Spring Home Improvement Projects That Pay Off at Resale
Spring is the perfect time to boost your home’s value, especially in Ohio’s active housing market. With average sale prices in Ohio reaching $301,158 as of September 2024 (Norada Real Estate), homeowners in cities like Columbus are in a prime position to capitalize on buyer demand. Strategic home upgrades during the spring season increase equity and attract more buyers, making a faster and more profitable sale possible. Here are five spring home improvement projects that offer excellent return on investment (ROI) and local appeal in Ohio.
Refresh Landscaping for Strong Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, especially in cities like Columbus, where green lawns and flower beds shine in springtime. Basic lawn care—mowing, fertilizing, and aerating—can dramatically improve your home’s exterior. Adding colorful shrubs and flowers creates an inviting atmosphere, and upgrades, like stamped concrete walkways or paver stone paths, add polish.
Thoughtful landscaping is a high-ROI project. Exterior enhancements like planters and exterior lighting are proven buyer magnets. With Ohio’s relatively low cost of living, landscaping improvements remain affordable and impactful for resale.
Upgrade Your Exterior: Paint, Siding, and Doors
A new coat of paint can work wonders—especially in a market like Columbus, where spring temperatures are ideal for exterior projects. Dark-toned front doors in black or charcoal add modern flair and increase perceived value. Fiber-cement or vinyl siding replacement yields a return of around 74–76%.
Installing a steel entry door offers up to 96% ROI and boosts curb appeal, energy efficiency, and security. These low-cost upgrades are especially beneficial in a stable market like Ohio’s, where small changes can have big resale payoffs.
Modernize Kitchens and Bathrooms
Spring is a popular time for interior renovations, and no spaces sell a home faster than the kitchen and bathrooms. Minor kitchen remodels—such as updating cabinet fronts, fixtures, and energy-efficient appliances—can yield up to 81% ROI. Bathroom upgrades like new lighting, low-flow toilets, or a fresh coat of paint provide 70–78% ROI.
With Columbus being one of the fastest-growing housing markets in Ohio, modern updates in key spaces can be the difference between a quick sale and sitting on the market. Buyers often look for move-in-ready homes and updated kitchens and baths speak volumes.
Boost Energy Efficiency
Ohio homeowners can benefit from improvements that lower utility bills—especially during seasonal shifts. Energy Star-rated windows, efficient HVAC systems, and low-flow fixtures are excellent investments. New windows can reduce energy bills by up to 12%, and HVAC upgrades provide ROI as high as 85%.
Energy-efficient upgrades appeal to eco-conscious buyers in Columbus, where winter chill meets humid summers. These improvements increase comfort and market value while making your home stand out in a competitive real estate scene.
Work with a Columbus Real Estate Agent for New Construction
If you’re considering new construction, working with a top real estate agent in Columbus can streamline the process and help you make decisions that pay off. An experienced agent can advise you on high-ROI features during the build—like open-concept layouts or smart home technology—that today’s buyers want.
With Columbus projected to grow by 1.0% by September 2025 (Norada Real Estate), the market is well-positioned for new homes and investment properties. Agents also connect sellers with cash buyers—making it easier to sell an older home quickly to companies that specialize in we buy houses in Ohio solutions.
Conclusion
As Ohio’s real estate market holds steady with strong demand in cities like Columbus, spring presents a bright window for home improvements. Whether you’re refreshing your landscaping, upgrading the kitchen, or planning a new build, choose projects that offer the highest return on investment. By focusing on buyer-friendly updates and working with a knowledgeable Columbus real estate professional, you’ll set yourself up for resale success.
