Summer is the perfect season for knocking out high‑impact upgrades—most take little more than a weekend and can add real dollars to your home’s resale price. Below are three projects our New Hampshire real estate pros recommend to clients who want maximum return without a massive renovation budget.
1. Add Instant Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. According to regional MLS data, homes in Keene and the broader New Hampshire real estate market that look move‑in ready often sell faster and closer to list price.
Quick wins you can finish in a weekend
Task | Average Cost | Why It Pays Off |
Refresh exterior paint on trim and front door | $50–$150 | Color pops make listing photos stand out and signal good maintenance. |
Top‑up garden beds with fresh mulch | $40–$80 | Dark mulch visually “frames” landscaping and suppresses weeds. |
Add seasonal flower pots or window boxes | $25–$100 | A splash of color creates a welcoming entry and better walk‑through experience. |
Pro tip: Stick with neutral paint on the body of the house, but don’t be afraid of a bold door color—navy and forest green test well with New Hampshire buyers looking online for “things to see in New Hampshire” style charm.
2. Make Smart, Energy‑Saving Upgrades
Utility costs spike in the summer, so buyers notice efficiency features. Simple swaps now can lower your bills and become strong selling points later.
High‑impact options
- Window replacement (or repair): Drafty, single‑pane windows can leak up to 30 % of your cooling energy. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR‑rated double panes typically recoups 60–70 % of the cost at resale and may qualify for federal tax credits.
- Smart thermostat installation: A Wi‑Fi unit runs $120–$250, yet studies show it can cut cooling costs by 8–15 %. Highlight the savings in your listing’s marketing copy, and you’ll stand out from comparable homes.
- Air‑sealing & insulation touch‑ups: Use expanding foam around basement and attic penetrations. It’s messy work, but a $50 box of foam often drops monthly bills enough for buyers to notice during due‑diligence.
Make it local: Many New Hampshire utility companies, including Eversource, still offer rebates that can shave 10–30 % off materials. Check their summer incentives page before you shop.
3. Plan a Kitchen Mini Makeover
Kitchen overhauls are pricey, but a “mini” refresh lifts perceived value without gutting cabinets.
Targeted updates to consider
- Swap dated hardware for modern pulls or matte‑black handles (≈ $3–$8 each). A one‑hour job that turns builder‑grade cabinets into something closer to custom.
- Upgrade lighting. Replace the single overhead fixture with a trio of energy‑efficient LEDs or a statement pendant. Better light brightens photos and makes the space feel larger.
- Re‑face or paint the island. If you have an island, a contrasting color or shiplap detail adds custom character for under $150 in materials.
- Refresh countertops affordably. If granite isn’t in the budget, high‑grade laminate or butcher block can bridge the gap and still impress buyers touring New Hampshire general contractor remodels.
Bottom Line
Small, seasonal projects are a smart way to protect— and even grow—your equity. Whether you tackle curb appeal, energy efficiency, or a kitchen tune‑up, each upgrade puts you ahead of summer sellers who stick to status quo.
Need reputable pros? We maintain a vetted list of New Hampshire general contractors and specialty trades who can handle everything from a fresh coat of paint to full window replacement. Let us know what you need, and we’ll connect you with the right local expert—no obligation, just good neighbors helping neighbors. Or, get a head start and check out 10X General Contracting — consistently rated as one of the best contractors in New Hampshire for quality, reliability, and honest pricing.