Top 7 Renovation Ideas to Add Value to you Home in 2026

Renovating your home is one of the most effective ways to increase its value, improve functionality, and create a space that better suits your lifestyle. Here in the Bay of Plenty, the Zephyr Construction team is seeing homeowners increasingly focus on upgrades that enhance indoor–outdoor flow, improve energy efficiency, and withstand coastal conditions.

Whether you’re preparing to sell or planning a long-term investment, these are the top seven renovation ideas that will add the most value to your Bay of Plenty home in 2026.

1. Modern Kitchen Upgrades

A high-quality kitchen renovation remains one of the best ways to increase home value. In the Bay of Plenty, coastal-inspired finishes and functional layouts are especially popular.

High-value upgrades include:

• Updating benchtops and surfaces to give the kitchen a fresh, modern look

• Refreshing cabinetry for better style and functionality

• Upgrading old appliances to newer, more efficient options

• Improving overall lighting to brighten and modernise the space

• Adjusting the layout to create better flow between living, dining, and outdoor areas
  
  

A kitchen that feels bright, modern, and easy to use will always stand out to buyers and significantly enhance everyday living.

2. Transforming Your Outdoor Living Space

With the region’s warmer climate and beachside lifestyle, outdoor spaces play a huge role in Bay of Plenty homes. Creating a functional outdoor area can dramatically boost your home’s appeal and value.

Popular additions include:

• Adding or upgrading a deck to create a usable outdoor space

• Creating sheltered areas for outdoor dining and relaxing

• Designing dedicated spots for cooking or entertaining outside

• Including overhead structures for shade and weather protection

• Improving access between indoor and outdoor areas for better flow
  
  

Good design can turn a backyard into a true extension of your home, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and making the most of the sunshine.

3. Bathroom Renovations That Feel Like a Retreat

Bathrooms are another high-value renovation, especially when modern fittings and waterproofing are done correctly by an experienced builder.

Key upgrades include:

• Updating showers and fittings for a more modern look and feel

• Refreshing or upgrading bathroom fixtures to create a feature space

• Improving storage and benchtops for better functionality

• Choosing durable, good-quality fittings suited to everyday use

• Adding comfort features to make the space warmer and more enjoyable

A fresh, modern bathroom instantly lifts the feel of a home and offers an excellent return on investment.

4. Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Energy-efficient homes are increasingly sought after, and many improvements cost less than people think. Not only do they add value, but they also make your home warmer, healthier, and cheaper to run.

Consider:

• Improving insulation to make the home warmer and more efficient

• Upgrading windows and doors to double glazing for better comfort and performance

• Installing modern heating or ventilation options

• Considering energy-saving solutions like solar power

• Switching to efficient lighting for lower running costs and better brightness

These upgrades help future-proof your home and reduce your annual power costs—something every homeowner appreciates.

5. Adding Extra Space With an Extension

With more families working from home or needing additional living areas, extensions continue to be one of the most popular projects across the Bay of Plenty.

Common extensions include:

• Additional bedrooms & sleep outs

• A new master suite

• Home offices

• Second living rooms

• Attached garages or carports
  
  

A thoughtfully designed extension not only adds space but also significantly increases the overall resale value of your home.

6. Reconfiguring Your Layout for Better Flow

Sometimes the most effective renovation isn’t an extension—it’s simply making better use of the space you already have.

Smart layout improvements might include:

• Removing walls to create open-plan living

• Adding new internal doors or hallways

• Widening entrances to bring in more natural light

• Creating better storage solutions

• Improving sightlines between indoor and outdoor areas
  
  

These changes can transform how your home feels and functions without a full rebuild.

7. Exterior Upgrades That Improve Street Appeal

A home’s exterior makes a huge first impression. A tidy, fresh-looking exterior will always add value and attract interest.

Popular exterior improvements include:

• Repainting or updating cladding

• New gutters, fascia, or roofing

• Replacing windows and doors

• Adding feature timber elements

• Low-maintenance landscaping
  
  

These improvements not only make your home look better—they also help protect it from weather and coastal conditions.

Thinking About Renovating in 2026? We Can Help.

Here at Zephyr Construction, we specialise in renovations, extensions, and new builds across the Bay of Plenty. Whether you’re upgrading a kitchen, creating a new outdoor area, or planning a full home transformation, our team can guide you through the entire process.

If you’d like help turning your renovation ideas into reality, we’d love to chat. Get in touch to book a consultation.