fixes:
Reface cabinets or install modern hardware
Update countertops with quartz or granite
Add a stylish backsplash
Replace outdated appliances with energy-efficient models
Improve lighting with LED under-cabinet strips or pendants
💡 Homes in Glenview and Morton Grove with fresh kitchens often attract higher offers, buyers love move-in-ready spaces.
Upgrade #2: Bathroom Remodels That Sell
Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are where buyers look closely. A dated or grimy bathroom can be a dealbreaker—even if everything else looks great.
What Pays Off:
Replace old vanities, faucets, and lighting
Add a modern mirror and new toilet
Regrout tile and reseal tubs or showers
Consider converting a tub to a walk-in shower
Even a $5,000 to $10,000 bathroom update will yield a high ROI and boost your perceived home value dramatically.
Upgrade #3: Paint and Flooring for Big Returns for Small Spend
Fresh paint and flooring make your home feel new and that’s exactly what buyers want.
Color Tips for Selling:
Use neutral shades like greige, soft white, or pale taupe
Avoid bold accent walls or dark tones and keep it light and fresh
Stick to a consistent palette throughout the house
Flooring Matters:
Replace worn carpet with LVP (luxury vinyl plank) or engineered hardwood
Refinish existing hardwoods if they’re scratched or stained
Avoid tile in living spaces as it can feel cold to buyers in Illinois
Upgrade #4: Improve Curb Appeal to Increase Value Fast
Chicago buyers often decide how they feel about a home before they even step inside. First impressions matter, especially in spring and summer when the market is hot.
Quick Curb Appeal Wins:
Power wash the exterior and driveway
Repaint or replace the front door
Add simple landscaping or planters
Upgrade house numbers and lighting
Realtor.com – Best Curb Appeal Improvements
Upgrade #5: Energy Efficiency Improvements (They Matter!)
Many buyers, especially in Evanston, Highland Park, and North Shore suburbs prioritize energy-efficient upgrades for both comfort and long-term savings.
Value-Boosting Updates Include:
Double-pane, energy-efficient windows
Smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee, etc.)
Low-flow toilets and water-saving fixtures
Improved attic insulation
💡 Bonus: These upgrades may also qualify you for Illinois energy rebates!
What to Avoid: Low ROI Renovations Before Selling
Here’s where sellers often go wrong: over-improving in areas buyers won’t pay extra for.
Renovations That Rarely Pay Off:
Home theaters or tech-heavy setups
Expensive tile or luxury materials buyers may not like
Adding rooms without permits
Overspending on landscaping without functional updates
Stick with upgrades that fix what’s broken, modernize key areas, and make the home feel move-in ready.
How Much Should You Spend Before Selling?
This is a common question—and the answer depends on your goals. But a good rule of thumb:
👉 Spend no more than 10–15% of your home’s value on pre-sale updates.
If your home is worth $400,000, investing $20,000–$30,000 in strategic improvements (like kitchen refresh + bathroom + flooring) can realistically add $40,000–$60,000 to your sale price in Chicago’s current market.
Don’t Go It Alone: Work with a Local Renovation Pro
The right renovation partner can help you:
Prioritize high-ROI projects
Stay on budget and timeline
Navigate local permitting requirements
Choose finishes that buyers love in your market
At Iris Renovations, we’ve helped homeowners across Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, Glenview, and Highland Park boost their property value without overdoing it. We know what sells and what doesn't.
Final Thoughts: Sell Faster & Smarter with Strategic Renovation
You don’t need to tear your house apart before listing. Just a few smart, cost-effective upgrades can help your Chicago-area home stand out and sell faster, for more.
Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, paint, and curb appeal and skip the over-the-top extras that don’t add value.
Want a Free Renovation Walkthrough Before You Sell?
Let’s take the guesswork out of increasing your home’s value. Schedule a free, no pressure estimate with Iris Renovations and we’ll walk you through the smartest ROI-focused updates for your home.
📞 Call 443‑856‑8817
📧 Email: [email protected]
📍 Serving Chicago and surrounding suburbs: Skokie, Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park, and more.
