Most homeowners renovate based on what they want. Smart homeowners renovate based on what buyers will pay for. The difference can be tens of thousands of dollars when it comes time to sell your Atlanta home.
Not every upgrade is worth the money. A $60,000 pool might add $20,000 in value. A $5,000 landscaping refresh might add $15,000. The math is not intuitive, and it changes depending on your neighborhood, your price point, and what Atlanta buyers are actually looking for right now.
Below is every number you need: ROI by upgrade type, cost ranges specific to metro Atlanta, what to do at every price point, and the upgrades that will actually lose you money. All data is from the 2025 NAR Remodeling Impact Report, Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report (Atlanta region), and our own experience helping sellers prep hundreds of homes for market.
Quick Takeaways
- Kitchen upgrades deliver the highest ROI in Atlanta at 75-80% return on mid-range remodels.
- Curb appeal is the cheapest high-return play. $5K-$10K in landscaping can return $15K-$30K in perceived value.
- Flooring: replacing carpet with hardwood adds $10K-$20K in perceived value and is the single most impactful visual upgrade.
- Biggest waste of money: swimming pools, over-customized finishes, luxury upgrades in mid-range homes, and garage-to-living-space conversions.
- Atlanta-specific: buyers here expect open floor plans, outdoor living space, updated kitchens, and hardwood floors. Price your upgrades to your neighborhood.
The Upgrades That Pay for Themselves
Here is the ROI data for the most common pre-listing upgrades in metro Atlanta. These numbers come from the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report (Atlanta region) and our experience as Atlanta real estate agents helping sellers price and prep their homes.
Home Upgrade ROI - Atlanta Metro
| Upgrade | Typical Cost | ROI | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscaping / curb appeal | $3K-$10K | 100-200% | Highest ROI of any upgrade |
| Exterior paint + power wash | $3K-$8K | 100-150% | Instant transformation |
| Garage door replacement | $2K-$5K | 90-100% | Best single-item ROI nationally |
| New front door | $1K-$3K | 90-100% | Steel or fiberglass with glass |
| Minor kitchen remodel | $25K-$40K | 75-80% | Refresh, not gut job |
| Hardwood flooring | $5K-$15K | 70-80% | Carpet-to-hardwood biggest impact |
| Bathroom remodel | $15K-$25K | 60-70% | Primary bath is priority |
| Deck / patio addition | $10K-$20K | 65-75% | Outdoor living is hot in Atlanta |
ROI ranges based on Remodeling Magazine 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (South Atlantic region) and NAR 2025 Remodeling Impact Report. Actual returns vary by neighborhood, home condition, and market timing.
Kitchen Upgrades - Where the Money Is
The kitchen is the room that sells houses. In Atlanta, buyers expect quartz or granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and island seating in anything above $350K. If your kitchen has laminate counters, white appliances, or oak cabinets from the 1990s, updating it is the single most impactful thing you can do before listing.
The $35K Refresh Beats the $80K Gut Job
A minor kitchen remodel ($25K-$40K) returns 75-80% of its cost. A major gut renovation ($80K+) returns only 50-60%. The reason is simple: buyers do not pay proportionally more for top-of-the-line finishes. They pay for "updated and clean." Cabinet refacing, new countertops, a subway tile backsplash, updated hardware, and under-cabinet lighting can transform a kitchen for half the cost of ripping everything out.
What to Do
- Cabinet refacing or painting ($3K-$8K) if the layout works
- Quartz or granite countertops ($3K-$6K)
- Subway tile or simple pattern backsplash ($1K-$3K)
- Updated hardware - pulls and knobs ($200-$500)
- New or refreshed stainless appliances ($2K-$5K)
- Under-cabinet and pendant lighting ($500-$2K)
What Not to Do
- Custom cabinetry in a $400K home (buyers will not pay the premium)
- Commercial-grade appliances nobody asked for ($10K+ for a Wolf range in a starter home)
- Overly trendy finishes that will look dated in 3 years
- Removing walls without understanding structural implications
Atlanta market note: In neighborhoods like Buckhead and Brookhaven, buyers in the $600K+ range expect quartz counters and stainless appliances as baseline. In Smyrna and parts of Decatur, a cosmetic refresh with granite and painted cabinets is enough to compete. Match your upgrades to your price point and neighborhood.
Bathroom Renovations That Sell
The primary bathroom is the second most important room in the house. Buyers notice dated bathrooms immediately, and a bad one can kill a deal even when the rest of the home is strong. The good news: you do not need a $30K overhaul to make an impact.
Budget Refresh ($5K-$8K)
New vanity, updated mirror, modern fixtures (matte black or brushed nickel are current), fresh paint, and re-grouted tile. This level of refresh is enough for most homes in the $300K-$500K range and can dramatically change how buyers perceive the space.
Mid-Range Remodel ($15K-$25K)
New tile (floor and shower), walk-in shower conversion (tub-to-shower is one of the highest-demand upgrades right now), double vanity, modern lighting, and frameless glass shower door. This is the sweet spot for homes $500K+ where buyers expect more.
Skip These
- Jacuzzi tubs - they are out of style and take up space buyers want for a walk-in shower
- Overly trendy tile patterns that date quickly (penny tile, bold geometric patterns)
- Heated floors in a $350K home (nice to have, but buyers will not pay extra for it)
Curb Appeal - The Cheapest High-ROI Play
Studies show buyers form their opinion of a home within the first 7 seconds of seeing it. Homes with strong curb appeal sell for 7-14% more than similar homes with poor exterior presentation. And curb appeal upgrades are almost always the cheapest investments with the highest returns.
- Landscaping ($500-$2,000): Fresh mulch, trimmed hedges, seasonal flowers, and edged beds. This is the highest-ROI investment you can make per dollar spent. A $1,000 landscaping refresh can add $5,000-$10,000 in perceived value.
- Exterior paint or power washing ($1,500-$5,000): If the exterior looks tired, a fresh coat of paint or a thorough power wash transforms the entire first impression. Neutral, modern colors sell best.
- Front door ($200-$3,000): Paint it a bold but tasteful color (navy, black, dark green) or replace it entirely. A new steel or fiberglass door with glass panels returns 90-100% of its cost.
- Garage door ($2K-$5K): The single best ROI of any home improvement project nationally. A new carriage-style garage door modernizes the entire front elevation.
- Outdoor lighting ($500-$1,500): Path lights, up-lights on trees, and a well-lit entrance make the home look more expensive at night and during evening showings.
Atlanta-specific tip: Mature trees add $10,000-$20,000 in value to Atlanta homes. Do NOT remove them. Atlanta buyers love tree canopy, and the city has strong tree ordinances. If anything, invest in professional tree trimming to open up sight lines while keeping the canopy intact.
Flooring Upgrades
Carpet-to-hardwood is the single most impactful visual upgrade you can make. Buyers walk into a home with worn carpet and mentally subtract $10,000-$20,000 from what they are willing to pay. Replace it with hardwood and the perception flips completely.
Most Buckhead and Midtown buyers expect hardwood throughout the main living areas. In the $300K-$400K range, quality LVP is perfectly acceptable and buyers will not penalize you for it.
Upgrades That Do NOT Pay Off
This is where homeowners waste the most money. These upgrades feel like they should add value, but the data says otherwise. As Atlanta realtors, we talk sellers out of these regularly.
- Swimming pools ($40K-$80K install, adds $15K-$25K in value). Many Atlanta buyers see pools as a maintenance liability, safety concern, and insurance cost increase. Families with young children often view them as a negative. If you already have one, keep it clean. Do not install one to sell.
- Sunroom additions. They rarely recover their cost unless they match the home's architecture perfectly. Most sunroom additions look like afterthoughts and actually reduce the perceived quality of the home. Invest in a covered patio or screened porch instead.
- Over-the-top home offices. The work-from-home premium has plateaued. A dedicated room with good lighting and an ethernet connection is enough. Built-in desks and custom shelving do not recoup their cost because the next buyer may want a nursery or guest room.
- Luxury finishes in mid-range homes. A $5,000 faucet and imported marble in a $400K home does not compute for buyers. They will not pay a premium for it. Match the finish level to the price point.
- Highly personal customization. Bold paint colors, themed rooms, built-in aquariums, and home theaters with permanent seating. These narrow your buyer pool. Neutral and flexible is what sells.
- Converting the garage to living space. Atlanta buyers need garage parking. The weather, the heat, and car security all make a garage essential. Converting it to a bedroom or gym reduces your buyer pool significantly. Avoid the common seller mistakes that cost you money.
Planning Upgrades Before You Sell?
Every home is different. Tell us about your property and we'll tell you exactly which upgrades will pay off in your neighborhood and which ones to skip. Free, no-obligation pre-listing consultation.
What to Upgrade Based on Your Home's Price Range
The right upgrade strategy depends on your price point. A $400K home in Sandy Springs needs different treatment than a $900K home in Buckhead. Here is what to prioritize at each level.
Cosmetic: paint, flooring, fixtures, landscaping
Common neighborhoods: Smyrna, parts of Decatur
Kitchen refresh + bathroom update + curb appeal
Common neighborhoods: Sandy Springs, Brookhaven
Mid-range kitchen remodel + primary bath + hardwood + outdoor living
Common neighborhoods: Alpharetta, North Buckhead
Everything needs to be current - high buyer expectations
Common neighborhoods: Buckhead, Midtown luxury
Budget ranges represent recommended pre-listing upgrade investment. Actual spend should be guided by your home's specific condition and competitive listings in your area. See the current Atlanta market forecast for pricing context.
The Pre-Listing Upgrade Checklist
If you are planning to sell your Atlanta home in the next 6-12 months, work through this list in order. Start with the free items and work your way up based on budget and ROI.
- Deep clean and declutter (free). Every room, every closet, every surface. Remove personal photos and excess furniture. The goal is to make the home feel bigger and let buyers picture their own life in it.
- Fix all deferred maintenance (varies). Leaky faucets, cracked caulk, burned-out bulbs, sticky doors. Buyers notice these and mentally multiply them into larger problems. A home inspector will flag them anyway.
- Paint interior in neutral colors ($2K-$5K). Agreeable Gray, Alabaster, and Repose Gray are the top-selling interior colors in Atlanta right now. Fresh neutral paint makes everything look newer and more cohesive.
- Update light fixtures and hardware ($500-$2,000). Swap brass or chrome fixtures for matte black or brushed nickel. Replace dated cabinet pulls. These small touches signal "updated" to buyers.
- Refresh landscaping ($500-$2,000). Mulch, trim, plant, and light. This is the last thing buyers see before walking through the front door and the first thing they see in listing photos.
- Consider kitchen and bath if dated. If the kitchen or primary bath is more than 15 years old and has not been updated, a cosmetic refresh will almost certainly pay for itself. Talk to your Atlanta realtor before spending.
- Professional staging ($2K-$5K). Staged homes sell 73% faster and for 5-10% more according to NAR data. In a balanced market like Atlanta in 2026, staging is not optional for maximizing your sale price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What home upgrades add the most value in Atlanta?
In Atlanta, the highest-ROI upgrades are landscaping and curb appeal (100-200% return), exterior paint and power washing (100-150%), garage door replacement (90-100%), and minor kitchen remodels (75-80%). The key is focusing on what Atlanta buyers actually prioritize: updated kitchens, hardwood floors, outdoor living space, and strong curb appeal.
Is a kitchen remodel worth it before selling?
A minor kitchen remodel (cabinet refacing, new countertops, updated hardware, fresh backsplash) returns 75-80% of its cost in Atlanta and is almost always worth it if your kitchen is dated. A major gut renovation ($80K+) typically returns only 50-60%. The sweet spot is a $25K-$40K refresh that modernizes the space without over-investing.
How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen in Atlanta?
In Atlanta, a minor kitchen remodel (cosmetic updates, new countertops, cabinet refacing, hardware, backsplash) runs $25,000-$40,000. A mid-range full remodel with new cabinets and appliances costs $40,000-$70,000. A high-end remodel with custom cabinetry and premium finishes starts at $80,000+. For pre-sale purposes, the minor remodel delivers the best return on investment.
Do bathroom renovations increase home value?
Yes. Bathroom renovations return 60-70% of their cost in Atlanta. The primary bathroom is the highest priority. Buyers want walk-in showers, double vanities, and modern fixtures. A budget refresh ($5K-$8K) with a new vanity, mirror, fixtures, and fresh paint can dramatically change buyer perception. A mid-range remodel ($15K-$25K) with new tile and shower is ideal for dated bathrooms.
Should I add a pool before selling my Atlanta home?
No. Swimming pools cost $40,000-$80,000 to install but typically add only $15,000-$25,000 in value. Many Atlanta buyers see pools as a maintenance liability and safety concern, especially families with young children. If your home already has a pool, keep it well-maintained. But do not install one to boost value before selling.
What is the best ROI home improvement?
In Atlanta, landscaping and curb appeal deliver the best ROI at 100-200%. A $5,000 investment in fresh mulch, trimmed hedges, seasonal flowers, and outdoor lighting can increase perceived value by $10,000-$20,000. Garage door replacement is the best single-item ROI nationally at 90-100%, followed by a new front door at 90-100%.
How much should I spend on upgrades before selling?
A general rule: budget 1-3% of your home's value for pre-listing upgrades. For a $400K Atlanta home, that is $4,000-$12,000. For a $700K home, $7,000-$21,000. Focus that budget on the highest-ROI items first: curb appeal, paint, flooring, and kitchen/bath updates if needed. An experienced Atlanta realtor can help you prioritize based on your specific home and neighborhood.
Does curb appeal really affect home value?
Absolutely. Studies show buyers form their opinion of a home within the first 7 seconds of seeing it. Homes with strong curb appeal sell for 7-14% more than similar homes with poor exterior presentation. In Atlanta, where mature landscaping and outdoor spaces are highly valued, curb appeal can be the difference between a full-price offer and a lowball.
"We spent $22,000 on a kitchen refresh and new landscaping before listing our Sandy Springs home. The team told us exactly what to upgrade and what to skip. We listed at $515,000 and sold for $528,000 in 9 days. Best investment we ever made."
Rachel & David K.
Sandy Springs sellers, pre-listing kitchen and landscaping upgrades
Ready to find out which upgrades will pay off for your home?
Sources
- National Association of Realtors - 2025 Remodeling Impact Report: renovation costs, homeowner joy scores, and resale value recovery by project type. nar.realtor
- Remodeling Magazine - Cost vs. Value Report 2025, South Atlantic region data including Atlanta metro for project costs and resale value. remodeling.hw.net
- Atlanta REALTORS Association - Median home prices, inventory trends, and market conditions for metro Atlanta neighborhoods. atlantarealtors.com
- Zillow Research - Home feature analysis and buyer preference data for the Atlanta metro area. zillow.com/research
All cost estimates and ROI figures are based on 2025 data for the Atlanta metro area. Actual costs vary by contractor, scope, and neighborhood. ROI estimates assume the home is properly marketed and priced. Consult with a local real estate professional before making renovation decisions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or construction advice. Renovation costs, ROI estimates, and market conditions vary by location, contractor, and timing. Always obtain multiple contractor quotes and consult with a licensed real estate professional before making renovation decisions. The Luxury Realtor Group provides real estate advisory services and is not a contractor or home improvement company.