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What Home Improvements Add the Most Value in Lafayette, Indiana?

May 1, 2026
May 15, 2026

Will I Make My Money Back on a Kitchen Remodel?

If you're planning on making some renovations to your home, one of the first questions on your mind is probably “Will I make my money back on a kitchen remodel?”

In short, yes. A kitchen remodel is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make—enhancing your daily living while adding meaningful value to your home. Thoughtful updates, modern finishes, and improved functionality are especially attractive to buyers, making your kitchen a standout feature when it’s time to sell.

Is a kitchen remodel worth the cost?

The answer varies depending on which type of remodel you end up doing. To help you plan your investment, here's a look at the three main categories and their expected returns.

 

Major Kitchen Remodel

A major kitchen remodel involves changing the structure and integrity of your kitchen. Usually, this is a more significant undertaking that can dramatically transform how the space looks, flows, and functions.

A few major kitchen remodel projects include:

  • Adding a kitchen island for additional prep space and seating
  • Replacing the sink, stove, or other major appliances
  • Completely updating flooring, walls, and or ceilings

The average ROI for a major kitchen remodel in 2025 sits around 50%. That means if you invest $60,000 in a major remodel, you can expect to recoup roughly $30,000 in added home value—not a full return, but a meaningful one. Plus, a major renovation can be worth it if your kitchen is outdated or if you're planning to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the improvements yourself.

 

Upscale Kitchen Remodels

Upscale kitchen remodel projects bring a little luxury to everyday cooking and create a space that becomes the true heart of the home. These finishes make a lasting impression on everyone who walks through the door.

Common upscale kitchen remodel projects include:

  • Commercial-grade cooking equipment and professional ranges
  • High-end appliances
  • Custom lighting and architectural designs
  • Elaborate decorative finishes such as custom cabinetry, stone backsplashes, and specialty tiles

From a resale standpoint, upscale remodels carry an ROI of around 35%. If you plan to enjoy your home for years to come, the daily value of a beautifully appointed kitchen is something no spreadsheet can fully capture. And when it does come time to sell, a stunning kitchen sets your listing apart and attracts buyers who are willing to pay a premium for it.

 

Minor Kitchen Remodels

As of 2025, minor kitchen remodels are proving to be an outstanding financial investment. In fact, they're one of the few home improvement projects that can return more than you put in. These remodels focus on refreshing your kitchen's look and function while keeping the existing structure and layout intact.

Typical minor kitchen remodel projects include:

  • Hardware updates such as new sink facets or cabinet handles
  • Cabinet refinishing
  • New countertops in materials like quartz or granite
  • Updated flooring

Because you're working within your kitchen's existing footprint, costs stay manageable, and the visual transformation can be dramatic. Homeowners doing minor kitchen remodels in the area are seeing an average ROI of 122%, meaning you're likely to more than recover what you spend.

Will I make my money back on a kitchen remodel in Lafayette, Indiana?

A kitchen remodel is only as valuable as the workmanship behind it. That’s why working with a qualified, experienced general contractor matters. From staying on schedule and within budget to ensuring everything meets local code, those details directly impact the return you see—both financially and in how your space functions day to day.

The Thayer’s team has worked with homeowners across Lafayette, Indiana to transform outdated kitchens into spaces that support more comfortable daily living while also strengthening long-term resale value. Our professionals manage every phase of the project with precision and clear communication, so you can move forward with confidence.

In Lafayette, Indiana, a kitchen remodel remains one of the smartest investments you can make. With the right scope, clear expectations, and a trusted team leading the way, your project won’t just look good when it’s finished—it will continue to pay off in how your home feels, functions, and performs for years to come.

Kitchen Remodel FAQs

What are the benefits of a kitchen remodel?

How do I know when it’s time for a kitchen remodel?

How do I know when a kitchen remodel isn’t worth it?

How do I know when a kitchen remodel isn’t worth it?
With over 50 years of experience as a full-service contractor in Lafayette, Indiana and the surrounding area, Thayer’s is dedicated to providing a worry-free experience built on quality, communication, and transparency. From roofing and siding to kitchen and bathroom renovations, our expert team of tradesmen will handle every part of your project with exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to getting the job done right the first time. Contact us to get started on your next project.

From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, you’ll know what’s happening, who’s handling it, and when it will be done.

Over the last 50 years, Thayer’s has become more than just a painting contractor. And through those years of experience, we’ve found that clear communication, dependable crews, and respect for your home matter just as much as craftsmanship itself.

Whether you’re tackling a small update or a major renovation, you’ll have one contractor managing the entire process.

And when your project is complete, you’ll have confidence in the work, relief that everything went as planned, and a contractor you trust for all future projects.

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For over 50 years, our expertise has expanded, leading to the companion companies, Thayer’s Painting and Thayer’s Exteriors.

Today, we’re equipped to assist you with projects ranging from painting, roofing, and siding, to kitchen and bath remodels, and much more as experienced general contractors in Lafayette, Indiana. While we’ve grown to nearly 30 dedicated employees, we’re still proudly family-owned and operated, with three generations of Thayer’s waiting to meet your needs.

At our core, Thayer’s emphasis is on improving homes and building relationships. When you choose us, you can be confident that we’ll treat your home with the same respect and care we’d give our own. We take immense pride in every job, and that’s a promise we’ve kept since day one.

From our humble beginnings to today, we’re grateful for the trust the Lafayette community and the surrounding areas has placed in us. We look forward to continuing our legacy of quality, integrity, and exceptional service for many more years to come.

Thayer’s construction services have been transforming homes across the Greater Lafayette area since our founding. When you learn about Thayer’s construction services, you discover a legacy built on family values, exceptional craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication to our community.