Summer Is Prime Time for Home Renovations
There's a reason contractors are booked solid from May through August — summer is hands-down the best season for most home improvement projects. Longer daylight hours, dry weather for exterior work, and (if you have kids) the option to escape the chaos by heading to the pool while the crew works. But not all renovations are created equal. Some projects return 80%+ of their cost at resale, while others barely move the needle. Here's what to focus on this summer if you want the best bang for your buck.
Top Summer Renovation Projects Ranked by ROI
| Project | Average Cost | Avg. ROI at Resale | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage Door Replacement | $2,800–$5,000 | 102% | Curb appeal, selling soon |
| Minor Kitchen Remodel | $15,000–$25,000 | 85–96% | Dated kitchens, buyer appeal |
| Deck Addition (Wood) | $8,000–$18,000 | 82–90% | Outdoor living, entertaining |
| Siding Replacement (Fiber Cement) | $12,000–$22,000 | 80–88% | Aging exteriors, energy savings |
| Bathroom Remodel (Mid-Range) | $12,000–$20,000 | 73–80% | Outdated bathrooms, daily comfort |
| Window Replacement (Vinyl) | $10,000–$18,000 | 68–75% | Energy savings, drafty homes |
| Landscape Overhaul | $3,000–$10,000 | 100–150% | First impressions, selling prep |
High-ROI Projects to Prioritize
1. Minor Kitchen Remodel ($15,000–$25,000)
Notice the keyword: minor. You don't need to gut the kitchen to get great returns. Refacing cabinets, swapping countertops, upgrading hardware, and adding a tile backsplash can transform a dated kitchen for a fraction of a full remodel. A minor kitchen remodel returns 85–96% of its cost — one of the best investments you can make. For a full cost breakdown, check our kitchen remodel cost calculator.
2. Build or Upgrade a Deck ($8,000–$18,000)
Outdoor living space has never been more valuable. Post-pandemic, buyers consider a deck or patio practically essential. A new wood deck returns 82–90% at resale, and composite decking (while pricier at $12,000–$25,000) has near-zero maintenance costs over its lifetime. Summer is the natural time to build since the ground is dry and you'll enjoy it immediately. See our deck building cost guide for detailed pricing.
3. Bathroom Remodel ($12,000–$20,000)
A mid-range bathroom remodel — new vanity, tile surround, updated fixtures, fresh paint — returns 73–80% and dramatically improves daily life. Pro tip: if you're doing a bathroom in summer, schedule it first. Contractors are easier to book in May and June before the rush hits. Get the full scoop at our bathroom remodel cost guide.
4. Landscaping ($3,000–$10,000)
This one surprises people. A well-planned landscape overhaul — fresh sod, mature plantings, hardscape edging, outdoor lighting — returns 100–150% of its cost. It's the highest ROI project on this list, and summer is when your yard is most visible to neighbors and potential buyers.
Projects to Avoid (or Postpone)
- Swimming pool addition: Costs $35,000–$65,000 and returns only 40–50%. Many buyers see pools as a liability.
- Over-the-top kitchen remodel: A $75,000 kitchen in a $350,000 home won't recoup costs. Match the neighborhood.
- Home office conversion: The work-from-home boom cooled off. A dedicated office adds value, but expensive built-ins don't.
Summer Renovation Timeline Tips
Book your contractor by April — seriously. The good ones fill up fast. Order materials early to avoid supply chain delays (still a thing in 2026 for certain specialty items). And build in a 2-week buffer for any project over $10,000. Things always take longer than the estimate.
The Bottom Line
Focus your summer renovation budget on projects that combine high ROI with improved daily living. A minor kitchen remodel, new deck, and landscape refresh is a powerful trio that could return 85%+ of every dollar spent. Avoid vanity projects that only you will appreciate, and always get three quotes before committing. For a comprehensive ROI analysis, explore our renovation ROI guide.