Thinking about selling your Willowbrook home one day—or just want to fall in love with it again?
Whether you’re prepping to list in five months or five years, smart renovations can make a big difference in your home’s value and daily enjoyment. Here are the top 10 home renovation projects to boost your property value in Willowbrook.
At New Floor Coverings, we’ve helped homeowners across Willowbrook and the Chicagoland area invest in upgrades that not only boost resale value, but transform the way they live. From the roof replacement to basement remodels, let’s take a look at how renovations can pay off (literally).
Looking For Something In Particular?
- Why Renovating Your Willowbrook Home Pays Off
- What Makes Willowbrook Renovation Needs Unique?
- 1. Kitchen Remodels in Willowbrook, IL Significantly Raises Property Value
- 2. Luxury Flooring Installation for Modern Willowbrook Homes
- 3. Transformative Bathroom Renovations in Willowbrook
- 4. Maximize Space with Basement Finishing
- 5. Boost Efficiency with Energy-Efficient Window Replacements
- 6. Increased Curb Appeal In Willowbrook
- 7. Modern Lighting + Fixtures
- 8. Functional Mudroom Upgrades for Busy Willowbrook Families
- 9. Open Concept Remodeling Ideas That Make Homes Feel Bigger
- 10. Smart Home Features That Appeal to Willowbrook Buyers
Why Renovating Your Willowbrook Home Pays Off
Renovations do two things that every homeowner loves:
- They make your home more attractive to buyers.
Buyers in the western suburbs want clean, modern, move-in ready homes. The more updated and functional your home is, the faster and easier it’ll sell. If buyers see that they need (or would want to) make renovations to complete their dream home, they might check out other options before deciding to take yours home. It’s like buying a brand new Transformers action figure vs. an old one that needs fixing.
- They raise the asking price.
Strategic renovations—which we’ll get to in a second—can give you a major return on investment (ROI). In Willowbrook’s competitive market, that could mean tens of thousands of extra dollars in your pocket.
What Makes Willowbrook Renovation Needs Unique?
Located just outside Chicago, Willowbrook sees all four seasons—hot summers, snowy winters, and everything in between. This climate demands durable materials and efficient designs that make life easier year-round.
Here’s what matters most to local buyers:
- Durability – Think waterproof flooring, long-lasting siding, and updated roofing to handle Midwest weather.
- Comfort & Energy Efficiency – Buyers want homes that are insulated, quiet, and efficient. Double-pane windows, newer HVAC systems, and smart thermostats all make a difference.
- Family-Friendly Layouts – Open concept living, finished basements, and functional kitchens are huge for growing families.
Now, let’s dive into the top 10 renovation projects that deliver serious bang for your buck in Willowbrook:
1. Kitchen Remodels are the Biggest Value Add Amongst Willowbrook Home Renovation Projects
In any suburb, the kitchen is king. You don’t have to go ultra-luxury—but a refreshed kitchen makes your home stand out.
Key upgrades to consider:
- New countertops (quartz is a great modern pick)
- Soft-close cabinetry (or new cabinetry!)
- Modern backsplashes
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Changing kitchen layouts (U-Shape, L-Shape, Island, etc.)
Why Homeowners Love It: A beautiful, functional kitchen makes meal prep and hosting effortless.
ROI: Kitchens offer one of the highest ROIs—up to 75% in mid-range remodels.
(Note: 75% ROI means if you spend $1,000 on a project, you’ll be able to increase your property value by $750)
2. Luxury Flooring Installation for Modern Homes
Start here—it’s what your feet (and buyers’) touch first. Outdated carpets or scratched-up hardwood can age your entire home.
Top flooring upgrades in Willowbrook:
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): Durable, waterproof, and kid/pet friendly
- Engineered hardwood: Classic look, better for humidity shifts than solid wood
- Modern tile or laminate: Great for basements, bathrooms, and kitchens
Why Homeowners Love It: New flooring instantly modernizes any room and makes cleaning chardonnay stains a breeze.
ROI: Mid-range kitchen or bath projects that include flooring typically have a 60-75% ROI.
3. Bathroom Transformations for a Valuable Willowbrook Home Renovation
Bathrooms that feel clean, modern, and spa-like are a big win with Willowbrook buyers. Turning your bathroom to dual vanity is also a big plus if your spouse tends to hog the sink and mirror!
Easy wins:
- Walk-in showers
- Dual vanities (who doesn’t love more space?)
- Updated flooring and tile
- Water-saving fixtures
Why Homeowners Love It: Starts your day with style and function.
ROI: Bathrooms are often deal-makers (or breakers) for home sales recouping ~58–60% ROI
4. Maximize Space with Basement Finishing
Basements in Willowbrook homes offer serious untapped potential. Whether it’s a media room, office, or guest suite—it’s all usable square footage like a blank canvas.
Great ideas:
- Add luxury vinyl plank for durability
- Create a rec room or in-law suite
- Add a bathroom or wet bar for extra functionality
Why Homeowners Love It: More room to relax, entertain, or rent out.
ROI: The ROI for a finished basement depends on the realtor you talk to, but you can expect to add 30–50% of their cost back in resale value.
5. Energy-Efficient Windows: A Willowbrook Home Renovation Essential
With cold winters and hot summers, Willowbrook homeowners benefit big-time from updated windows. You can even cut up to 30% of costs on your energy bill with this upgrade, giving your home another feature to promote to buyers.
Look for:
- Double or triple-pane windows
- Argon gas insulation
- UV-blocking coatings
Why Homeowners Love It: Keeps the home quiet and temperature-controlled year-round.
ROI: According to national data, you can recoup around 70-80%, making this a huge ROI investment.
6. Increased Curb Appeal With Willowbrook Home Renovation Projects
First impressions matter—especially in family-centric neighborhoods.
Simple but effective updates:
- Fresh exterior paint or new siding
- Sprucing up your front yard with landscaping and native plants
- New front door or modern house numbers
Why Homeowners Love It: Makes your house the best-looking one on the block.
ROI: Professional landscaping can boost home value by 15–20%. While this isn’t a huge ROI investment on paper, it’ll help your home get more clicks on digital listings (the prettier the better!)
7. Modern Lighting + Fixtures
Outdated lighting can date your home fast. Upgrading it adds instant style and better function.
Top lighting trends:
- Recessed lighting
- Matte black or brushed gold fixtures
- Pendant lights over islands and dining tables
Why Homeowners Love It: Creates cozy, functional spaces throughout the home.
ROI: LED switches and energy-efficient bulbs help cut energy use by ~10–20%.
8. Functional Mudroom Upgrades for Busy Willowbrook Families
Midwestern homes see lots of mud, snow, and salt. A functional entryway goes a long way.
Consider adding:
- Built-in cubbies or benches
- Durable tile or waterproof LVP
- Hooks, shelving, and storage
Why Homeowners Love It: Keeps daily clutter organized and under control.
ROI: While no ROI-specific numbers, designers note that a winter-ready mudroom adds functional value and potential visual appeal
9. Open Concept Remodeling Ideas That Make Homes Feel Bigger
Older homes in Willowbrook may have closed-off floor plans. Opening things up instantly modernizes your space.
Ideas:
- Knock down non-load-bearing walls
- Install uniform flooring to create flow
- Use lighting and layout to define spaces without walls
Why Homeowners Love It: Feels bigger, brighter, and better for entertaining.
ROI: While there isn’t regional ROI data, the national median says ROI for major remodels is ~69%. Plus, today’s buyers often filter listings for “open floor plan” online—make sure yours qualifies.
10. Smart Home Features That Appeal to Willowbrook Buyers
Even in the suburbs, buyers expect a little tech. Make your home smarter and more functional with these upgrades.
Start with:
- Smart thermostats
- Video doorbells
- Keyless entry or smart locks
- Voice-controlled lighting
Why Homeowners Love It: Convenience and safety, all from your phone.
ROI: Energy automation systems reduce heating/cooling costs by ~10%, and overall energy by up to 20%
Final Thoughts: Renovate With Confidence
Whether you’re staying for years or prepping to sell, the right renovations bring long-term enjoyment and short-term value. Focus on the projects that improve your day-to-day while future-proofing your home for resale.
At New Floor Coverings, we specialize in flooring upgrades that transform your home from the ground up. From waterproof luxury vinyl to hardwood that stuns, we help Willowbrook homeowners make the most of every step.
Contact us today for a FREE in-home consultation—and take the first step toward a more valuable, beautiful home.
Boost your property value, today.
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