Best ROI Home Improvements for Your Home

Improving your home is about more than just aesthetics. The right upgrades can increase comfort, functionality, and most importantly, return on investment (ROI). In a competitive real estate market like Palm Springs, where luxury, style, and design matter, strategic improvements can help your home stand out and command a higher price.

Whether preparing to sell or simply want to invest wisely in your property, focusing on high-impact renovations is key. At the Bernal-Smith Group, we help Palm Springs homeowners identify which projects offer the best blend of lifestyle enhancement and resale value. Here’s a breakdown of the best ROI home improvements for Palm Springs properties.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the first places buyers evaluate when considering a purchase. In Palm Springs, where open floor plans and indoor-outdoor entertaining are prized, a thoughtfully updated kitchen can make a powerful impression.

A minor kitchen remodel typically yields a higher ROI than a major overhaul. Updating cabinet doors, replacing countertops with quartz or stone, adding a stylish backsplash, installing energy-efficient appliances, and upgrading lighting can create a fresh, modern feel without gutting the entire space.

For a more extensive renovation, consider removing upper cabinets to open up the kitchen to a living or dining area or adding an island for prep and seating space. Buyers in Palm Springs often prefer minimalist, functional kitchens with sleek finishes that complement the home's overall design.

Bathroom renovations are another high-return project, particularly in homes where the layout is dated or the fixtures are worn. A mid-range bathroom remodel—new tile, upgraded vanities, modern lighting, and water-efficient fixtures—can offer an excellent ROI.

In Palm Springs, spa-like bathrooms with walk-in showers, freestanding tubs, and double vanities are especially appealing. If space and budget allow, turning a dated bathroom into a luxurious retreat can dramatically increase buyer interest.

You don’t need to go over the top. Focus on creating clean, calming spaces with neutral tones, natural textures, and good lighting. Heated floors, rainfall showerheads, and smart mirrors are features that can make your bathroom stand out.

Palm Springs is known for its resort-like lifestyle, and outdoor living areas are central to that experience. Creating or upgrading an inviting outdoor space can significantly increase your home’s value and appeal.

Installing a covered patio, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or high-end seating area adds usable square footage to your property and gives buyers the entertaining space they crave. Homes with private pools or spas are especially desirable in the Palm Springs climate, and investing in pool upgrades like new plaster, energy-efficient pumps, or updated tilework can make a noticeable difference.

Landscaping also plays a role. Xeriscaping with native plants, rocks, and efficient irrigation systems not only reduces water use but creates curb appeal that complements the desert environment.

Buyers are increasingly prioritizing eco-conscious homes, and Palm Springs residents are particularly aware of the benefits of energy efficiency in a desert climate. Upgrades that reduce utility bills and environmental impact are highly attractive and offer strong ROI.

Solar panels can increase your home’s value and reduce long-term energy costs. In many cases, buyers are willing to pay more for a home with an existing solar system. Additionally, upgrading windows to double-pane or low-emissivity glass, adding attic insulation, and replacing older HVAC units with high-efficiency systems are practical improvements with measurable financial returns.

Smart thermostats, LED lighting, and automated window shades are simple upgrades that align with modern home expectations and appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

Flooring has a significant visual and tactile impact, and it’s one of the first things prospective buyers notice. Replacing worn carpet with luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, or polished concrete can elevate the overall feel of your home and give it a clean, modern look.

In Palm Springs, low-maintenance, cool-to-the-touch materials are favored due to the climate. Concrete, tile, and stone flooring not only complement mid-century and modern architecture but also offer durability and energy efficiency.

Consistent flooring throughout main living areas helps create a sense of flow and openness, which aligns well with the open-concept designs many Palm Springs homes feature.

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to update your home and increase its perceived value. Neutral, light tones tend to make spaces feel larger and more inviting. Shades of white, soft beige, warm gray, or pale sand are ideal for creating a blank canvas that allows buyers to visualize their own style.

Accent walls, while trendy, should be used sparingly. Aim for a cohesive palette that highlights your home’s architectural strengths. In older homes, painting outdated trim or cabinets can provide a clean, modern feel without a full renovation.

Professional painting services may cost more than a DIY job, but they typically deliver better results and contribute positively to ROI.

Smart home upgrades are increasingly popular and can help your home stand out in the Palm Springs market. Installing smart locks, doorbell cameras, motion-sensor lighting, and app-controlled thermostats adds convenience and security.

Buyers appreciate future-ready homes. Simple additions like Wi-Fi-enabled garage door openers or automated irrigation systems can make a home feel more luxurious and efficient without a large upfront cost.

Smart features tend to appeal especially to younger buyers or second-home owners who want to manage their property remotely.

Storage space is always a valuable asset, especially in homes with minimalist design and open living areas. Adding built-in shelving, overhead storage, or cabinetry in the garage can boost usability and organization.

Garage floor resurfacing with epoxy coatings or slip-resistant finishes adds polish and durability. For homes where the garage is visible from the street, upgrading the garage door to a modern style with windows or architectural details can enhance curb appeal and help justify a higher listing price.

If your home has unused square footage, consider converting it into something functional. Finishing a garage, attic, or casita to create a guest suite, office, or gym can add real value.

Detached casitas or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are particularly popular in Palm Springs.

They can serve as guest accommodations, rental units, or home offices, and they often add versatility and appeal for potential buyers.

These projects require more planning, permits, and budget, but when executed well, they can dramatically increase both the value and marketability of your home.

Before diving into any renovation project, it’s important to understand which improvements will offer the best return in your specific neighborhood. Not all upgrades are equal across different areas, price points, or architectural styles.

The Bernal-Smith Group offers expert guidance tailored to the Palm Springs real estate market. Whether you’re preparing to sell or planning to enjoy your home for years to come, our team can help you identify which home improvements align with your goals and deliver the strongest ROI.

Contact us today at bsgluxuryhomes.com to schedule a consultation and explore how you can maximize the value of your Palm Springs property.