TOP 10 BUDGET-FRIENDLY (AND DEMO-FREE) HOME RENOVATIONS FOR 2024

Data for this year’s list is based on an average nationwide cost analysis for millions of renovation projects along with Zillow data on home features that increase shares and saves from home shoppers on the Zillow platform. 

Those saves and shares are a strong indicator of buyer interest; the more saves and shares a home gets, the more likely it is to get multiple buyer offers and to sell above the asking price. 

The top 10 list also reveals how some of these projects have gained popularity among homeowners on Thumbtack compared to a year ago. 

TOP 10 NO-DEMO RENOVATIONS TO AMP UP BUYER INTEREST

#1: WINDOW BOX

Impact on Buyer Interest: Homes with a window box get 48% more saves and 52% more shares per day (compared to similar homes without) on Zillow.

Cost: 

• Professional installation: $100–$150.
• Materials: $15–$900.

#2: OPEN SHELVING

Trend: Closet system and shelving installations increased by 31.5% year over year.

Impact on Buyer Interest: Homes with open shelving receive 37% more saves and 45% more shares per day on Zillow.

Cost of Professional installation: $275 (excluding shelves).

#3: PAINTED BRICK

Impact on Buyer Interest: Homes with painted brick receive 31% more saves and 39% more shares per day on Zillow.

Cost:

• Per square foot: $1.85–$3.03
• Total job: $4,600–$7,600

#4: VINTAGE TOUCHES AND FINISHES

Impact on Buyer Interest: Homes with vintage features receive 28% more saves and 31% more shares per day on Zillow.

Cost: 

• Vintage crown molding (example): $2–$50 per linear foot.

#5: OUTDOOR TV

Trend: Outdoor TV installations increased by 12.7% year over year.

Impact on Buyer Interest: Homes with an outdoor TV receive 28% more saves and 26% more shares per day on Zillow.

Average national cost: $175–$300.

#6: PICKET FENCE

Survey: 39% of homeowners desire a fenced-in space for pets.

Impact on Buyer Interest: Homes with a picket fence receive 27% more saves and 31% more shares per day on Zillow. 

Cost of Installation: $7–$45 per linear foot.

#7: PERGOLA

Impact on Buyer Interest: Homes with a pergola receive 20% more saves and 24% more shares per day on Zillow.

Average national cost: $3,600 for a 10-by-10-foot pergola.

#8: FIRE PIT

Impact on Buyer Interest: Homes with a fire pit receive 19% more saves and 23% more shares per day on Zillow.

Cost: A couple hundred dollars, depending on the kit.

#9: OUTDOOR SOUND SYSTEM

Impact on Buyer Interest: Homes with an outdoor sound system receive 18% more saves and 19% more shares per day on Zillow.

Cost: $500–$2,000.

Recommendation: Bundle with outdoor TV installation for cost efficiency.

#10: SMART LIGHTING

Trend: Smart-home installations increased by 21.8% year over year.

Impact on Buyer Interest: Homes with smart lighting receive 18% more saves and 23% more shares per day on Zillow.

Average national cost: $308 for installation.