In today’s competitive real estate market, homeowners are constantly looking for effective ways to increase their property value. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, strategic home improvements can yield significant returns on investment, with exterior projects providing some of the highest ROI[1].
At J’s Driveways, we understand that your home is not just a place to live—it’s an investment. Here are three proven strategies backed by real estate experts and market data that can significantly enhance your home’s market appeal and value.
1. Upgrade Your Driveway and Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and your driveway is often the first thing potential buyers notice. A well-designed, professionally installed driveway can increase your home’s value by up to 5-10%. According to a 2025 report from HomeLight, enhancing curb appeal remains one of the most effective ways to boost property value, with well-executed driveway projects recouping between 40-70% of their cost depending on the materials used[2].
As Martin Orefice, property investor and CEO of Rent To Own Labs, states: “Any extra money in a remodeling budget should go straight into landscaping, whether adding a single small flower bed or a major outdoor feature. These improvements always bring a good return on your investment.”[3]
Consider these driveway options based on their ROI and appeal:
- Stamped concrete: Offers the look of high-end materials like brick or stone at a fraction of the cost, with a typical ROI of 50-60%
- Permeable pavers: Environmentally friendly and excellent for drainage, these can provide an ROI of 65-70% while appealing to eco-conscious buyers
- Exposed aggregate: Provides a textured, slip-resistant surface that’s both attractive and durable, with a 45-55% return on investment
Beyond the driveway, focus on other curb appeal elements that complement your home’s exterior. According to Missy Henriksen of the National Association of Landscape Professionals, “Consider plants with a vibrant impact, long-lasting blooms, or interesting foliage” to elevate your home’s exterior appeal[4].
Strategic landscaping can increase a home’s value by 5.5% to 12.7% according to research by horticulturist Alex X. Niemiera at Virginia Tech[5]. Remember that hiring professionals for these improvements means you don’t have to risk injury doing the heavy lifting yourself. Leave the backbreaking work to the experts so you won’t need to consult a back pain specialist later.
2. Enhance Your Home’s Interior Design
The interior of your home plays a crucial role in determining its market value. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, minor interior upgrades can recoup between 70-80% of their costs at resale[6]. Consider working with professional interior design services to maximize your home’s potential.
As noted by interior design icon Frank Lloyd Wright, “Form follows function, that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.”[7] This philosophy applies perfectly to modern interior design, where both aesthetics and functionality must be balanced.
Professional designers can help you:
- Create open, flowing spaces that make your home feel larger and more inviting
- Select color schemes that appeal to a wide range of potential buyers (neutrals can increase value by up to 5%)
- Choose fixtures and finishes that elevate your home’s overall aesthetic
- Implement strategic lighting to highlight your home’s best features
- Incorporate sustainable elements that appeal to environmentally conscious buyers
A study by the National Association of Realtors found that professionally designed interiors can increase a home’s perceived value by up to 12.5%[8]. Even small changes like updated hardware, fresh paint, or new light fixtures can make a significant difference in how potential buyers perceive your home’s value.
For the best return on investment, focus on kitchen and bathroom updates. A minor kitchen remodel has one of the highest ROIs at 75-80% and can transform the heart of your home without requiring a complete renovation. Visit Houzz’s Home Design Ideas for inspiration on current design trends that boost value.
3. Consider Strategic Home Additions
If you’re looking for a more substantial investment with potentially higher returns, strategic home additions might be the answer. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) suggests investing 10-20% of your home’s current value on exterior improvements to maximize returns[9].
According to Saddat Abid, CEO at Property Saviour, “Improvements to features such as garage and entry door replacement, the addition of stone veneer, fiber cement siding upgrade, among others, also increase the curb appeal of a home while adding to its durability.”[10]
Popular home additions with strong ROI include:
- Outdoor living spaces: Decks and patios yield a 90% ROI according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)[11]
- Garage door replacement: With an astonishing 194% ROI according to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, this is one of the best investments[12]
- Kitchen expansions or upgrades: A minor kitchen remodel can return 72-82% of your investment
- Additional bathrooms: Adding a bathroom can recoup 60-70% of its cost
- Home office spaces: With remote work continuing to grow, dedicated office spaces can increase value by 8-10%
- Garage or driveway extensions: Expanding your garage or driveway can yield a 40-70% ROI depending on your market
Before undertaking any major addition, research what types of spaces are most valued in your specific market. In some neighborhoods, a second bathroom might add more value than a sunroom, while in others, the opposite might be true. For more guidance, check out Better Homes & Gardens’ Home Addition Ideas.
Ready to Increase Your Home’s Value?
At J’s Driveways, we specialize in creating beautiful, durable driveways that instantly boost your property’s curb appeal and value. Our team of experts can work with you to design a driveway solution that complements your home’s architecture and enhances its overall appearance.
According to real estate experts, homes with excellent curb appeal can sell for 7-14% more than comparable homes with poor exteriors[13]. A new driveway is among the most visible and impactful improvements you can make.
Ready to transform your home’s exterior? Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward increasing your home’s market value!
Additional Resources:
- The Ultimate Guide to Driveway Materials and ROI
- Driveway Cost Guide 2025
- Landscaping Trends That Add Maximum Value
- Home Improvement Projects with Best ROI in 2025
References:
- National Association of Realtors, “Remodeling Impact Report,” April 2025.
- HomeLight, “What Upgrades Increase Home Value? 25 High-ROI Improvements Buyers Love,” February 2025.
- Clever Real Estate, “Top 10 Curb Appeal Improvements with the Highest Return,” June 2024.
- Real Simple, “27 Curb Appeal Ideas That Are Actually Doable,” 2024.
- Bankrate, “Does landscaping increase home value?,” August 2023.
- Remodeling Magazine, “2025 Cost vs. Value Report,” January 2025.
- Chelsea Clarke, “100 Inspiring Home Improvement Quotes From Interior Designers,” March 2025.
- National Association of Realtors, “2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report,” March 2025.
- HomeGuide, “Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?,” August 2024.
- Clever Real Estate, “Top 10 Curb Appeal Improvements with the Highest Return,” June 2024.
- National Association of Home Builders, “What Home Buyers Really Want,” April 2024.
- Angi, “The 8 Best Return on Investment Home Improvements That Add Value in 2025,” February 2025.
- Fingerlakes1, “Does Landscaping Increase Home Value 2025?,” October 2024.