The ROI of Kitchen and Bath Remodels in the Greater Philadelphia Region

What Philly Homeowners Should Know Before Renovating

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom? In the Philadelphia metro area, these two rooms consistently offer the highest return on investment (ROI) when it comes to boosting home value.

Whether you live in Center City, Mount Airy, Ardmore, or Haverford, strategic updates to kitchens and baths can significantly increase your home’s appeal and market value — especially in a competitive real estate landscape like Philly’s.

Here’s how to make the most of your remodeling budget.

Why Kitchens and Bathrooms Matter Most

Buyers and appraisers alike focus heavily on kitchens and bathrooms. Outdated finishes, poor layouts, or deferred maintenance in these rooms often turn buyers away or reduce offers.

Well-designed, modern spaces, on the other hand, signal that a home is well cared for and move-in ready.

✔ In Philadelphia County, homes with recently renovated kitchens or baths can sell 10–20% faster and command 12–18% more per square foot than comparable listings without updates.

Average ROI in the Philadelphia Region

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report and regional sales data:

• Minor Kitchen Remodel (midrange): 74–82% ROI

• Major Kitchen Remodel (upscale): 52–68% ROI

• Bathroom Remodel (midrange): 65–72% ROI

• Bathroom Addition (upscale): 48–61% ROI

ROI is influenced by location, home age, and buyer demographics. For example, updated kitchens with energy-efficient appliances perform especially well in suburbs like Wynnewood or Narberth, while luxury bathroom finishes add premium value in Society Hill or Rittenhouse.

✔ Lapstone Tip: Our team helps you prioritize high-return upgrades based on your home type and neighborhood comps.

High-ROI Features for Philly Homes

To maximize your ROI, focus on features that are in demand locally:

🔹 Kitchen

• Quartz countertops

• Soft-close cabinetry

• Under-cabinet lighting

• High-end appliances (GE Café, Bosch)

• Open layouts for rowhomes

🔹 Bathroom

• Double vanities

• Large-format tile

• Frameless glass showers

• Heated flooring (especially in older stone homes)

• Water-saving fixtures (Moen, Delta)

  
  

Remodeling for Resale vs. Lifestyle

If you plan to sell within 3–5 years, lean toward neutral finishes and classic design choices that appeal to a wide audience. If this is your “forever” home, then go bold — you’ll enjoy the upgrade daily, even if resale value isn’t maximized.

✔ Related Read: Top Kitchen Renovation Trends in Philadelphia

Financing Renovations

If you're not paying out of pocket, consider:

• Home equity loans

• FHA 203(k) renovation loans

• Local incentive programs (Philadelphia offers limited grants for energy-efficient upgrades)

✔ Lapstone can help connect you with local lenders familiar with renovation financing.

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Partner with Lapstone for Smarter Renovations

With hundreds of successful remodels across the Main Line and Philadelphia County, Lapstone knows how to balance beauty, function, and ROI. Our design-build approach means your investment is optimized from concept to completion.

📞 Planning a kitchen or bath remodel? Book a consultation with Lapstone today to get expert advice — tailored to your market, goals, and budget.