If I remodel my kitchen or bathroom, will I surely recoup my investment? 

While kitchens and bathrooms can increase the value of a home, you probably won’t recoup the cost of major renovations. On the other hand, small things like new countertops and appliances may work better to get the attention of potential buyers. While it seems like the natural thing to do, ultimately a full renovation of any room is a low return project. An appraisal expert can tell you if a renovation will raise the aftermarket value of your home or if you should stick with those small changes instead.