Top 10 No-Demo Projects That Boost Your Home's Appeal, According to New Report

With soaring home ownership costs, making major changes to your home can feel unachievable. Knocking down walls and re-working plumbing is expensive and time-consuming. But re-vamping your residence doesn't always have to break the bank. And in fact, improvements that don't require demolition can make your home more attractive to you—and potential buyers—according to a new report from Zillow and Thumbtack. Ahead, see the low-lift projects that inspire more saves and shares on the real estate site, suggesting a higher demand for properties with those features. So, what are you waiting for? Boost your home base with these no-demo renovation projects.

Window Box

Properties with a window box can get 48 percent more saves and 52 percent more shares per day on Zillow compared to homes without this feature. The average national cost is $100 to $150 for professional installation; prices can range from $15 to $900 for materials. 

Open Shelving

While open shelving can run hundreds of dollars for professional installation, Zillow notes that homes with this pretty feature get 37 percent more saves and 45 percent more shares per day.

Painted Brick

Homes with painted brick can attain 31 percent more saves and 39 percent more shares per day compared to similar homes.

Vintage Finishes

Vintage enhancements like crown molding add a sense of warmth and charm to a home, which can get 28 percent more saves and 31 percent more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes.

Outdoor TV

Homes with an outdoor TV can receive 28 percent more saves and 26 percent more shares per day. The average national cost is $175 to $300, however this may vary depending on electrical capabilities and weatherproofing. 

Picket Fence

This classic staple earns homes 27 percent more saves and 31 percent more shares per day. The average national cost to install a picket fence is $7 to $45 per linear foot. 

Pergola

Homes with a pergola can get 20 percent more saves and 24 percent more shares per day. The average national cost is $3,600 for a 10-by-10-foot pergola, including labor and materials.

Fire Pit

Gathering around a fire, toasting s'mores, sharing stories—installing a fire pit is worthwhile. This DIY-friendly project can cost, on average, a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the kit purchased—and can encourage 19 percent more saves and 23 percent more shares per day on Zillow.

Outdoor Sound System

Homes with this modern feature can get 18 percent more saves and 19 percent more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes. Thumbtack recommends installing this in tandem with an outdoor TV, as the same pro will be able to set them up. The average national cost is $500 to $2,000, depending on the type and quality of the system.

Smart Lighting

This tech enhancement can bring 18 percent more saves and 23 percent more shares per day on Zillow. The average national cost is $308 for installation.