These Renovations Without Demolition Can Significantly Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal

In a world dominated by major home overhauls and to-the-studs demolition projects, it’s easy to assume that a truly impactful renovation requires a full-scale remodel. However, recent data from Zillow and home services platform Thumbtack reveals that the right no-demo home improvements can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal without the need for major construction.

Zillow examined listing data from 3.9 million homes for sale between June 2023 and May 2024 to determine which smaller-scale projects attract the most attention from potential homebuyers. The good news for homeowners on a budget is that many of these renovations cost less than $5,000 on average, yet they can give homes a competitive edge over similar properties without these upgrades.

“Certain low-lift projects can deliver a high payoff because they elevate a home in the mind of a buyer,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, in a press release. “These features bring a wow factor to a home or they serve as a signal that a home is up-to-date, well-maintained, or move-in ready. When it’s time to sell, these features may ultimately help a home sell faster or for more money, because there will likely be more competition for that home among buyers.”

The Top No-Demo Renos, According to Zillow and Thumbtack

These renovations without demolition can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal, and there are several standout projects to consider. The most impactful no-demo renovations include installing window boxes, open shelving, painted brick surfaces, vintage finishes, and setting up outdoor features like TVs, sound systems, pergolas, and fire pits. Additionally, integrating smart lighting can modernize your home’s ambiance.

Window boxes, one of the more affordable updates, can transform your home’s appearance at a low cost—often under $200. According to Zillow, homes with window boxes receive 48% more saves and 52% more shares daily.

Open shelving, another popular update, costs around $275 for professional installation (excluding the shelves themselves) but can increase a home’s saves by 37% and shares by 45%. Painted brick is a more significant investment, costing between $1.85 and $3.03 per square foot for installation, but it can boost saves by 31% and shares by 39%.

Vintage touches, such as gilded mirrors or antique furniture, can add charm and character to your home. While the cost varies, these elements contribute to a 28% increase in saves and a 31% increase in shares per day.

Outdoor TVs, a must-have for summer, can elevate your home’s appeal by 28% more saves and 26% more shares, with an average cost ranging from $175 to $300. Pairing this with an outdoor sound system, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, could increase saves by 18% and shares by 19%.

If you’re seeking to enhance your outdoor space, pergolas are in high demand. These elegant structures can add 20% more saves and 24% more shares daily, with an average installation cost of $3,600. A fire pit, which costs around $200, could further increase saves by 19% and shares by 23%.

Classic features like a white picket fence remain timeless and highly appealing, boosting saves by 27% and shares by 31%, and can be installed for as little as $7 to $45 per linear foot.

Smart lighting installations have also gained popularity, with homes featuring these systems receiving 18% more saves and 23% more shares daily. This modern upgrade costs about $308 on average and adds a sleek, contemporary feel to your space.

These renovations without demolition can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal, proving that you don’t need a massive renovation to make a big impact. Small, thoughtful updates can greatly increase your home’s appeal to potential buyers, helping it stand out in a competitive market.