Most people think the size of their renovation budget is what determines success. In reality, it's how you allocate those dollars that can make or break your return.

In this episode of Return On Design, Rachel Niederhofer and her husband Justin pull back the curtain on one of the biggest mistakes they see homeowners and investors make: treating every dollar in the budget the same. They share real examples from their own projects—including why sometimes replacing 1970s cabinetry is smarter than refinishing it, and how simple fixes like paint and lighting can create major transformation without blowing the budget.

You'll learn:

• Why kitchens and bathrooms usually deliver higher returns than living rooms or secondary spaces.
• How to identify pain points and goals before spending a single dollar.
• The power of getting multiple bids—and why semi-custom solutions can sometimes outperform full custom work.
• How to avoid overspending by moving walls, plumbing, or gas lines unnecessarily.
• Why "keeping it simple" often produces the smartest ROI.

Whether you're renovating your own home or flipping an investment property, this episode will help you think strategically about every design choice—so you can elevate your space without overspending.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow, share it with a friend who's planning a renovation, and remember: the smartest design isn't always the most expensive—it's the one that pays off.