If you’re thinking about selling your home in Boone, NC, you’ve probably wondered: “What renovations will actually increase my home’s value?”
It’s a fair question. I’ve worked with plenty of sellers who wanted to get top dollar for their homes but weren’t sure whether to renovate first or sell as-is. Some thought a kitchen remodel would add tremendous value—others believed adding a fancy outdoor kitchen would do the trick. The truth? Some upgrades are worth it, and some aren’t.
If you’re hoping to boost your home’s value—maybe even by $100,000—let’s talk about which renovations are worth your time and money and which ones might not be as big of a payoff as you’d hope.
Why Renovations Matter in Boone’s Real Estate Market
Boone’s housing market is unique—it’s not just another cookie-cutter suburban town. Buyers here love homes with mountain charm, but they also want modern updates. The key to boosting your home’s value? Finding a balance between cozy and contemporary.
But here’s the kicker: Not every renovation will get you a return on investment.
A lot of sellers assume that pouring $50K into a kitchen will automatically increase their home’s value by $50K (or more). Not always. If you spend big on the wrong updates, you could end up losing money instead of making it.
So let’s get into which renovations are actually worth it.
Renovations That Could Add $100K to Your Boone Home’s Value
If you’re looking for upgrades that bring serious value, here’s where to start:
1. Kitchen Remodel – The MVP of Home Upgrades
Let’s be honest—everyone loves a beautiful kitchen. It’s where people gather, where families cook together, and where buyers make snap decisions about a home’s appeal.
A well-done kitchen remodel can easily add tens of thousands to your home’s value. Buyers in Boone are looking for:
✔ Open-concept layouts
✔ Quartz or granite countertops
✔ Stainless steel appliances
✔ Updated cabinets and modern backsplashes
✔ Space and functionality
Personal Story: I worked with a seller last year who had an outdated kitchen—dark wood cabinets, old laminate countertops, and ancient appliances. They were hesitant to remodel, but we updated it with fresh white cabinets, quartz counters, and stainless steel appliances. The result? Their home sold in just five days for $40K more than we originally expected.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, focus on minor upgrades like painting cabinets, swapping out hardware, or upgrading light fixtures.
2. Master Bathroom Overhaul – Make It Feel Like a Spa
Let’s talk bathrooms. Buyers love a luxurious master bath. If yours is outdated, it might be worth a refresh.
Upgrades that add real value:
✔ Walk-in showers with modern tile
✔ Double vanities with stylish sinks
✔ High-end fixtures and lighting
✔ Freestanding soaking tubs (huge selling point!)
Anecdote: One of my recent clients had a cramped, outdated bathroom. We expanded the shower, added double sinks, and installed sleek black fixtures. Their home sold in a week, and the bathroom was the #1 thing buyers raved about.
3. Finished Basement or Attic – Bonus Living Space Sells
Extra square footage = extra value. If you have an unfinished basement or attic, consider turning it into a usable living space.
What buyers love:
✔ Guest suites or in-law apartments
✔ Home offices (huge demand since remote work took off!)
✔ Bonus entertainment areas (home theaters, game rooms)
Personal Story: A seller I worked with finished their basement, adding a guest bedroom and a cozy living area. It boosted their home’s value by nearly $100K—and made it sell faster!
4. Energy Efficiency Upgrades – Smart, Simple, Valuable
Energy-efficient homes aren’t just trendy—they’re a huge selling point. Boone’s mountain weather means buyers want homes that stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer without massive utility bills.
✔ Energy-efficient windows
✔ Smart thermostats (like Nest)
✔ Extra insulation
✔ Solar panels (if you’re in it for the long haul)
Pro Tip: Even minor upgrades—like sealing drafts or adding a smart thermostat—can make a home more attractive to buyers.
5. Curb Appeal – Because First Impressions Matter
Before buyers even step inside your home, they’re making judgments. A well-maintained exterior can add a lot of attention and attraction to your home.
✔ Fresh paint (especially the front door)
✔ New landscaping (add trees, shrubs, flowers)
✔ Outdoor lighting (pathway lights = major curb appeal)
Personal Story: I once had a client who only spent about $3,000 on curb appeal—fresh mulch, flowers, and a new front door color. That small investment made their home so much more appealing in a slower market. We had 12 showings the first weekend and secured a buyer within the first week.
The Top 5 Upgrades Boone Buyers Love
If you want to attract Boone buyers, these are the hot-ticket items they love:
- Updated Kitchens – No buyer wants a kitchen stuck in the ‘90s.
- Energy-Efficient Features – Lower energy bills = major selling point.
- Open Floor Plans – Nobody likes a choppy layout anymore.
- Luxury Master Bathrooms – Buyers want a spa-like retreat.
- Outdoor Living Spaces – Fire pits, decks, and patios are big selling points.
What Renovations Won’t Add $100K?
While some upgrades add significant value, others aren’t always worth the cost.
🚫 Over-the-Top Luxury Features – A $50K home theater might sound fun, but most buyers won’t pay extra for it.
🚫 A Pool – Boone’s weather isn’t ideal for pools, and many buyers see them as too much maintenance.
🚫 Super-Specific Customizations – That custom-built wine cellar? Only a few buyers will care.
Renovate or Sell As-Is? Here’s How to Decide
Not sure whether to renovate before selling? Ask yourself these questions:
- What’s my budget? If you don’t have the funds for major renovations, smaller upgrades can still make an impact.
- How soon do I want to sell? If you need to move fast, focus on quick updates.
- What’s the market like? In a hot seller’s market, you may not need as many upgrades to get a great price.
My advice? Talk to a real estate agent (like me!) before making any big decisions. I can help you figure out which upgrades will actually give you the best return—and which ones to skip. Oftentimes, if you put $50k into a renovation, you may not see more than that in return. I can help you identify if these are necessary to market your home or if they will just be a wash and waste of time.
Ready to Maximize Your Boone Home’s Value?
If you’re considering selling, renovating the right way can help you get top dollar—maybe even an extra $100K!
The key is knowing where to spend and where to save. If you’re unsure about what upgrades are worth it, let’s chat! I’d love to help you maximize your home’s value and sell for the highest price possible.
Call today or fill out the form on our website for a free home value consultation. I’ll help you decide which renovations make sense for YOU!