Smart Investments to Maximize Your Return on Long Island
The real estate market in Nassau County is competitive. Buyers in South Farmingdale are looking for “move-in ready” homes, and they are willing to pay a premium for properties that don’t need immediate work. But not all renovations are created equal.
Some projects, like adding a swimming pool, might be fun for your family but offer a terrible financial return when you sell. Others, however, can return nearly 100% (or more) of your investment. At Lee Home Improvement, we help homeowners choose the right projects to build equity.
Here are the top 5 renovations that offer the best “Return on Investment” (ROI) in our local market.
1. The Minor Kitchen Remodel (The “Facelift”)
You don’t always need to tear down walls to get a huge return. A “minor” kitchen remodel often recoups more cost percentage-wise than a major one.
What It Includes:
- Refacing cabinets or replacing doors instead of ripping out the boxes.
- Installing new Quartz countertops (the current favorite over Granite).
- Replacing the backsplash with modern subway tile.
- Upgrading to energy-efficient stainless steel appliances.
The Payoff: Buyers inspect the kitchen first. If it looks bright, clean, and modern, they assume the rest of the house is well-maintained.
2. Siding Replacement & Stone Veneer
Curb appeal is everything. If buyers drive up and see cracked vinyl or peeling paint, they might not even get out of the car.
In South Farmingdale, adding a manufactured stone veneer to the lower third of your home’s facade is one of the single highest ROI projects you can do. It gives a standard ranch or cape a custom, high-end look that stands out in the neighborhood listings.
3. Bathroom Remodel (Universal Design)
Old pink or blue tiles from the 1950s are a major turn-off. Modern buyers want a spa-like retreat.
Smart Upgrades:
- Large Format Tiles: Fewer grout lines mean less cleaning.
- Walk-In Showers: Replacing a seldom-used tub with a glass-enclosed shower makes a small bathroom feel huge.
- Double Vanities: If space allows, two sinks are a “must-have” for many couples.
4. Converting the Basement (Legal Living Space)
On Long Island, square footage is expensive. Finishing your basement is the cheapest way to add “livable” space to your home. It effectively adds another floor to your house.
5. Entry Door & Garage Door Replacement
It sounds boring, but the data doesn’t lie. Replacing an old, dented garage door or a drafty front door offers a near 100% return on investment.
A new steel entry door improves security and energy efficiency, while a new carriage-style garage door can completely transform the look of your home’s exterior.
The Investment Breakdown
Based on Cost vs. Value reports for the Mid-Atlantic region, here is what you can expect:
| Project | Average Cost Recouped | Buyer Interest Level |
|---|---|---|
| Garage Door Replacement | 93% – 98% | High (Curb Appeal) |
| Stone Veneer Accent | 91% – 95% | High (Curb Appeal) |
| Minor Kitchen Remodel | 75% – 85% | Very High (Deal Maker) |
| Wood Deck Addition | 65% – 75% | Moderate |
| Master Suite Addition | 50% – 60% | High (But expensive) |
Plan Your Project Today
Whether you are selling next month or in ten years, smart renovations make your home more enjoyable now and more valuable later.
Call Lee Home Improvement at (516) [Insert Number] to discuss which upgrades make sense for your specific home and budget.
Lee Home Improvement
Quality Craftsmanship for South Farmingdale & Nassau County
34 Paula DrSouth Farmingdale, NY 11735
(516) 984-9862
Looking for a quote? Visit our homepage at
LeeHomeImprovement.net
