By SARAH CROW

America's home renovation market is booming. More than half of home builders polled for the National Association of Home Builders' Remodeling Market Index said they saw an uptick in remodeling activity in the first quarter of 2019. And Improving America's 2019 housing report from Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies notes that the home improvement market hit an all-time high of $424 billion in 2017. However, while installing an in-ground pool or adding a lavish master suite may seem appealing, many expensive home upgrades won't yield a worthwhile return on investment (ROI) in the long run. So, if you're eager to turn a profit when it comes time to sell your house, check out these 50 ways to make your home's value skyrocket.

1. Add some smart technology.

If you want to make your home more valuable, then it's time to start thinking smart. Investing in some smart home technology can increase your home's value quickly, without the expense of a huge renovation."Make smart enhancements like your thermostat, lighting, keypad door looks, fire detectors, and security cameras. If all else is the same between several homes that buyers are looking for, your home would win with a smart boost," says Shawn Breyer, owner of Breyer Home Buyers. In fact, smart home technology was identified as a top trend in Zillow's 2019 Design Forecast.

2. Have your trees trimmed.

One of the easiest ways to add value to your home doesn't even require a contractor. Per the 2018 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the estimated cost of tree care service—including the application of tree fertilizer, trimming, pruning, tree removal, and tree spraying—is $2,000, a whopping 100 percent of which is recovered when buyers sell their homes.

3. Remove your carpeting.

"Modern home buyers are turned off by carpeting," says Earl White, founder of House Heroes Realty and House Heroes, LLC. "Laying down a shiny new wood floor across easily pays for itself several times over." And if you're worried that authentic flooring is going to cost you an arm and a leg, there are always "good alternatives to traditional wood floors," says White. "Home renovators can buy engineered or laminate wood for a fraction of the cost of an expensive floor."

4. Resurface your cabinets.

Even if you don't have money in your budget to remodel your entire kitchen, you can still upgrade your space by resurfacing your cabinets. "Just because something looks worn or beaten down doesn't mean it needs to be replaced," says White. "Resurfacing adds considerable market value—without breaking the bank."

5. Build a deck.

If you're eager to turn your outdoor space into one that will significantly boost your home's value, building a deck is a great place to start. According to Remodeling's 2019 2019 Cost Versus Value Report, composite deck additions yielded a 69.1 percent return on investment when it came time to sell—or about $13,000 on a $19,000 project.

6. Add an irrigation system.

While homeowners love the look of a lush lawn or garden, their desire to put in the legwork to maintain their greenery is a different story. So, if you're eager to boost your home's value, try having an irrigation system added to your outdoor space. In the NAR's 2018 Remodeling Impact Report, the addition of an irrigation system ranked ninth on the list of projects most likely to add resale value to a home, yielding an 86 percent ROI on average.

7. Change the upper or cabinetry colors in your kitchen.

While having uniform kitchen cabinetry might seem like one of your house's selling points, you should opt for light upper cabinetry and dark lower cabinets if you want your abode to sell for a premium. According to a 2018 report by Zillow, homes with so-called tuxedo cabinetry fetched $1,500 more than anticipated on average.

8. Add some attic insulation.

A drafty home—or one that doesn't hold in the cool air being pumped by its air conditioning units—is a turn off for home buyers. Luckily, all it takes is a little insulation in your attic to seriously improve your home's value both now and in the future."On average you will see a 108 to 116 percent return on investment [when you add attic insulation]," says April Palomino, a realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Winter Park, Florida. "That is because insulation protects the home from the transfer of heat, thereby reducing energy bills. Insulation also prevents moisture from entering delicate parts of your home, preserving your investment."

9. Replace your dated garage door.

News flash: That dingy garage door you've backed into a hundred times is ruining your home's curb appeal. Luckily, replacing it isn't a hugely pricey investment, and doing so can make your house much more attractive in the long run."By installing a new garage door, you can see up to a 92 percent return on your investment," says Palomino. "Garage doors boost curb appeal, provide safety and security, and even help on energy bills if insulated."

10. Add some steel entry doors.

"Steel entry doors boost curb appeal—they are sleek and clean and come in a variety of finishes and paneling," says Palomino. "They increase the security of your home and stand up to wear and tear…and [are] not subject to warping or rotting." They also have a 91 percent ROI, she notes.

11. Add some stone veneer.

All it takes is a little stone veneer to completely change your home's exterior aesthetic and increase that curb appeal. "Manufactured stone veneer siding can bring you up to 92 percent return on investment," according to Palomino.

12. Finish up any minor repairs around the house.

You may think those little repairs around the house are a waste of time, but if don't attend to them in a timely manner, you could end up losing a lot of money."Make minor repairs around the home," suggests Palomino. Per the expert, leaky faucets, Sheetrock damage, cracked plaster, broken windows, missing screens, and dented door jambs are good places to start.

13. Upgrade your landscaping.

"Landscaping is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your home value," says Patrick van den Bossche, president of Realty Executives International. "Healthy trees, plants, and flowers along with a well-manicured lawn can improve the home's appearance. Also, remove dead vegetation, hide hoses, and keep everything looking pristine to make the best first impression."

14. Install some outdoor lighting.

The first step toward turning your backyard into a perfect entertaining space with optimal resale value? Installing some outdoor lighting. The NAR reports that landscape lighting costs an average of $5,000, and sellers recoup half that cost when they put their properties on the market.

15. Finish your basement.

Transforming that unfinished space in your basement could be the key to selling your home for a premium price."An unfinished basement can be a gold mine," says Morgan Franklin, a realtor with Atlas Trust Real Estate. "In my market, below-grade square footage is worth $60 to $80 per foot and can be completed for less than $40 per foot."

16. Redo your kitchen counters.

Those old laminate or tile counters are bringing down your home's appeal and its potential selling point. Luckily, installing granite or quartz counters is easy and it can quickly improve the look and value of your place. "Replacing counter tops can be completed for under $10,000 and will have a huge impact on value," says Franklin.

17. Install recessed lighting.

Want to make every room in your home look brighter, more beautiful, and more expensive? The answer is simple: recessed lighting."Living rooms should have four recessed lights, [and] hallways and kitchens should have a few too," suggests Brian Dougherty, managing partner at Robert Paul Properties in Boston. "Depending on the electrician and the complexity of the wiring, a single recessed light can cost between $150 to $250 installed. If money is tight, I would recommend focusing on entertaining and living spaces first before bedrooms."

18. Upgrade with the right white paint.

Since all white paints aren't created equal, knowing which one is right for your space—and adding it to your walls and trim—can make your home much more valuable."While there are literally hundreds of different white paints to choose from, one that has the slightest tint of grey or silver can be modern, fresh and sophisticated," says Dougherty. "White is very 'in' now. It is updated, fresh, simple, and chic, and most importantly, doesn't limit a buyer from imagining themselves in your space, as a burgundy or darker color might."

19. Replace your cabinet door handles and drawer pulls.

Even if you don't have a lot of time or money to spend on a full kitchen makeover, you can easily upgrade the culinary space with minimal funds and effort. According to Brenda DiBari, a licensed real estate broker with Halstead Real Estate, swapping out dated drawer pulls or knobs gives the impression of a refreshed space without costing a fortune.

20. Replace your old windows.

Want to make your home quieter, lower your energy bills, and add value when it comes time to sell? Then swap out those old windows for a new set of vinyl ones. While you'll pay approximately $17,000 to replace 10 windows in your home, doing so will yield a 73.4 percent ROI.

21. Replace faceplates and wall switches.

Those metallic light switch covers may have once gone with your home's décor, but now they just look dated and it's time for them to go, says DiBari. Fortunately, it only costs a few dollars and takes mere seconds to replace cheap plastic covers with more elegant wooden, ceramic, or metal ones with better aesthetic appeal and ROI.

22. Install a rack for pots and pans.

If you want to increase your home's value, it's of the utmost importance that you reduce clutter wherever possible, especially infrequently-used spaces like your kitchen. For this, DiBari says, there's an easy fix: an overhead pot and pan rack. It can instantly make your space look more cohesive and earn you some extra money when you go to sell.

23. Refresh your artwork.

Sometimes increasing your home's value is as simple as swapping out that dated family portrait for something a little fresher. "Home furnishings and artwork make a huge impact on the feeling and value that your house gives," DiBari says. She suggests you "rearrange or replace wall hangings with fresh new artwork."

24. Build a patio.

Building a patio in your backyard can instantly add appeal to your space. New patios were the sixth most desirable outdoor upgrade in the NAR's 2018 Remodeling Impact Report on outdoor features. And they yield a 55.2 percent ROI, according to Remodeling magazine's 2019 Cost Versus Value Report.

25. Upgrade your entryway.

Your entryway can be a major selling point when it comes to potential buyers. "Does the lock work? Is it an inviting entry? [Is there] chipping paint on the front door? Broken glass?" asks Trey McCallie, principal broker at Urban Toolbox Real Estate. "Make the entryway a showplace and set a positive impression from the start."

26. Powerwash your home.

You shower on a regular basis—and your home should, too. "When buyers pull up, they are judging your home immediately. You never have a second chance to make a first impression," says McCallie. Because of that, he recommends power washing homes to rid them of the dirt and debris that tends to collect on exterior siding.

27. Give your living room a coat of taupe paint.

A gallon of paint isn't a huge investment. However, choosing the right color can make a huge difference in the sale price of your home. According to Zillow's 2018 Paint Color Analysis, a light taupe living room added nearly $3,000 to homeowners' pockets at sale time.

28. Repaint your front door.

Simple though it may seem, just painting your front door can seriously increase your home's value."It takes someone one minute to decide if they want to enter your home. If you are selling, that minute can cost you thousands in lost opportunities and days on the market!" says New York-based interior designer Denise Gianna, owner of Denise Gianna Designs. "Give your home a fighting chance. Paint your front door and shutters (your garage doors too if it applies). This is cheap and a must—akin to washing your face before leaving the house! Use deep, bold blues, greens, and wine tones to add style."

29. Swap out old light fixtures.

Ask any real estate agent or designer, and they'll tell you that those cheap home supply store light fixtures won't earn you a major payday when you go to sell your house. Upgrade your lighting, however, and you'll be upgrading that check from a potential buyer, too. "If you are still living with the original builder fixtures (think rounded flush mounts and cookie-cutter chandeliers)…then I'm looking at you!" says Gianna. "Lighting fixtures, like hardware, are the jewelry of your house."The good news? "Fixtures that compliment your home style and are stylish come in literally every price range," she says.

30. Pare down your fabric pieces.

While heavy drapery, upholstered furniture, and a never-ending sea of throw pillows used to be the height of interior fashion, all of that clutter isn't going to earn you any extra money nowadays."Remove excess pillows, throws, cushions, and drapes. Clean lines—no matter what your house style—are never out of style," says Gianna. "Fabrics trap moisture, dust, and allergens. Layers of drapery obscure light and can make windows look smaller, ceilings lower, and everything dingy. Too many pillows and throws do not make a sofa inviting."

31. Install a fire pit.

Who says that your outdoor space should only be usable in the summertime? Adding a fire pit will not only make it possible to spend chilly fall nights outdoors, but it'll also boost the overall value of your home. The NAR reports that adding an outdoor fire feature costs an average of $6,000, but recovers $4,000 of that cost—or 67 percent—when it's time to sell.

32. Refinish your floors.

"If your floors are not in good condition, spend money on the upgrade," says Brad Malow, a licensed real estate broker with Compass. "There are various financial levels of renovations you can do with flooring. If they're hardwood, you have the options of simply sanding and buffing, staining, overlaying, or replacing completely."

33. Reglaze your tub.

Your old tub doesn't have to be replaced with a pricey claw-foot model to add value to your home. According to Malow, reglazing a tub is an equally lucrative home upgrade that's much more affordable. "It's a relatively inexpensive option and will leave buyers looking at a bright white, sparkling place to relax," the broker says.

34. Re-grout your shower tiles.

Similarly, re-grouting your bathroom tile can make your bathroom shine again in a pinch. "Nobody wants to pull back a shower curtain and see black grime," says Malow. "Re-grouting tiles is an easy, small project that can make tiled walls feel like new."

35. Create an outdoor seating area.

Creating a little outdoor seating space could be the finishing touch you need to boost your home's exterior appeal. "Set up a deck or porch as an outdoor living area with comfy cushions on furniture, an outdoor rug, a grill…or a TV if the area is covered," says Sheila MacDonald, a realtor with J Barrett & Company. "This expands the square footage of your home in a buyer's mind."

36. Stage your laundry room.

Your laundry room—if you're lucky enough to have one—could be the key to adding serious value to your home. "If you have a space in the laundry room or other small area, stage it as a wrapping center with wrapping paper, bows, tape, scissors, etc. or a gardening center with some clay pots, a trowel, pruning shears, [and] potting soil," suggests MacDonald. "This turns a wasted space into an extra 'luxurious' space with very little money."

37. Maximize your garage storage.

A messy garage isn't going to win over any potential buyers. If you want to make your space more attractive, functional, and appealing to someone willing to pay top dollar, it's time to add some storage and clear up that cluttered space."Invest in inexpensive storage shelving or hanging for your garage," suggests MacDonald. "Make it the organized space that people wish they had in their current home."

38. Paint your garage floor.

Want another easy way to make your garage shine? All it takes is a little paint. "If the garage floor is nice, perhaps paint it with the acrylic paint made for garage floors," suggests MacDonald.

39. Organize your mudroom.

Making the most of a back entryway is an easy way to add some serious value to your home in a hurry. "Add a bench with hooks for coats and perhaps baskets underneath for shoes, hats, mittens, etc., in an area that can become a makeshift mudroom," recommends MacDonald.

40. Add some light in the kitchen.

"Adding under-the-counter lights will really brighten up [a kitchen] space," says Ralph DiBugnara, president of Home Qualified and vice president of Residential Home Funding. Luckily, all it takes is a few stick-up LED lights to achieve the look you want, so this is an affordable and easy way to increase your home's value.

41. Go for energy-efficient appliances.

Eager to make your kitchen a major selling point for your home? "An investment in new energy-efficient appliances will not only make [your kitchen] look better, but will save you money on your electric bills," says DiBugnara.

42. Go minimal.

As a general rule, ornate fabrics, patterns, and design styles generally won't yield a major ROI. When you're looking to improve your home's value, minimalism yields maximum money. "Buyers today are very influenced by the home shows that they see on HGTV and that seems to dictate what many people say they are looking for: neutral colors, clean surfaces, [and] minimal window treatments," says MacDonald.

43. Go bold with your bathroom color.

While neutrals may serve you well in the rest of the house, some major contrast in the bathroom could make your home more valuable in the long run."Try repainting the rest of your bathroom a high contrasting color to really make everything sparkle," says DiBugnara. "Bathrooms remain an area that most buyers really want to see new and shiny."So what color should you use for your bathroom walls? Well, if maximizing your home's sale price is the goal, then blue is your best. According to Zillow's 2018 report, blue bathrooms earn sellers nearly $3,000 more than anticipated.

44. Install ductless mini-splits.

Nobody loves coming home to an overheated house on those hot summer days. Luckily, even if you don't have existing ductwork, you can easily make your home cooler by installing ductless mini-splits to keep your space a pleasant temperature all year long, says Elizabeth Bain, a real estate agent with Commonwealth Standard Realty Co., in Boston.

45. Upgrade your closet storage space.

A little closet storage goes a long way when it comes to increasing your home's worth. And fortunately, you don't need to spend thousands to add major value. "Add shelving or two rows of hangers to small closets to make it feel custom and add storage space," suggests Bain.

46. Add some gray tones.

In addition to those blues in your bathroom and those taupe living room walls, a gray bedroom could be the key to making your home a more valuable property. "Gray is the hot color right now," says Bain.

47. Replace your bathroom basics.

While it may seem strange, a new toilet could actually be the very thing that upgrades your bathroom enough to make it a more valuable and desirable space. If you want to see your home's sale price soar, "Replace the toilet for a more efficient and modern look," suggests Nancy Wallace-Laabs, a licensed real estate broker with KBN Homes, LLC.

48. Refresh your faucet.

Simply adding a new faucet in your kitchen can make all the difference when it comes to the value of your space. "Updating the sink with a modern-looking faucet will add that 'wow' factor to any kitchen," says Wallace-Laabs. "A minor kitchen remodel will enhance the overall look and feel of your kitchen without breaking the bank."

49. Add a soundproof space.

Creating some calming space in your home—whether that's a yoga studio or a reading nook with a giant comfy chair—will upgrade its value. According to Zillow's 2019 Design Forecast, soundproofed spaces—particularly those with other calming elements, like colored lighting and elegant minimalist design—are highly sought-after home features.

50. Keep up with the Joneses.

If you aren't sure which renovations you should and shouldn't invest in, just look to your neighbor's house for inspiration."If renovations in your neighborhood are simple, keep it simple. Otherwise, you will find yourself spending too much on updating your property, but will not realize the return of your investment on closing day," says Wallace-Laabs. "Go to open houses in your neighborhood prior to putting your house on the market. Pay attention to the kitchen, baths, flooring, and fixtures—then go home and start with those ideas."