The hottest no-demo renovations

The list, which encompasses projects typically completed under $5,000, couples "saves
 and "shares" data from Zillow along with project-specific cost data from Thumbtack.

Top 10 no-demo renovation projects of 2024

1. Window box: Homes with a window box can get 48 percent more "saves" and 52 percent more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes without this feature. The average national cost for window boxes is $100–$150 for professional installation and $15–$900 for materials, depending on the types purchased. 
2. Open shelving: Homes with open shelving can get an additional 37 percent more saves and 45 percent 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 installations are up 31.5 percent year over year.
3. Painted brick: Homes with painted brick can get 31 percent more saves and 39 percent 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. 
4. Vintage touches and finishes: Homes with vintage features can get 28 percent more saves and 31 percent more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes. Vintage decor pricing varies widely, but homeowners can find great vintage pieces and accessories for less than $100. One example is vintage crown molding, which costs $2–$50 per linear foot, depending on the material.
5. Outdoor TV: Homes with an outdoor TV can receive 28 percent more saves and 26 percent more shares per day than expected on Zillow. The average national cost is $175–$300, though costs could increase depending on wiring and weatherproofing. Outdoor TV installations are up 12.7 percent year over year, according to Thumbtack data. 
6. Picket fence: Homes with this classic feature can get 27 percent more saves and 31 percent more shares per day on Zillow compared to homes without. The average national cost to install a picket fence is $7–$45 per linear foot. 
7. Pergola: Homes with a pergola can get 20 percent more saves and 24 percent more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes. The average national cost is $3,600 for a 10-by-10-foot pergola, including labor and materials. 
8. Firepit: Homes with an attractive firepit can get 19 percent more saves and 23 percent more shares per day on Zillow. The average national cost is roughly $200, depending on materials. 
9. Outdoor sound system: Homes with an outdoor sound system can get 18 percent more saves and 19 percent more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes. The average national cost is $500–$2,000, depending on the type and quality of the system.
10. Smart lighting: Smart-home installations are up 21.8 percent year over year, according to Thumbtack data, with smart lighting accounting for much of that increase. Homes with smart lighting can get 18 percent more saves and 23 percent more shares per day on Zillow. The average national cost is $308 for installation.  

"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." 

"This data can reassure homeowners that they don't need to undergo a massive renovation to make a big impact on a home and increase buyer appeal," said Morgan Olsen, Thumbtack's design expert. "Whether it's a DIY project or pro-worthy, these small changes can make a significant transformation."

Read more about the research's methodology here.