Smart Home Upgrades

A complete smart home system—thermostat ($250), video doorbell ($200), smart locks ($250), automated lighting ($500), and a hub ($100)—costs roughly $1,300, yet surveys show 65% of millennials and Gen Z buyers will pay a premium for a "smart" home. Choosing mainstream ecosystems like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit, plus energy monitoring that saves 10-15% on utilities, ensures longevity over proprietary systems. While #8 Exterior Paint offers 55-70% resale return, smart upgrades deliver a higher perceived value for the lowest cost in this list, making them the cheapest renovation with the most modern appeal.