The Top 10 No Demo Renovation Projects of 2024

This article was originally published on Thumbtack.com, and was written by Morgan Olsen, Thumbtack Design Expert.

Buyers perusing Zillow for their dream home often keep an eye out for certain features — but incorporating these elements can be an intimidating prospect for homeowners. Not everyone is ready for the stress and cost of a full-scale renovation. Fortunately, many details proven to be highly desirable in today’s market don’t require knocking down walls or a big budget, as these projects cost less than $5,000, on average, nationwide.

Thumbtack partnered with Zillow® to reveal the top 10 no-demo renovation projects that can result in more attention from buyers compared to homes without these features. For those looking to upgrade their homes with these coveted elements without breaking ground or the bank, Thumbtack is sharing a cost breakdown and how-to advice.

This research combines an average nationwide cost analysis based on millions of projects on Thumbtack, with Zillow data on home features that boost daily saves and shares on the real estate platform. A strong indicator of how excited buyers are about a home is how frequently they save a home on Zillow or share it with a shopping partner. More saves and shares signal that a home is in high demand. This list also incorporates how much more popular some of these projects have become among homeowners on Thumbtack compared to a year ago.

“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. “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.”

These are the top 10 no-demolition-involved features that drive the most saves on Zillow:

Window Box: This rectangular container for flowers, plants or herbs is installed outside, just below the window sill, adding color and curb appeal to a home. Homes with a window box can get 48% more saves and 52% more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes without this feature.

The average national cost is $100-$150 for professional installation and $15-$900 for materials, depending on the type purchased. What’s more, installing a window box is a very DIY-friendly project that really packs a visual punch by adding dimension and detail to your home’s exterior.

Whether it’s just one or multiple window sills, there’s a lot of room for creativity and personality here, as homeowners can go the traditional flower route, opt for succulents and cacti, or even plant an herb garden. We all know curb appeal is important, and this is an easy and inexpensive project to start with, as nearly one third of homeowners plan to spend up to $5,000 on improving their outdoor spaces this summer.

Open Shelving: Open shelving allows homeowners to display meaningful and beautiful objects without adding bulky furniture. Homes with open shelving can get an additional 37% more saves and 45% more shares per day on Zillow.

The average national cost is $275 for professional installation, without the cost of shelves. According to Thumbtack data, closet system and shelving installation is up +31.49% year over year, proving homeowners are definitely leaning into this trend.

Whether it’s purely functional or a design choice, this is a fairly easy project that could be done yourself. Open shelving can be as simple as floating shelves placed in a kitchen. In terms of design, shelves can help give the home personality. With the embrace of bookshelf-wealth and grandma-core trends, now is the time to fill shelves with unique pieces like photos, books, paintings, dishes, and knick-knacks that speak to where you come from and where you’ve been.

Painted Brick: Homes with painted brick can get 31% more saves and 39% more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes. The average national cost is typically around $1.85-$3.03 per square foot, and the national average for the entire job is $4,600-$7,600 including labor, material, and equipment.

This project can give old brick a face-lift and also repair minor cracks and imperfections, which in turn protects your facade from moisture or bugs entering the home. White-painted brick is still on trend but being replaced with off-whites and even black, so swatch-test a few different colors and don't be afraid to stray from the standard white.

Exterior painting is one of the top curb appeal projects homeowners are adding to their plans this summer, so you’ll be in good company.

Vintage Touches & Finishes: Homes with vintage features not only have charm and character, but they can get 28% more saves and 31% more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes. The pricing for vintage decor and features varies dramatically, but homeowners can find great vintage pieces and accessories for under $100.

Vintage is in, and there are lots of ways to implement older touches and finishes throughout a home. For example, vintage crown molding costs $2-$50 per linear foot, depending on the material, and can make your ceilings look higher while adding architectural interest. It can also conceal imperfections at the junctions of walls and ceilings.

Homeowners are often nervous to add intricate details to their home because it might not sell when they're ready to move. This data should inspire homeowners not to worry and add personalized touches, as buyers value the details that make a home distinct. You can also take smaller steps by adding in vintage rugs, antiques or refinishing a wood desk with more of a worn look.

Outdoor TV: One of summer’s hottest features, homes with an outdoor TV can get 28% more saves and 26% more shares per day than expected on Zillow, and outdoor TV installation is also up +12.7% year over year, according to Thumbtack data. The average national cost is $175-$300, though costs could increase depending on electrical capabilities and weatherproofing.

Outdoor TVs are not only great for hosting gatherings on weekends, but offer homeowners a way to combine relaxing after work and enjoying their outdoor space after being stuck in an office all day.

Hiring a professional is recommended if the space needs additional electrical capabilities installed. If you’re unsure about weather-proofing needs or have any questions or concerns, it’s always best to hire a pro for their expertise and to make sure there isn’t a spendy incident down the line.

Picket Fence: A white picket fence is a timeless classic that buyers never tire of. Homes that have one can get 27% more saves and 31% more shares per day on Zillow compared to homes that don’t. The average national cost to install a picket fence is $7-$45 per linear foot.

Over a third (39%) of homeowners said their dream yard would have a fenced-in space for pets. With pets being a major priority for many, especially as pet-loving millennials dominate the housing market, fences are becoming a must have.

To ensure the stability and aesthetic of your fence, this is a job for the pros. A professional will also be able to advise you on the best fence for your space and climate so you’re not replacing it in two years, and don’t have a loose pup on your hands.

Pergola: As people spend more time in their yards and temperatures hit record highs, buyers are prioritizing solutions that bring in shade. Pergolas are either freestanding or structures attached to a home that create shaded outdoor living space.

Homes with a pergola can get 20% more saves and 24% more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes. The average national cost is $3,600 for a 10x10 foot pergola including labor and materials.

As people spend more time in their yards and temperatures hit record highs, they’re prioritizing solutions that bring shade. Not only can pergolas provide you with sun cover, they can also help with drainage and irrigation systems.

There are lots of customization options when it comes to pergolas, with different materials for every budget, space, and design preference. The tried-and-true wooden pergolas are normally custom built and configured to the homeowners needs and preferences, which requires a pro’s help. Either way, with heat waves continuing to spread across the country, shade is a must this summer.

Fire Pit: Summer nights filled with s’mores and stargazing require a fire pit. Homes that have one can get 19% more saves and 23% more shares per day on Zillow. The average national cost is a couple hundred dollars depending on the kit purchased.

Nothing screams summer like roasting s’mores over a fire pit. This is a DIY-friendly project, as materials are accessible at any local hardware store. With some imagination, bricks and a shovel, you can create a cozy fire pit that’s functional and beautiful.

If you’re going to tackle installation yourself, be sure to assess the surrounding area for potential fire hazards like low-hanging trees or nearby bushes. With a little work, you’ll be telling stories around the fire in no time.

Outdoor Sound System: Homes with an outdoor sound system can get 18% more saves and 19% more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes. The average national cost is $500-$2,000, depending on type and quality.

With 2024 being the year of the backyard, it’s no wonder buyers are prioritizing features that make hosting a little more fun. If you’re planning to install a sound system, we recommend bundling this project with the installation of an outdoor TV to save some time and money, as the same pro will be able to set up your outdoor sound system in tandem.

This is another project that is ideal for those that like to host, and will greatly increase the appeal of an outdoor space. A pro will be able to recommend the best set-up for your space and advise on whether you need mounted speakers or can install in-ceiling speakers for covered spaces. They’ll also be able to place your speakers for optimal sound quality and effect.

Smart Lighting: Smart home installations are up +21.8% year over year according to Thumbtack data, and smart lighting is a huge part of this increase. Plus, homes with smart lighting can get 18% more saves and 23% more shares per day on Zillow. The average national cost is $308 for installation.

Smart lighting not only helps homeowners save on energy bills but it can create a more pleasant ambiance. Consider installing smart bulbs or switches that can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app or voice commands. Solar-powered lighting is also a great option for outdoor spaces that get plenty of sun.

Thumbtack’s No Demo Renovation Guide

By tackling a few of these projects this summer, you can not only boost the visibility of your home if you’re looking to sell, but also increase your own enjoyment of your home. Looking for additional ideas for easy ways to transform your space this summer without the tear down? Download our app and check out Thumbtack’s No Demo Renovation Guide, one of our 15+ in-app guides that offer a tailored, step-by-step guidance for projects to achieve your home goals.

Methodology: The analysis used listing data from 3.9 million homes listed for sale on Zillow between June 2023 and May 2024 for which complete data was available. Economists then looked for the presence or absence of 265 features mentioned in the listing descriptions. This analysis used multiple regression, comparing home views, saves and shares during their active listing period against their home type, region, listing month, pre-listing Zestimate, price per square foot, and list price-to-zestimate ratio. For more information on methodology, please contact [email protected].

No demo renovation projects are low budget projects (less than $5,000) that can improve your home without any demolitions. All year-over-year comparison data is based on findings from Thumbtack projects in January 2023 — April 2024. Pricing data is based on national average cost estimates and ranges using data provided either by Thumbtack pros or from external research, real prices may vary based on city and supply. Consult a pro for accurate pricing information.