How does Utah compare with the national average for a major kitchen remodel?

Homeowners in Utah typically recoup about 48% of the project's cost at resale, versus ~50% nationally. Utah is part of the Mountain Census division, which has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.

What most affects the actual return in Utah?

Recency and condition. In Roots' model, work under 2 years old counts fully toward resale value, then depreciates toward ~20% after 10 years. A home with a documented maintenance record also typically sells closer to asking. Market conditions in the Mountain division set the regional baseline.

Where do these numbers come from?

Roots calibrates the national baseline for a major kitchen remodel against the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda), then applies a Mountain-division adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, plus the model's own age and condition factors. Figures are modeled estimates, not appraisals.

Is a major kitchen remodel worth it in Utah?

Quick answer: Only partly, in dollar terms. In Utah, a major kitchen remodel typically returns about 48% of its cost at resale, below the ~50% national average. It adds real value, but treat it as an improvement you'll enjoy rather than an investment that pays for itself.

How Utah compares

Utah is part of the Mountain U.S. Census division, which has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 divisions in Roots' valuation model. In practice that means a major kitchen remodel that returns ~50% of its cost nationally typically returns ~48% for a Utah home.

The same regional adjustment applies across the division (Utah plus AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, WY). Nationwide, the spread for this project runs from ~41% in the West North Central division to ~58% in the Pacific division. See the national breakdown for every region.

The Mountain market

The Mountain West has drawn steady in-migration for years, and its housing stock skews newer than the national average. The dry, high-sun climate is gentler on some parts of a home and harder on others: sun exposure ages roofs and finishes, while low humidity spares basements and framing.

With so much recent construction, interiors that match new-build standards hold their value best here.

How other projects return in Utah

Project	Typical return in Utah
Major kitchen remodel (this page)	~48%
Wood deck addition	~80%
Bathroom remodel	~71%
Basement remodel	~68%
Window replacement	~64%

Return figures are typical resale-return estimates from Roots' home valuation model. Actual results vary by market, home, and workmanship, and shouldn't be relied on for lending, insurance, or tax decisions.

Sources: national baseline for this project calibrated against the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda); regional adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report.

Protect the value you add

Whatever the project returns on paper, condition decides what you actually get: in Roots' model the value of completed work fades as it ages, and a documented maintenance record helps a home sell closer to asking. If you're planning around resale value, start with upkeep. The free maintenance checklist generator builds a seasonal schedule for Utah homes in about a minute.

The bottom line

“According to Roots' home valuation model, Utah's Mountain region has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. Census divisions. A major kitchen remodel there typically recoups about 48% of its cost, within a nationwide range of ~41% to ~58%.” — Roots home valuation model (regionally adjusted resale-return estimates)

Free tool Keep your home in the condition that holds its value The homes that hold their value are the ones that stay well maintained. Build a free maintenance checklist tuned to your home. It takes about 30 seconds and there is no signup.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a major kitchen remodel worth it in Utah?: Only partly, in dollar terms. In Utah, a major kitchen remodel typically returns about 48% of its cost at resale, below the ~50% national average. It adds real value, but treat it as an improvement you’ll enjoy rather than an investment that pays for itself.
How does Utah compare with the national average for a major kitchen remodel?: Homeowners in Utah typically recoup about 48% of the project’s cost at resale, versus ~50% nationally. Utah is part of the Mountain Census division, which has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.
What most affects the actual return in Utah?: Recency and condition. In Roots’ model, work under 2 years old counts fully toward resale value, then depreciates toward ~20% after 10 years. A home with a documented maintenance record also typically sells closer to asking. Market conditions in the Mountain division set the regional baseline.
Where do these numbers come from?: Roots calibrates the national baseline for a major kitchen remodel against the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda), then applies a Mountain-division adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, plus the model’s own age and condition factors. Figures are modeled estimates, not appraisals.

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