Top 5 Renovations That Add Real Value to Your Home
Top 5 Renovations That Add Real Value to Your Home
By Joseph Tumasian – Owner of The Oak Standard | General Contractor | Carmel, IN
Let’s talk about getting the most bang for your buck.
Whether you’re thinking about selling in the next year or just want to invest wisely into your home, not all renovations are created equal. Some projects pay you back — others? Not so much.
As a General Contractor working all across Hamilton and Marion County, I’ve seen firsthand which updates actually add value to your home and which ones just look pretty on Instagram (until the appraisal comes in).
Also, our Project Manager, Steve Farmer, is a local Real Estate Agent so we have the dynamic duo of knowing exactly what sells, what adds value and how to execute on all.
If you’re wondering where to put your renovation dollars, here’s my honest top 5:
1. Kitchen Updates – The Heart of the Home
Buyers always look at the kitchen first — and honestly, so do homeowners. You spend a lot of time here, so even small changes can make a big impact.
What adds value:
Replacing outdated countertops with quartz or granite
New cabinet fronts or a full repaint
Updated lighting & fixtures
Stainless steel appliances (energy-efficient ones are a bonus)
Pro tip: You don’t have to gut it to get results. A $15k smart remodel can go further than a $100k trendy overhaul if it's done right.
2. Bathroom Remodel – Clean, Fresh, and Functional
Nobody wants to walk into a dated bathroom with a tub from the 1980s and cracked tile. Upgrading your bathrooms makes your whole house feel newer — and cleaner.
What adds value:
Walk-in showers with modern tile
Dual vanities in the master bath
Updated toilets & plumbing fixtures
Neutral, spa-inspired color palettes
Local tip: In Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville, homes with updated primary bathrooms are appraising noticeably higher — especially in homes over 10 years old.
3. Basement Finishing – Add Living Space Without an Addition
Finishing your basement is one of the smartest ways to increase your square footage without changing your home's footprint.
Think:
Extra bedroom or guest suite
Media room or game area
Home office or gym
Kids' play space
Or even a small in-law setup
A finished basement is gold in areas like Westfield, Fishers, and Zionsville where square footage really boosts resale value.
4. Curb Appeal – Because First Impressions Matter
Buyers and appraisers alike will judge your home before they even walk in the door. Improving curb appeal is one of the most affordable ways to increase perceived and real value.
What adds value:
New siding or paint
Replacing the front door (energy-efficient styles boost value)
Clean landscaping with fresh mulch
New garage doors — modern, clean-lined options are super in right now
Quick stat: Studies show curb appeal can increase a home’s value by 7–14% depending on the market. That’s huge ROI for relatively small changes.
5. Energy-Efficient Upgrades – The Value Buyers Can’t See (But Still Pay For)
Today’s buyers are smarter than ever. They’re looking at utility bills, not just countertops.
What adds value:
New windows (double-pane, low-E)
Spray foam or blown-in attic insulation
Smart thermostats (like Ecobee or Nest)
New HVAC systems or tankless water heaters
Even if you’re not selling soon, these upgrades make your home more comfortable and more affordable to live in — and that’s value you’ll feel every single month.
Thinking of Renovating?
Whether you’re updating your forever home or getting ready to sell, investing in the right renovations makes all the difference. At The Oak Standard, we don’t just build — we help you strategize what makes sense for you.
Let’s talk about what’s possible in your space, with your budget, and your goals. No pressure. Just smart advice from someone who’s done this a time or two.
The Oak Standard
🔨 Veteran-Owned | Honest | Experienced
📍 Carmel, IN | Proudly Serving Hamilton & Marion County
📞 419-343-4212 | 📧 info@theoakstandard.com | 📲 DM us on Instagram @the.oak.standard
