By LE Construction · Published October 6, 2026
Return on investment is one of the most common questions about remodeling. The best public data comes from the annual Cost vs. Value report, which compares what projects cost with how much value they add at resale. Here is what the 2025 numbers say about kitchens and bathrooms.
These are national averages. Local results depend on your neighborhood and market.
Kitchens
| Project (2025, national) | Job cost | Recouped |
|---|---|---|
| Minor kitchen remodel, midrange | $28,458 | 113% |
| Major kitchen remodel, midrange | $82,793 | 51% |
| Major kitchen remodel, upscale | $164,104 | 36% |
Bathrooms
| Project (2025, national) | Job cost | Recouped |
|---|---|---|
| Bath remodel, midrange | $26,138 | 80% |
| Universal design bath | $42,183 | 61% |
| Bath remodel, upscale | $81,612 | 41.7% |
| Bathroom addition, midrange | $60,645 | 53% |
What the numbers tell you
- Modest updates recoup more. A minor kitchen remodel, which keeps the layout and refreshes surfaces and appliances, recouped more than it cost nationally.
- Big projects recoup less. Major and upscale remodels add value, but rarely their full cost at sale.
- Finish level matters. Upscale finishes recoup a smaller share.
Why return is not the whole story
Most people remodel to live better in their own house: a kitchen that works, a bathroom that is safe, a layout that fits the family. If you will enjoy the result for years, the value is in daily use as much as resale. Deferred repairs, like a failing shower or old wiring, can also hurt a sale if left alone.
Making a remodel worth it
- Fix what is broken first: water damage, wiring, leaks.
- Spend where you touch every day: cabinets, counters, fixtures.
- Keep the layout when it works.
- Avoid over-improving far beyond the neighborhood if you plan to sell soon.
See our kitchen and bathroom cost guides.
Frequently asked questions
Which remodel recoups the most at resale?
In the 2025 Cost vs. Value report, a midrange minor kitchen remodel recouped 113% of its cost nationally, more than any of the kitchen or bath projects. Larger and upscale projects recouped a smaller share.
Do bathroom remodels pay off?
A midrange bath remodel recouped 80% of its cost nationally in 2025. Upscale bathroom projects recouped less than half. The return depends heavily on scope and finish level.
Is Ventura County different from the national numbers?
Local resale value depends on neighborhood prices, buyer expectations and what comparable homes offer. Published regional data shows Pacific-region costs at or above national averages. A local real estate agent is the best source for resale expectations.
Should I remodel just to sell?
If you are selling soon, focus on repairs and modest updates that make the house show well. Large remodels rarely recoup their full cost at sale, so they make more sense when you will enjoy them for years.