Answers

Decide first if you are going to make choices for YOUR forever home or for something you plan to sell in a few years.  Don't go with 'trendy' choices or your ROI will certainly dwindle. If you plan to stay for a while- make choices based on what YOU like and can live with until you are ready to move on. Chances are the next owner may want something completely different anyways. Please yourself for the time you plan to stay there.

I agree with Philip. Visit the link below, select your region and you'll get a ton of ROI data:

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2016/

Hope that helps and good luck!

Clifton Muckenfuss

Carolina Exteriors

Apex, NC

I always refer clients to Remodeling Magazine Price Value Ratio. If you go to Remodeling Magazine it will pop right up.  It is the bible of the industry.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley, Ca

Phillip and Clifton have it right on.  That's our reference as well.  Digging one level deeper, the biggest bang for your buck generally comes from direct replacement projects.  Meaning, if you need to move the systems (plumbing, HVAC ect) for a remodel, less money is invested into the fixtures and finishes that people get to see.  We wish you all the best with your project!

If you view the renovations from a Real Estate/Reselling standpoint, the kitchen is the best investment in my opinion. Followed by bathrooms. Kitchens have sold homes. If that is your goal, start there. Good Luck!

I would like to add that it doesn't always take a major renovation in a kitchen to make it more desirable. Sometimes things as simple as adding a backsplash and re-facing the cabinets or painting them can freshen it up just enough to add value and make it more desirable to potential buyers. 

The short answer is the percentage of ROI varies by region but, kitchen and bathroom upgrades including new cabinets and countertops always top the list. From there it depends a lot on the house, it's condition, and what you're wanting to do with it.