If a home renovation project is on your to-do list this year, you’ve probably considered the math. And you’ve probably concluded that exterior projects like replacing your garage door, upgrading your siding, or adding a deck deliver the best return on investment (ROI). But homes aren’t spreadsheets, and not every decision comes down to resale value.
There’s also the simple question of joy. How does the space feel to live in, day after day? If you’re not planning to sell your home anytime soon, that happiness may matter just as much—or even more —than the money. With that in mind, we’re spotlighting three home improvement projects that scored a perfect “Joy Score” from the National Association of REALTORSⓇ (NAR).
What exactly is a “Joy Score”?
In its report on remodeling impact, NAR assigns each project a “Joy Score” based on how happy homeowners felt after the work was done. The score reflects how upgrades actually improve daily life—better functionality and flow, improved aeshetics and sense of personality, and increased energy efficiency.
Home Improvement Projects With Perfect Joy Scores
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Adding a Primary Suite
What it is: A primary suite addition is a primary bedroom with en suite bathroom. It can involve adding additional square footage to your home or converting existing square footage.
ROI: The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report estimates an average ROI of 32% for a mid-range primary suite addition and just 18% for an upscale addition. But Realtors like Jon Wade, broker-owner of The Steamboat Group in Colorado, estimates closer to 50% to 60%
Joy score: NAR gives a primary suite addition a 10/10—and experts agree that it can be a game changer, especially for parents with kids. “It allows the parents to have a space of their own, separate from their kids, where they can recharge at the end of each day,” says Kevin Keen, a contractor and owner of Keen’s Buildings in Florida.
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Kitchen Upgrade
What it is: A kitchen upgrade can be minor or major. The former might include updated cabinet fronts, hardware, appliances, countertops, and flooring, while the latter might include semi-custom cabinetry, a kitchen island, and built-ins like a microwave, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. (Importantly, it’s not a complete kitchen renovation, although that gets a near-perfect joy score of 9.7.)
ROI: The return on investment for a kitchen renovation project runs the gamut from 36% for an upscale major remodel to over 100% for a mid-range minor remodel. And if you want to get even more granular, certain features offer better dividends than others. For example, Callie Rippolone, the founder of By Callie Rippolone Design, explains that soft-close hinges, which can cost $50 per hinge, are going to impact the value of your home in the long run. “They prevent cabinets from slamming shut, which reduces wear and tear over time,” Rippolone notes. “They are easy to install and can also be added to pre-existing cabinets if needed.”
Joy score: Nitty gritty details aside, NAR gives kitchen upgrades a perfect 10. That’s likely because the kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in your ho