If you own a home in Northeast Louisiana, you know the local real estate market has remained competitive. But whether you are planning to list your house in Frenchman’s Bend next spring, or you just want to update your forever home in Claiborne, one question always comes to mind before tearing down a wall:
“Will I get my money back when I sell?”
At NELA Painting & Renovations, we believe a home remodel isn’t just about creating a beautiful space; it’s a financial investment. However, not all renovations are created equal. Dropping $80,000 on a luxury primary suite might feel amazing, but it won’t yield the same percentage return as a strategic kitchen update.
Based on the latest national Cost vs. Value data and our decades of experience building in the Twin Cities, here are the renovations that offer the highest Return on Investment (ROI) in West Monroe for 2026.
1. The Minor Kitchen Remodel (ROI: ~112% to 120%)
Year after year, the data proves that kitchens sell houses. However, you do not need to gut the room down to the studs to see a massive return. In fact, “minor” or “mid-range” kitchen remodels consistently yield a higher ROI than major, luxury overhauls.
If you have an older, compartmentalized kitchen in Town & Country or the Garden District, focus on strategic updates rather than structural changes.
- What it includes: Leaving the current plumbing footprint in place, but upgrading to durable quartz countertops, refacing or painting existing solid-wood cabinetry, upgrading to stainless steel appliances, and installing a new LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) floor.
- The Value: Buyers in our market are highly motivated by “move-in ready” kitchens. A mid-range update often recoups more than 100% of its cost at resale.
2. The Mid-Range Bathroom Remodel (ROI: ~75% to 85%)
Right behind the kitchen is the primary bathroom. Buyers in neighborhoods like D’Arbonne Woods and Westlakes are looking for a spa-like retreat, not a cramped 1990s fiberglass tub.
- What it includes: Ripping out the old tub and replacing it with a custom, heavy-glass walk-in shower. Updating the vanity to a modern double-sink setup, improving the lighting, and laying down fresh, moisture-resistant tile.
- The Value: A clean, modern bathroom remodel typically recoups about 80% of its cost. Contractor Tip: Avoid ultra-trendy, loud tile colors if you plan to sell soon. Stick to warm neutrals, bright whites, and natural wood tones for the widest buyer appeal.
3. Fresh Exterior & Interior Paint (ROI: Up to 100%+)
Paint is the ultimate magic trick of real estate. It is relatively inexpensive compared to a full remodel, yet it completely transforms the perceived value of the home.
- Curb Appeal: If you live out near Cheniere or Wall Lake, the harsh Louisiana sun will eventually fade and chalk your exterior paint. A fresh exterior coat makes the home look newer, better maintained, and instantly invites buyers inside.
- Interior Neutralization: Buyers struggle to look past dark, personalized paint colors. Repainting your interior with modern, warm neutrals (like soft greige or creamy whites) makes the rooms feel larger, brighter, and ready for the buyer’s own furniture.
4. Upgrading to Waterproof Flooring (ROI: ~70% to 80%)
Carpet is out. Today’s buyers view old carpet as a harbor for dust, allergens, and pet odors. If you are preparing to sell, ripping out carpet in the main living areas is a must.
- What it includes: Replacing outdated floors with seamless Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or engineered hardwood.
- The Value: In our humid climate, buyers actively look for 100% waterproof LVP. Running the exact same flooring continuously through the living room, kitchen, and hallways visually expands the footprint of the home and offers an excellent return on your spend.
What Offers the Lowest ROI?
If your goal is strictly financial return, be cautious with highly personalized luxury additions.
- Luxury Primary Suite Additions: Expanding the footprint of your home to add a massive luxury bedroom and bath only recoups about 32% to 35% of the cost.
- Upscale Bathroom Remodels: Spending $80,000+ on imported marble, heated floors, and a freestanding copper tub in a standard neighborhood rarely pays off at the closing table (recouping only around 42%).
Note: If you plan to stay in your home for the next 15 years, ignore the ROI! Build the luxury bathroom of your dreams for your own daily enjoyment.
Protect Your Investment with NELA
If you are spending money to increase your home’s equity, the worst thing you can do is hire a cut-rate contractor. Poor craftsmanship, visible drywall seams, and sloppy tile work will actively decrease your home’s value and scare buyers away.
At NELA Painting & Renovations, we ensure your investment is protected by delivering flawless, high-end results backed by our 5-Year Workmanship Warranty.
Furthermore, we protect your budget with our Fixed-Price Guarantee. If we quote you $25,000 for a kitchen update, you pay $25,000. No surprise bills, no bait-and-switch pricing, and no blown budgets eating into your ROI.
Ready to Maximize Your Home’s Value?
Whether you are prepping to sell or just want to fall in love with your home again, let’s talk about where your renovation budget is best spent.
Schedule Your Free Remodeling Consultation Today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Remodeling ROI
- Does adding a bathroom increase home value in West Monroe?
Yes, especially if you currently have a 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home. Adding a second full bathroom brings your home up to standard market expectations and makes it significantly easier to sell to growing families.
- Should I remodel the kitchen or the bathroom first?
If you only have the budget for one, remodel the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home and is consistently the number one deciding factor for buyers touring a property.
- Will converting my tub to a walk-in shower hurt resale value?
It depends! If it is the only bathtub in the house, keep a tub (families with small children need at least one). If you have a second full bathroom with a tub, converting the primary bathroom’s tub into a massive walk-in shower will actively increase your home’s appeal and value.
- How much should I spend on a remodel so I don’t over-improve?
A good rule of thumb is to look at the value of your home and your neighborhood. You generally shouldn’t spend more than 10% to 15% of your home’s total value on a kitchen remodel. If your home is worth $250,000, an $80,000 kitchen remodel will be impossible to recoup.