If there is one thing we have learned serving the Little Rock area since 2004, it is that a home is more than just a place to live—it’s your biggest financial asset. Whether you are planning to sell soon or just want to build long-term equity, not all renovations are created equal.
Some upgrades look nice but offer little financial return, while others pay for themselves almost immediately. Based on the latest 2025 Cost vs. Value data and our own experience in the Arkansas market, here are the top renovation upgrades that actually move the needle on your home’s appraisal.
1. The Roof: Your First Line of Defense
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that we list this first—but the data backs it up. A new roof is one of the few exterior projects that offers immediate curb appeal and critical structural protection.
According to 2025 industry reports, an asphalt shingle replacement retains roughly 57% of its cost in resale value immediately. However, in Arkansas, where storm seasons can be brutal, upgrading to impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing can offer even more leverage during a sale. Buyers know that a new roof means they won’t have to worry about leaks or insurance claims for decades.
2. Attic Insulation: The Invisible Money-Saver
While a new roof protects you from the rain, what’s under it protects your wallet. Upgrading your attic insulation is consistently ranked as one of the highest ROI projects you can undertake.
Recent data suggests that attic insulation upgrades can offer a return on investment of 100% to 120%. In our humid Arkansas summers, a well-insulated attic stops your cool air from escaping, lowering utility bills instantly. It is a functional upgrade that home inspectors love to see.
3. “Statement” Flooring: Garages and Basements
For years, the garage and basement were afterthought spaces—dusty concrete areas used only for storage. That has changed. Modern homebuyers are looking for “finished” utility spaces that can double as gyms, workshops, or showrooms.
This is where epoxy flooring has become a game-changer. It transforms a stained, gray slab into a durable, showroom-quality feature. Real estate studies show that finished epoxy floors can increase a home’s perceived value by up to 5%, offering a durable surface that resists oil, chemicals, and cracking.
We are seeing this industrial-chic aesthetic take over everywhere. It is a design standard that has traveled from high-end urban lofts and residential epoxy flooring in Montreal down to suburban homes here in the South. Homeowners are realizing that if these floors are tough enough for harsh Canadian winters and industrial warehouses, they are perfect for handling Arkansas humidity and mud.
4. Curb Appeal: The Entryway
Finally, never underestimate the power of a front door. Replacing your entry door with a high-quality steel unit has an ROI of nearly 188% in some markets. It is the first thing a buyer touches, and if it feels solid and secure, the rest of the house feels that way too.
The Bottom Line
At Jethro’s Arkansaw Roofin’, we specialize in keeping your home dry and secure. While we handle the heavy lifting on your roof and gutters, we always encourage homeowners to look at the full picture of their property. Smart investments—from the shingles on top to the epoxy on the bottom—ensure your home takes care of you just as well as you take care of it.