Does a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel Add Value? Resale ROI by Project
Updated September 18, 2026
Kitchen and bathroom remodels do add value, but how much of the cost you get back depends on the size of the project. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a minor kitchen remodel recovered about 113% of its cost at resale, and a midrange bathroom remodel recovered about 80%. Major and upscale remodels recovered much less, between roughly 36% and 51% for kitchens and about 42% for an upscale bathroom.
Resale value recovered by project type
The figures below are national averages from Zonda's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (the 38th annual edition, published September 2025). The report compares the average cost of a specific project with the resale value that real estate professionals estimate it adds.
| Project | Average cost | Resale value | Cost recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor kitchen remodel | $28,458 | $32,141 | 112.9% |
| Major kitchen remodel, midrange | $82,793 | $42,130 | 50.9% |
| Major kitchen remodel, upscale | $164,104 | $58,561 | 35.7% |
| Bathroom remodel, midrange | $26,138 | $20,915 | 80.0% |
| Bathroom remodel, universal design | $42,183 | $25,812 | 61.2% |
| Bathroom remodel, upscale | $81,612 | $34,000 | 41.7% |
What this means in dollars
The calculator multiplies your cost by the rate for the scope you select:
| Your project | Cost | Estimated value recovered |
|---|---|---|
| Minor kitchen remodel | $30,000 | $33,870 |
| Major midrange kitchen remodel | $80,000 | $40,720 |
| Midrange bathroom remodel | $26,000 | $20,800 |
| Upscale bathroom remodel | $80,000 | $33,360 |
A recovery of over 100% for the minor kitchen remodel does not mean the project earns money in a literal sense. It means the report's estimated resale value for that scope was higher than its average cost.
Why smaller projects recover more
- Buyers pay for condition, not luxury. A clean, updated, functional kitchen or bath is what most buyers expect, and it's worth a lot. Custom finishes and high-end appliances are worth less to the average buyer than they cost.
- Costs climb faster than value. Doubling the budget does not double what a buyer will pay.
- Layout changes are expensive. Moving plumbing and walls is costly and rarely returns its full cost.
How to use these numbers
- Selling soon? A focused refresh of the kitchen or bathroom usually gives the best return per dollar. Avoid over-improving compared with nearby homes.
- Staying for years? Resale recovery matters less than how much you will use and enjoy the space. Spend where it improves daily life.
- Budgeting? Estimate the cost first with the kitchen remodel cost estimator or bathroom remodel cost estimator, then check the return.
Limits of these figures
These are national averages for specific defined projects. Your local market, the quality of your finishes, your home's condition, and the price range of your neighborhood all affect the actual result. Resale values are estimates from real estate professionals rather than completed sale comparisons. Treat the result as a planning guide, and ask a local agent what buyers in your area expect.
Sources
Open the Remodel ROI Calculator →
More guides
Figures are estimates based on published national data and are not a quote. Actual costs vary by region, contractor, and materials.