When you purchase a home, it’s more than just a place to live—it’s an investment. A house is a big expense, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose money on it. If you put in the time and effort to keep it well-maintained, it’s possible that by the time you’re ready to move, you’ll actually have retained most of your home’s value—or even increased it.

Beyond simple maintenance, though, there are some upgrades you can make to your home that will significantly boost its value down the line.

1. Minor Kitchen Upgrades

The kitchen is one of the first things homebuyers want to see when they view a home they’re considering. Most buyers are looking for a modern kitchen that’s been recently updated. While a kitchen remodel may seem like a daunting project, though, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an ordeal. You don’t have to rip out everything and start from scratch. Instead, pay attention to the items that will likely bring the biggest return. You can replace the major appliances, the floors, and the countertop for just a few thousand dollars if you are careful and do your research. That money is well-spent, though, as you may be able to boost the sale price of the home by anywhere between 3 and 7 percent.

2. Bathroom Additions

Depending on how you handle the renovation, adding an extra bathroom to your home can bring a lot of value. When you put in a new bathroom, you can generally recoup anywhere between 80 and 30 percent, according to some estimates.

When looking for the right place to add a new bathroom in your home, keep in mind spaces that are underutilized. Closets, areas under the stairs, and extra rooms are all potential spots. As a rule of thumb, plan for at least 18 square feet for a half-bath, 30 square feet for a ¾ bath with a stand-up shower, and 35 square feet if you want a full bath with a bathtub.

3. New Entry Doors

It may seem simple, but replacing the front door of your home can bring a lot of value. The front door is one of the first things a homebuyer is going to see when they view your home, and you want that first impression to be good. At a 96.6 percent return on investment, replacing an entry door typically ends up recouping most of the money spent on it when it sells. If you’re not interested in completely replacing the front door, even a fresh coat of paint can have a big impact.

4. Inground Pools

There is a lot of debate about whether installing an inground pool is a wise investment. It can definitely add value to your home, but just how much depends on several factors, particularly your location. In some places, an inground pool can be off-putting, since it can be expensive to operate with very little benefit. In areas like Southern California, the Southwest, or the Deep South, where summers are sweltering, it can bring significant value to your home. Also, an investment in an inground pool is most sound if you’re planning to stay in your home for several years and will use the pool regularly.

When you are considering installing an inground pool, make sure to do your research. Compare values of various homes in your area that do and do not have pools attached. As you design your pool, look at what similar home owners have done—and don’t be afraid to be specific. Different styles of pool are more likely to sell in different places due to climate or soil quality, so be aware that the type of inground pools San Diego home owners build may be different than the popular pool designs in Phoenix or San Diego.

5. Backyard Decks

Outdoor spaces are increasingly sought after. Particularly during the warm summer months, people like to entertain outside. Adding a deck to your home provides a comfortable space for people to gather. If you’re willing (and able) to do a significant chunk of the work yourself, you can also save a significant amount of money—often as much as half. If you need to buy the necessary tools, however, then you’ll end up losing most of those savings, particularly if you don’t plan to use the tools again later. In the end, it may be more efficient to just hire a contractor.

Just remember, these additions will only add value if they're done well. Make sure you do your research and hire skilled professionals to help you through the process of designing and executing these projects.