When it comes to increasing the value of your property, not all upgrades are created equal. Homeowners who want to boost resale value and attract buyers in the Wilmette, IL real estate market should focus on projects that offer the best return on investment for home improvement. Prioritizing practical upgrades over purely cosmetic changes can make a significant difference when it’s time to sell.
Whether you're preparing your home for listing or simply investing in long-term value, this guide outlines which home improvements are most likely to yield strong returns in Wilmette and similar markets.
Kitchen Remodels
The kitchen is often the heart of a home—and it's where many buyers focus their attention. Rather than a full-scale renovation, a minor kitchen remodel typically offers one of the highest returns. According to industry data, homeowners can expect to recoup approximately 70–80% of the project cost.
Examples of high-ROI kitchen upgrades include:
Examples of high-ROI kitchen upgrades include:
-
Refacing or replacing cabinet doors
-
Updating appliances to stainless steel or energy-efficient models
-
Installing new countertops (quartz or granite)
-
Replacing outdated hardware and lighting
These changes not only modernize the space but also improve functionality—two key selling points in Wilmette, IL real estate listings.
Garage Door Replacement
A new garage door might not seem like a major upgrade, but it’s one of the best return on investment home improvements nationwide. When selling, homeowners can typically recover over 90% of the cost.
Curb appeal matters in competitive markets like Wilmette. A new garage door offers a clean, updated look that gives buyers a strong first impression. Opt for an insulated, low-maintenance model with a design that matches the style of your home.
Curb appeal matters in competitive markets like Wilmette. A new garage door offers a clean, updated look that gives buyers a strong first impression. Opt for an insulated, low-maintenance model with a design that matches the style of your home.
Siding Replacement or Exterior Improvements
First impressions matter, and exterior upgrades often provide excellent value. Replacing old siding with new fiber-cement or vinyl siding can yield a return of 70–85%.
Additional high-ROI exterior improvements include:
Additional high-ROI exterior improvements include:
-
Fresh paint
-
Updated light fixtures
-
New shutters
-
A well-maintained walkway or driveway
These upgrades help improve your home’s curb appeal—an essential consideration for buyers looking at Wilmette, IL real estate.
Window Replacement
Replacing older, drafty windows with energy-efficient ones provides twofold benefits: improved energy performance and enhanced aesthetics.
Energy-efficient windows are increasingly appealing to buyers who are conscious of utility costs and sustainability. This upgrade can return about 70% of its cost at resale while also reducing monthly heating and cooling expenses.
Choose windows that match your home's architectural style, and ensure professional installation for long-term performance.
Energy-efficient windows are increasingly appealing to buyers who are conscious of utility costs and sustainability. This upgrade can return about 70% of its cost at resale while also reducing monthly heating and cooling expenses.
Choose windows that match your home's architectural style, and ensure professional installation for long-term performance.
Bathroom Renovation (Mid-Range Updates)
Bathrooms are another critical selling feature. A mid-range bathroom remodel—new vanity, upgraded fixtures, modern tile, and efficient plumbing—can result in an ROI of around 60–70%.
In Wilmette homes, buyers often expect modern bathrooms with quality materials, functional layouts, and clean finishes. While luxury upgrades like heated floors or steam showers may appeal to some, they rarely provide the same return as straightforward, well-designed renovations.
In Wilmette homes, buyers often expect modern bathrooms with quality materials, functional layouts, and clean finishes. While luxury upgrades like heated floors or steam showers may appeal to some, they rarely provide the same return as straightforward, well-designed renovations.
Attic Conversion or Finished Basement
Converting unfinished space into usable square footage is an effective way to increase a home's value. In Wilmette, where many homes feature basements or attics, finishing these areas is a smart investment.
Popular uses for finished spaces include:
Popular uses for finished spaces include:
-
Home offices
-
Guest rooms
-
Recreational rooms
-
Additional bathrooms
The return on these types of conversions can range from 60% to 75%, depending on the quality of the work and how well the space integrates with the rest of the home.
Landscaping and Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor living is a growing priority for today’s homebuyers. Well-designed landscaping, patios, and functional outdoor spaces not only enhance curb appeal but also extend usable living areas.
Landscaping improvements with strong ROI include:
Landscaping improvements with strong ROI include:
-
Professional lawn maintenance and design
-
Flagstone or paver walkways
-
Decks or patios with seating areas
-
Low-maintenance plantings and native species
These updates are highly valued in neighborhoods like Wilmette, where outdoor entertaining is common during warmer months.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Beyond windows, energy efficiency improvements such as added insulation, smart thermostats, and tankless water heaters can provide a strong return by lowering operating costs.
Buyers increasingly seek homes that are both comfortable and efficient. Making your home more energy-conscious adds long-term value and can appeal to a broader buyer pool.
Buyers increasingly seek homes that are both comfortable and efficient. Making your home more energy-conscious adds long-term value and can appeal to a broader buyer pool.
Front Door Replacement
Replacing an old or worn front door is a small change that can make a big difference. Steel or fiberglass doors with updated hardware, quality locks, and attractive finishes are relatively low-cost and can yield a return of 65–75%.
The front entry is part of the buyer's first visual interaction with your home. A modern, secure door suggests that the home is well cared for—an impression that can carry through the rest of the showing.
The front entry is part of the buyer's first visual interaction with your home. A modern, secure door suggests that the home is well cared for—an impression that can carry through the rest of the showing.
Projects to Approach with Caution
While some home improvements are smart investments, others may not offer strong returns. High-end features like wine cellars, sauna installations, or extensive smart home automation may appeal to niche buyers but won’t necessarily increase your home's market value broadly.
In Wilmette, it’s also important to consider neighborhood norms. Over-improving beyond what’s typical for your area can price your home out of the local market.
In Wilmette, it’s also important to consider neighborhood norms. Over-improving beyond what’s typical for your area can price your home out of the local market.
The Wilmette, IL Real Estate Connection
Your long-term goals should guide your home improvement choices. Personalized upgrades may make sense if you plan to stay in your home for many years. However, if you’re preparing to sell in the next one to three years, focusing on the best return on investment home improvement options will help you maximize your sale price.
In Wilmette, where homes range from historic charmers to modern builds, selecting the right improvements is especially important. Working with local experts who understand buyer expectations can help you make informed decisions that align with the market.
In Wilmette, where homes range from historic charmers to modern builds, selecting the right improvements is especially important. Working with local experts who understand buyer expectations can help you make informed decisions that align with the market.
About Andrew & Lauren Beghou
Andrew and Lauren Beghou form a highly skilled North Shore real estate team, combining Andrew’s deep roots in the area and market knowledge with Lauren’s strong sense of design and streamlined project management. Their backgrounds in finance support a results-driven approach, offering clients thoughtful, data-informed guidance throughout each real estate transaction.
As longtime Wilmette residents, they bring a local perspective and a deep understanding of the North Shore community to every interaction. Their dedication to helping clients achieve real estate success makes them a trusted resource for both buyers and sellers.
Contact Andrew & Lauren Beghou today for expert advice and personalized assistance navigating the Wilmette, IL real estate market.
As longtime Wilmette residents, they bring a local perspective and a deep understanding of the North Shore community to every interaction. Their dedication to helping clients achieve real estate success makes them a trusted resource for both buyers and sellers.
Contact Andrew & Lauren Beghou today for expert advice and personalized assistance navigating the Wilmette, IL real estate market.
