A new year brings a fresh start, which might include the desire for home improvements. But how do you know where to focus your efforts to get the most bang for the buck? 

“Your home is not only a sanctuary and safe place, but it is first and foremost a potential investment in your future,” says Phyllis Harbinger, FASID, NCIDQ, CID, a professional interior designer, strategy coach, author, and owner of Design Concepts/Interiors, LLC (DCI Studio) in Greenwich, Connecticut. “When deciding on a home improvement, I suggest researching which enhancements will actually give you the highest return on investment (ROI).”  

We spoke to Harbinger and several other experts, including interior designers, home contractors, and real estate agents, to find out which high-ROI renovations they anticipate for 2025 to help boost your home’s value and comfort. 

1. Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is the heart of the home where friends and family love to gather. So a kitchen facelift is a must-have, says Suzy Minken, licensed real estate salesperson at Compass in Short Hills, New Jersey. More people are prioritizing modern, functional kitchens. “Depending on your budget and timing, there are relatively inexpensive improvements that can transform a dated kitchen to one that is fresh and modern,” says Minken.  

Kitchen upgrades to focus on include adding stainless steel appliances; painting or replacing dark cabinets with white ones; swapping out older light fixtures with more modern options; and installing new countertops with a light, bright material like white quartz. Harbinger also suggests adding a kitchen island, if possible, since it is “a welcome addition to the hub of the home to gather, serve, eat, and do homework while adding incredible value,” says Harbinger.

2. Bathroom Renovation

Renovating bathrooms throughout the house is another smart investment to boost a home’s value and leave a lasting impression. Homeowners and home buyers are increasingly prioritizing features that combine functionality and lifestyle, with many willing to invest more to meet these needs, says Steve Gold, luxury real estate agent at Corcoran in New York City. 

“One highly sought-after feature is a spa-like retreat in the bathroom, reflecting the growing wellness trend,” says Gold. “High-end fixtures like rainfall showers and luxury faucets…are popular choices for creating serene, indulgent environments. Not only do these upgrades elevate daily living, but they also offer significant returns on investment,” he says.

If budget is an issue, Minken recommends focusing on replacing the bathroom vanity and sink, shower doors, floor tile, mirrors, and lighting to update bathrooms effectively for less investment.

3. Outdoor Living Space Enhancements

Experts also agree that outdoor upgrades add value to a home. “Patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens allow for increased surface area and attract buyers looking for places to entertain and de-stress,” says Bubba Peek, a real estate investor and owner of Bubba Land Company based in Jacksonville, Florida. “These areas almost always pay off, making them a favorite in regard to ROI.”  

Adding square footage to a porch or patio can improve your home’s value, says Harbinger. “Retractable screens, sliding and folding walls, an outdoor fireplace, or a wood-burning stove add months of enjoyment and lift our moods, enhancing our well-being,” she says. She is grateful for the new products on the market, such as resilient textiles, furnishings, and floor coverings that provide durable options for outdoor spaces.

4. Smart-Home Features

Technological innovation in homes is another big one, says Peek. “Clients purchasing homes tend to prefer systems that include smart technology, such as surveillance cameras, air conditioning controls, and coordinated lighting systems.” According to Peek, “these upgrades bring added ease of use.” They also boost the house’s worth, which makes them valuable additions.

Harbinger agrees that technology presents an opportunity for renovations with high ROI. “From lighting and music systems to security and temperature control, smart-home technology can be life-changing,” she says. “We install lighting systems that follow daylight and program shades to lower and raise at appropriate times throughout the day. And motion sensors can illuminate a space as you walk through and turn off the lights as you leave,” says Harbinger.

5. Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Finally, upgrading a home with more energy-efficient products like solar panels, insulation,  efficient HVAC equipment, multipanel windows, and window film is another beneficial way to invest in a home’s future. “Buyers are now looking for energy-efficiency features as a way to save money on bills, combined with investing into eco-friendly appliances,” says Peek. These choices can decrease energy expenses dramatically, while raising home appraisal values. 

The post Experts Predict These 5 Home Improvements Will Have the Highest ROI in 2025 appeared first on Bob Vila.

If you are excited about your dream home remodel but feeling stressed about where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. “Much like the strength of a business relies on a strategic plan, a home renovation also requires strategy and planning,” says Kathie Chrisicos, an interior designer and founder of Chrisicos Interiors in Boston, Massachusetts. “The sequence of activities is crucial.” By working on the project in well-thought-out steps based on a priority list, you can save time and money and avoid having to learn hard lessons and redo certain parts of the project.    

We collected home renovation tips from several experts in the field to help guide you during your dream renovation project.

Tackle these projects first:

Always start with any structural renovation projects, as these initiatives can impact the rest of your plans, says Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer for Modular Closets of Lakewood, New Jersey. “These projects include any work related to plumbing, electrical needs, roofing issues, and foundation problems that are imperative for the safety and stability of your home, and must be addressed before anything else,” she says. It’s also a good idea to prioritize functionality over aesthetics and projects that will disrupt your everyday life to ensure that your daily routines and living space return to normal as soon as possible.

Structural Issues

Begin by addressing safety and structural repairs and upgrades involving the foundation, roof, plumbing, and structural reinforcement. “I suggest addressing foundational or structural issues like cracks, uneven floors, or sagging walls. These are critical to the home’s safety and longevity, and neglecting them can cause other renovation efforts to fail,” says Nicole Saunders, interior design specialist and the founder of The Design Build Vault. If you install new cabinets on an uneven floor, for example, they might not sit level and could become a safety hazard. Additionally, a leaky roof can lead to serious issues like water damage that is costly to repair. 

Electrical

Another major priority early in the renovation process is the electrical system throughout the home, which is becoming more important as smart-home features gain popularity. “Addressing your electrical needs first means you can update or completely rewire without obstacles,” says Bobby Lynn, owner of Livewire Electrical in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Wait until after you’ve put up that new drywall or laid down fresh flooring, and you might find yourself tearing it all out again to fix an electrical issue, cranking up your timeline and costs,” says Lynn. He also emphasizes that fixing old wiring and upgrading to more modern and energy-efficient electrical helps make the home safer overall. 

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Don’t wait to install insulation, new windows, and efficient HVAC equipment. By taking these steps early on, you’ll improve comfort and reduce energy costs more quickly. “It’s easier and more cost-effective to install insulation before walls and floors are closed up with drywall or finished flooring,” says Saunders. “Addressing these issues before drywall installation makes the process smoother and minimizes potential disruptions later.” 

Kitchens and Bathrooms

As the most essential rooms in the house and the most cost-effective way to boost the value of your home, renovating kitchens and bathrooms should be a high priority during the process. “I always start with kitchens and bathrooms, as these will impact the rest of the home’s interior design plan, and often serve as branching-off points,” says Chrisicos. By starting with these more complex spaces, you will be able to get back to daily living sooner and gauge where your renovation budget stands. 

Flooring

Installing new flooring should be the last step on your list of priorities during a renovation. “It’s tempting to lay down your dream hardwood or tile immediately, but wait until all heavy construction is complete,” warns Josh Qian, COO and co-founder of Best Online Cabinets in California. “Moving materials, ladders, and tools can damage new floors, and installing them too early could mean unnecessary repairs or replacements,” says Qian.

These projects can wait:

Once the most critical repairs and upgrades are finished, then you can turn to those lower on the priority list. These home remodel projects that can wait include more aesthetic tasks like painting, installing new fixtures and hardware, and placing décor and furniture pieces. 

Fixtures and Hardware

Delay installation of light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet handles until late in the process when all cabinets and tiles are installed, and electrical work is completed. This helps prevent accidental damage and ensures that your final choices align with the renovated design and layout, says Saunders. 

Painting and Wallpaper

It’s better to wait for paint and wallpaper to avoid problems related to the mess during construction. “Dust from sanding, debris from demolition, and adjustments to lighting or layout can all affect your perception of the space. Waiting also guarantees you choose colors or patterns that truly fit your finished design,” says Qian.

Built-In Storage Solutions

It’s also a good idea to wait until the end of a renovation project to install any built-in storage solutions, such as custom closets. Evie Graham, interior designer and waste management expert at Waste Direct in the United Kingdom, has noticed how living patterns can change drastically after a renovation. “What seemed like perfect storage placement during planning often becomes impractical once people settle into their new space. I suggest living in the renovated space for at least 3 months, tracking daily cleaning and organization patterns, before committing to permanent storage solutions.” This approach will lead to a more functional, maintainable home.

Furniture and Décor

While it’s hard to wait so long, it’s really important to bring in the furniture and décor items as late as possible to ensure the more invasive projects have wrapped up. “My best tip is to leave furniture and décor until the renovation dust has literally settled,” says Saunders. “This allows you to clean thoroughly and evaluate how the space feels and functions before committing to permanent placements.” Waiting also gives you time to save and invest in quality furniture pieces that complement your new space.

Landscaping

Finally, when asked about home renovation tips, several experts agreed that landscaping should be one of the last steps in a major renovation of your dream home. “Indoor renovations create significant construction waste, and heavy machinery or delivery trucks can damage outdoor areas,” says Qian.

The post Dream Home Remodel: Where to Start and What Can Wait appeared first on Bob Vila.

I’ve lived in my old colonial home for a little more than a year and have renovated our outdated kitchen for nearly as long. The full renovation actually has more to go—and I have zero regrets for how we’ve paced ourselves so far. In fact, the “slow reno” mentality is one I’d recommend to any new homeowners setting their projects for this year. 

As the phrase suggests, a “slow reno” is a renovation that intentionally takes longer than the standard project. The methodical approach breaks down a larger transformation into bite-size projects over several months (or more) to better fit your schedule, energy level, and budget. Each phase might comprise related tasks that can be completed in a weekend or two. Then, rather than diving into the next phase immediately, you take the time to live with the updates. 

Overall, a slow reno can be DIY-forward, but there’s room for professional help, too. In one phase of my kitchen project, for example, I hired an electrician to install a breaker line for the incoming dishwasher and bring all my kitchen countertop electrical outlets to code. Likewise, anyone planning a slow reno might delegate the painting of a room to a local company or TaskRabbit and still call that the project of the month. 

Yes, there’s a little chaos to a piecemeal renovation. For starters, your tool kit is never truly “away,” or suddenly evolves into a tool in the workshop and a tool pile in the project zone. But taking our sweet time on a kitchen renovation was our best decision. Keep reading to learn what you can gain by slowing down, and my best advice for living with your renovation project.

1. You can spread out your costs.

When I began my renovation, I quickly remembered that a kitchen upgrade is one of the bigger home projects owners can tackle, even if only a facelift. In the 2024 Cost vs Value report issued by Zonda Media, the 2023 national average for a minor kitchen remodel was $27,492—in line with the $26,240 national average we estimated for the cost of a kitchen remodel based on Angi and HomeAdvisor data. That’s quite the investment if you expect to pay for it in one or a few lump sums to a hired professional.

Since you’re carving up a project into stages, you do not need to feel pressure to buy every tool and material at the start. For the most part, you can purchase what you need, when you need it—except, perhaps, if you plan to concentrate spending in deal-heavy months: February (President’s Day sales), May (Memorial Day sales), July (Prime Day Sales), November (Black Friday sales), and so on.

2. You can wait for sales.

When you don’t have to buy everything at once, you can hold out for a price drop. To get the best prices on your renovation, approach your deals-hunting with some structure. Develop your initial mood board early and assess your projects. When you have your rough punch list, determine what you need to accomplish these tasks. 

A few product categories go on sale like clockwork throughout the year: marked-down furniture at the end of winter (e.g., January and February), discounted major appliances at big end-of-the-year holidays (e.g., Labor Day and Black Friday), and small appliances on sales holidays (e.g., Prime Day and Black Friday). For purchases that don’t fall neatly into those boxes, set your price trackers. 

I watched products everywhere from Amazon to Etsy. I followed paint brands on social media for sale announcements, joined the rewards program at my local Ace Hardware store for coupons, and signed up for promotional newsletters from the likes of The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Wayfair. And it paid off.

An Amazon app notification helped me get the bronze curtain rods I’d wanted at their best price. Instagram alerted me to 40 percent off of paints and stains at Sherwin-Williams in August 2023 (the best discount I’ve seen the retailer offer), where I picked up paint for cabinets and walls. I brought a coupon or a $5 reward to most hardware store visits for screws, sandpaper, wood putty, spackle, drop cloths, or spray paint.

3. You have time to find the secondhand treasures.

Shopping for used furnishings and materials for your project is a not-so-secret way to save money on any project. The curation also helps create an instantly lived-in charm when the renovation dust settles. And it’s environmentally responsible, too, by saving still-useful furnishings and materials from a dump. But unless you live near a network of antique warehouses or in a city that’s secretly a Facebook marketplace goldmine, sourcing every item secondhand in a weekend or two is unrealistic. Finding the right pieces is all about timing.

So, if your renovation project runs for several months, think of it as allowing yourself that much time to find the conversation pieces for your home. Half of a year of estate sales to attend, auctions to bid in, and Facebook marketplace finds to browse. I made my rounds at the nearby flea markets, but most of the hunt for furnishing my 1928 home with a nod to the past has been online. My greatest find for the kitchen? A pre-loved wood hutch with keyed drawers and rope trim around its glass windows for just $140 from Facebook marketplace.

4. You have longer to live with the progress, and you’re less likely to regret design decisions.

One of the more intangible benefits of a slow, deliberate renovation is the opportunity to change your mind. Each layer of a renovation can affect the subsequent steps. Give yourself at least a few weeks to live with a new cabinet arrangement before you decide if the next empty corner of the space better serves as seating or storage. Or, as you sit in the new breakfast nook, maybe you find yourself reconsidering which wall is the accent wall.

In a nutshell, living with each phase should reaffirm that you like the last round of decisions and ensure that your next set of upgrades matches how you intend to use the space. As a bonus, you’re less likely to regret an impractical choice or splurge.

5. Your design avoids trend traps.

Along the lines of “no renovation regrets,” the extra time built into the renovations eliminates the possibility of rushing through important design decisions. Yes, organizationally, it makes the most sense to start with a mood board that’s complete enough for you to set goals for the renovation. But throughout the project, keep an open mind to inspiration. These ideas are not set in stone. As such, you are less likely to subconsciously choose a trendy design scheme doomed to go out of style and more likely to land on something classic you’ll like long-term.

The post Why I’m an Advocate for a “Slow Reno” (and My 1970s Kitchen Has Taken 13 Months to Update So Far) appeared first on Bob Vila.

For the past six months, the Moen Arbor MotionSense touchless faucet has been a key part of my daily kitchen routine. As someone who loves to cook (and inevitably makes a mess), having a faucet that responds with just a wave of my hand has made everyday tasks so much easier. 

Beyond convenience, the Moen Arbor’s sleek design adds a modern touch to my kitchen. But how does it stack up in terms of installation, reliability, and overall value? In this review, I’ll share my experience with the faucet, diving into its performance, design, and whether it’s worth the investment for your home.

Moen Arbor MotionSense Wave Touchless Faucet: At a Glance

Our rating: 5/5

Moen Arbor MotionSense Wave One-Handle Kitchen Faucet

See It

Buy the Moen Arbor MotionSense touchless kitchen faucet: 

• Amazon for $434
• Wayfair for $513
• Build with Ferguson for $410
• The Home Depot for $479.29
• Lowe’s for $519

Testing the Moen Arbor MotionSense 

I installed this touchless faucet in my home kitchen and tested it for a full six months before writing this review. This was my favorite from our best touchless faucets review earlier in the year. My family and I used this faucet daily for typical tasks at the kitchen sink: washing dishes, filling pots, and rinsing foods during meal preparation. When determining an overall rating for this faucet, we considered several factors: how easy it was to install, the intuitiveness of its motion detection system, its functionality for everyday use, how easy it was to clean and maintain, and lastly our opinion of its overall value. 

Simple to install, with great instructions

As a total plumbing novice—having never installed a faucet before—I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the process was, especially with some extra help from the Faucet Installation Kit by Character. After spending over an hour wrestling my old faucet out of the way, I had the Moen Arbor MotionSense up and running in under 45 minutes. 

The Character kit was a lifesaver. Its sturdy, long-handled wrench made reaching the nut under the sink much easier than I anticipated, and it felt reliable and well-made in my hand. The kit also included a reel of plumber’s tape, which came in handy since the tape provided with the faucet was insufficient (as is often the case). The plumber’s putty was perfect for sealing the gap around the faucet, and the drip tray kept inevitable water dribbles from making a mess. Thoughtful extras like a microfiber cloth, wet wipes, and even a chic pair of safety glasses made the whole process less daunting. For extra guidance, a QR code linked to detailed instructions and direct access to a real plumber for questions—a reassuring touch for first-timers like me.

Moen also deserves credit for its clear and thorough installation manual, which outlines different scenarios based on sink setups. The long plastic tightener tool Moen provides was helpful for securing the faucet to the countertop, but the added tools and resources from the Character kit truly elevated the experience, saving time and reducing frustration. Together, these made installing the faucet much smoother than I expected.

The Touchless Technology

The motion sensor on Moen’s Arbor MotionSense faucet is fixed on the left side of the faucet body. Waving anything to the left of the faucet (a hand or an object) will trigger the faucet. I found it generally very responsive and simple to use; a slight wave in front of the sensor is enough to activate or shut off the water flow. 

The one downside of the sensor location, however, is that anything you may store at the back of the sink area on the countertop will interfere with the motion detection. As a result, if you store the dish soap and sponge in that area, you’ll inadvertently trigger the sensor when you reach for an item back there. A simple solution, of course, is to only store items to the right of the faucet and leave the left side clear. Since installing the faucet, I’ve adjusted to this setup and have no complaints.

Built to a High Standard

If you’ve ever owned a Moen product you already know they typically produce top quality kitchen and bathroom hardware. The Arbor MotionSense is no exception. The model I tested has the spot resist stainless finish and, as the image below shows, it lives up to its name. After more than six months of use (and deliberately not wiping the faucet down to see how truly spot resistant it was) there are still barely any noticeable water marks on the faucet. This is particularly noteworthy when you consider the fact that my home in Florida has incredibly hard water that will easily leave a white chalky stain behind. This might be one of the most impressive aspects of the Arbor MotionSense. If you like keeping a clean and tidy home, you’ll love how easy it is to keep this touchless faucet looking brand new.

Another smart design choice by Moen was not relying on the faucet handle to be in the “on” position to be able to operate the touchless feature. Most touch and touchless faucets require this, but I appreciated the neater look of the handle in the closed position the majority of the time, simply using the touchless sensor to operate the faucet. The only time you need to touch the handle is to adjust the water temperature, which rotates with a smooth and satisfying motion. You can really feel the great build quality when doing this. 

Range of Power Source Options

I was relieved to discover that this faucet does not require a dedicated AC power source under the sink to operate (because I don’t have one). Six AA batteries pop into the battery box, and there are several options for mounting it to a surface under the sink. I used the velcro strips and they worked perfectly. The instructions state that batteries will only need to be replaced about every 12 months, so this seemed like a very minor inconvenience. Plus, if you’re really averse to the battery pack, you can purchase the AC adapter and plug the faucet into a permanent power source. It’s a little disappointing that this option is a separate purchase, though.

Why I Think the Moen Arbor MotionSense is Worth Every Penny

At the time of writing, Moen’s Arbor MotionSense faucet retails at $433.99. Considering that other reputable faucet brands like Kohler, Delta, and American Standard have touchless models ranging between $500 and $1,000, the one I tested seems to be quite the bargain. 

Bear in mind that if the sensor is just more than you need, you can certainly pick up a cheaper standard kitchen faucet without the added technology around the $100 mark. In the end, it comes down to the budget you want to stick to, the features you want to enjoy, and the quality of the finishes you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a durable option with some tech upgrades, I think the Arbor MotionSense is a great choice that doesn’t come with as steep a price tag as other touchless faucets do.

Buy the Moen Arbor MotionSense touchless kitchen faucet at: 

• Amazon for $434
• Build with Ferguson for $410
• The Home Depot for $479.29
• Lowe’s for $519
• Wayfair for $513

Product Comparisons

So, is the Moen Arbor MotionSense right for you?

If you’re updating your kitchen and would like to incorporate some technology, a touchless faucet is a good place to start. The Moen Arbor MotionSense not only brings this to the table, but does so with a robust construction and, perhaps most importantly, at a very competitive price point compared to other smart options available. 

Unless you’re looking to go a step further with your smart home and want something like the Delta Trinsic VoiceIQ, this Moen model offers the most practical applications that I think homeowners will actually make use of in their everyday lives. 

Meet the Tester

Paul Rankin is a seasoned product reviewer with a background in writing and hands-on testing of home improvement tools and fixtures. He brings practical insights and a focus on usability to help readers make informed choices. 

The post  I Had This Simple Kitchen Upgrade For Only 6 Months—And It’s Worth Every Penny appeared first on Bob Vila.