What Renovations Add the Most Value When Selling a Home in Reno and Sparks?

ChatGPT Image Sep 4, 2025, 04_52_05 PM

Thinking about boosting your home’s value before selling in Reno or Sparks? Strategic updates—especially those that make a strong first impression, improve function, and enhance efficiency—can deliver a powerful return while helping your listing stand out.

1. Curb Appeal That Drives Interest

First impressions matter—even more in digital listings and first-time open house visits.

  • Garage door replacement delivers an average ROI of nearly 194%—one of the top performing updates nationwide.

  • Entry doors perform well, with steel and fiberglass options offering significant value returns: 188% and 97% respectively.

  • Exterior accents, like manufactured stone veneer (153% ROI), siding improvements, and updated landscaping, make a strong visual impact.

  • Budget-friendly enhancements like a fresh coat of paint, light landscaping, or updated house numbers also draw attention from buyers.

2. Smart Kitchen & Bathroom Investments

These two spaces often sell homes—but the trick is choosing the right level of improvement.

  • Minor or midrange kitchen remodels yield an impressive 96% ROI.

  • Avoid over-investing: major overhauls rarely increase value enough to justify the cost.

  • Cosmetic bathroom updates—like fixtures, flooring, lighting, or vanities—offer solid ROI (~74%). Full-scale remodels also perform well when executed sensibly.

3. Energy Efficiency & Long-Term Comfort

Modern buyers increasingly appreciate homes with lower operating costs and smarter systems.

  • New windows, especially energy-efficient vinyl or wood options, can deliver 67–74% ROI while cutting utilities.

  • Entry improvements contribute both curb appeal and durability—creating long-term value.

  • Energy upgrades like solar panels, low-flow fixtures, or smart thermostats may not yield dollar-forward payoffs, but they increase appeal and sell-ability.

4. Style & Flow That Enhance Visual Value

Today’s buyers want homes that feel updated—not trendy.

  • The "modern organic" design aesthetic—neutral colors, natural materials, and serene layouts—can increase perceived value by 2–3%.

  • Versatile interior upgrades, such as refreshed paint and smart storage solutions, elevate daily life and broad market appeal.

5. Reno & Sparks-Specific Insights

While national ROI data points provide helpful guidance, local trends matter too:

  • In a competitive market like ours, first impressions and move-in readiness often make a big difference.

  • Focus on value-driven projects like entry and curb updates, paint, and efficient systems for the strongest results in local listings.


Renovation Priorities at a Glance:

  1. New garage or stylish entry door

  2. Stone veneer, fresh siding, or updated landscaping

  3. Minor kitchen or bathroom upgrades—keep ROI in mind

  4. Energy-saving additions (efficient windows, smart systems)

  5. Neutral finishes and natural-material-based style touches


Ready to Sell Smarter in Reno or Sparks?

Strategic renovations can maximize your home’s appeal, timeline, and sale price—without over-investing. The Kinney and Renwick Team helps homeowners focus on what matters most before listing—and avoid wasting money on the wrong projects.

Kinney and Renwick Team • Chase International
📧 [email protected]📱 (775) 391-8402
🌐 kinneyandrenwickteam.com
License #'s: S067935 | BS0141620 | S197254

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About the Author
kevin@kevinjkinney.com
Kevin was born and raised in Reno and graduated from UNR. He started his career as a lawyer in Oregon in 1995. He returned to Reno and transitioned to real estate in 2020.
Kevin has a unique skillset that provides unparalleled skills in all levels of negotiations and positive results driven solutions. He understands what it means to have a client trust his skills and strives each day to exceed those expectations.
He is passionate about helping people achieve their real estate goals. He believes that everyone deserves to have a safe and comfortable place to live and is committed to providing clients with the best possible service.