Jan 05, 2026 / Home Equity
We can feel it — 2026 is your year to make big moves! And this year, you can start right at home.
If your kitchen’s still rocking fluorescent lighting or your bathroom’s trapped in 1998, your Utah First HELOC gives you the power to tackle the living upgrades you’ve dreamed about. Plus, when you invest in your home, you’re building value that lasts well beyond your New Year’s resolutions.
Need inspo to get you started? Here’s where Utah homeowners are seeing the best bang for their (literal) buck based on The Journal of Light Construction’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report on the Mountain states!
The kitchen is where Utah families gather, bake, budget, and — with smart HELOC upgrades — make money! A few simple swaps, like quartz countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and freshly painted cabinets, can return more than their cost. In Utah, a minor kitchen remodel in 2025 can recoup between 110% and 113% of its cost when it’s time to sell!
On top of that, Rocky Mountain Power and Dominion Energy rebates help Utahns save on ENERGY STAR® appliances after installation. That’s ROI with a side of ROI.
A midrange bathroom remodel in Utah averages a 61% to 80% ROI, and you don’t have to add gold fixtures to get there. The return is in the little things, like:
Every morning will feel a little more like a spa day, and that’s an upgrade worth waking up for.
Here in the land of snow days and summer heatwaves, energy-efficient doors and windows do double duty to keep your house comfy and bills low. They’re also high on buyer wish lists and can deliver “wow” at first sight.
New garage and entry doors, in particular, can sometimes return double what you spend. Swap your old entry door for a steel or fiberglass one and paint it a bold color (black and deep green are buyer favorites) to make a strong first impression — and potentially pocket a 200%+ ROI!
Vinyl window replacements also average around a 76% return, and that’s not even counting the lower utility bills you’ll score.
Unfinished basements are basically bonus square footage waiting to happen. Whether you’re adding bedrooms, a home theater, or a playroom for the kids, finished space adds serious value of up to 70%+ ROI, depending on quality.
Plus, Utah families love multi-use basements that double as guest suites or offices, which helps homes sell faster when the market gets competitive.
We live in the most scenic state on earth (we’ll die on this hill), so it’s no surprise that decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens are some of Utah’s hottest projects. Backyard decks in Utah also happen to recoup 90%+ of their costs!
Add a covered pergola for shade, a gas fire pit for winter s’mores, or a hot tub for post-skiing days, and you’ve got an instant listing highlight and a reason to stay home more often.
Not every project has to break the bank. New paint can refresh your space for pennies on the renovation dollar. Neutrals like warm white, greige, and soft sage are trending and make your home look well-kept in listing photos.
For your flooring, refinished hardwood or luxury vinyl plank can add polish and durability. Heated floors are a splurge, but one that Utah buyers absolutely love.
Adding a smart thermostat, lighting, or garage opener can make your house more efficient while also telling buyers you’ve kept up with the times. These are low-cost, high-perception upgrades that can help your home stand out in Utah’s tech-savvy market.
Your home’s next big chapter is waiting to be written, and your Utah First HELOC is the key to unlocking it!
With competitive rates, local support, flexible funds, and zero pressure to borrow more than you need, your HELOC gives you the freedom to dream big and build a space that’s more you than ever.