Five Renovations That Pay Off in the Charleston Market
1. Kitchen Remodels
A minor kitchen remodel remains one of the best investments for homeowners. According to the 2025 JLC Cost vs. Value Report, a minor kitchen remodel in the South Atlantic region recoups 81.8% of its cost at resale.
Source: JLC Cost vs. Value 2025
2. Bathroom Remodels
Bathroom renovations are highly desirable for buyers. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) reports a 71% cost recovery for bathroom remodels, while the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) finds that homeowners “joy score” for bathroom remodels is among the highest of all projects.
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3. Outdoor Living & Curb Appeal
Exterior improvements, such as new garage doors or siding, offer some of the highest ROIs. The 2025 JLC Cost vs. Value Report report shows a Garage Door Replacement recoups 102.7% of its cost, and manufactured stone veneer recoups 96.7%.
Source: JLC Cost vs. Value 2025
4. Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Energy-efficient window replacements and insulation upgrades are increasingly valued. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, window replacements can save 12–33% on energy bills, and JLC reports a 68.5% ROI for vinyl window replacement in the South Atlantic.
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5. Open-Concept Living Spaces
While not always tracked as a single line item, open-concept renovations (removing non-load-bearing walls to create larger living areas) are highly sought after by buyers. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) notes that open layouts are among the top-requested features in homebuyer surveys, and Zonda’s New Home Trends Institute reports that open floor plans can increase perceived home value by up to 7%.
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