2025 Remodeling Checklist: What to Upgrade First in Your Home

So you’re remodeling and wondering where to start? Strategic upgrades are more important than ever with costs going up, home equity remaining strong and Sacramento’s housing market staying hot. Prioritizing the right projects will help you stay on budget, add long term value to your home and allow you to enjoy the upgrades yourself.

At HEX General Contractors, we’ve helped countless Sacramento homeowners remodel their kitchens, bathrooms, home exteriors and more. You can consider this our experienced guide on where to start, what adds the most value and which upgrades make the biggest impact for Sacramento and Bay Area homeowners in particular.

1. Start with the Kitchen: The Heart of Your Home

If you only renovate one part of your home in 2025, make it the kitchen.

Kitchens continue to top the list of remodeling priorities because they have a high return on investment (ROI) and have a massive impact on daily life. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report for the Pacific region, even a minor kitchen remodel recoups about 134.3% of its cost in added value.

Kitchen upgrades that matter in Sacramento:

• Installing a large island to maximize your space and functionality.

• Adding energy-efficient appliances that provide a kickback.

• Upgrading to quartz or granite countertops for a luxury feel and timeless durability.

• Switching to custom cabinetry for storage optimization and class.

• Including a walk-in pantry or built-in storage nook for ease of use.

Local design tip: California homeowners love kitchens that blend indoor-outdoor living. Consider a layout that connects your kitchen to your patio or garden.

2. Next Up: Bathroom Remodels That Boost Comfort

Bathrooms are easily the second most impactful space to renovate.

A well-designed bathroom adds comfort, storage, and boosts daily enjoyment (while also appealing to potential buyers). Modern bathrooms with walk-in showers, upgraded tile, and functional vanities are especially popular with homebuyers in 2025.

Where to start with bathroom renovations in Sacramento:

• Consider converting your outdated tub to a walk-in shower.

• Install double vanities in the primary suite to provide immediate premier impact.

• Add natural light via skylights or clerestory windows to raise the bar.

• Choose timeless, neutral tile finishes, or go with 2025’s Color of the Year.

• Use water-efficient plumbing fixtures to win big over time.

Even a midrange bathroom remodel in the Pacific region sees a compelling ROI of 95.6%! You aren’t taking much of a risk by upgrading your old bathrooms.

3. Open Up the Floor Plan

California homeowners are still asking for open layouts that maximize flow and natural light.

If your home has closed off kitchens, unnecessary walls or awkward hallways, now might be the perfect time to reconfigure. Removing a wall to open up your space can make your home feel much larger without the high cost of adding square footage.

Common layout changes for Bay Area homes:

• Kitchen-to-living room pass-throughs to connect the spaces.

• Expanding dining areas for large tablescapes.

• Creating office nooks or flex spaces that complement home-work life.

• Connecting indoor spaces to the backyard with French or sliding doors to take advantage of California weather.

Feasibility matters: During a consultation with HEX we can assess which walls are load bearing and recommend the most cost effective ways to open up your layout.

4. Siding and Windows for Curb Appeal and Energy Efficiency

If your siding is faded, cracked or outdated, upgrading it not only beautifies your home—it protects it.

Fiber cement siding (like James Hardie) is popular in Sacramento for its durability, low maintenance and fire resistance. Replacing siding and windows will also improve the energy efficiency of your home—a crucial benefit in hot California summers and chilly winters.

ROI for Sacramento siding and window upgrades:

• Fiber-cement siding: 115.7% ROI

• Vinyl siding: 89.6% ROI

• Vinyl windows: 85.9% ROI

• Wood windows: 80.9% ROI

Pro tip: Pair new windows with custom exterior trim and paint to completely transform your home’s curb appeal.

5. Expand if Needed: ADUs, Room Additions, or Bathroom Additions

If your family has outgrown your home or you want to increase your home’s function and value, consider each of these options.

Sacramento’s recent ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) policies have made it easier than ever to build a second unit for family, guests or even rental income. Bathroom additions are also a smart way to boost usability and home value.

Popular home expansion projects in Sacramento:

• Primary suite additions are a huge home upgrade.

• Bathroom additions are especially popular with older or smaller homes.

• ADUs provide all kinds of options for creative use, including passive income.

• Sunrooms or home offices are always a big California hit.

Not sure what’s possible? Our experienced team at HEX will walk you through zoning, permits, and cost so you know exactly what's possible for your property and budget.

Your Partner in Home Renovations

If you’re remodeling your Sacramento home in 2025, start with what matters most: functionality, comfort, and resale value. Begin with the kitchen and bathrooms while evaluating whether your layout is working for you. Improving your energy efficiency and curb appeal with siding and windows can be considered later. Any additions to maximize your space can be handled expertly by our team at HEX. We help homeowners turn their renovation dreams into reality. From feasibility consultations to 3D modeling and full-scale construction, our team makes every step easier.

Contact HEX today for a free estimate and let’s talk about the best upgrades for your home and your future.