Home Improvements: Cost vs. Value

Home improvement trends can vary by region but experts nationwide agree on a few projects that will deliver the biggest bang for your buck.

Projects That Deliver the Best Returns Nationally

Curb Appeal

It’s so important in real estate for purposes of selling, but also for those who will be valuing your home for various reasons, such as an appraisal for a refinance or home equity line of credit. But curb appeal is also important in home renovations if you care about cost vs return on investment (ROl).

Exterior Projects

Starting at the front door, a replacement with steel entry door has massive ROl of as much as 188 percent, depending on the additional features you can select, such as side lights and wood casings, because the cost of the project is relatively low at under $2,500. Most doors come factory finished on both sides making installation easier, too.

Although not as exciting, but equally as valuable, is the replacement of garage doors.

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report published by Amarr.com, new steel garage doors generally come with a lifetime warranty and are complete with factory-applied paint and insulation. Windows in the top panel can add to the aesthetics of the home, and at a job cost of under $5,000, the return on your investment can range from 175 percent to 195 percent.195 percent.

Rounding out the top exterior improvements of the home, is manufactured stone veneer, a highly popular

choice to enhance the appearance of your home and deliver value. Experts estimate the ROl, based on a job cost of around $12,000, ranges from 112 percent to 153 percent depending on the scope of the project and the addition of decorative touches such as an archway and address block.

Interior Projects

When thinking about the interior of the home and creating the most use for the occupants, kitchen and bathroom remodels come to mind first behind the additional of a primary suite. Unfortunately, these projects also deliver a lower ROl because the costs

tend to be on the higher end with a major kitchen remodel at approximately $150,000, an upscale bathroom remodel at $75,000, and the additional a bedroom suite at $325,000. Still, these are the projects that can add floorplan utility to the home and create creature comforts for those who live there, so experts say not to shy away from these remodeling projects if you plan to stay in your home for a while and enjoy them.

And there are other considerations for choosing remodeling projects for your home including safety, such as updating electrical in a turn-of-the-century home; energy efficiency by adding solar panels or insulation; and convenience, including a wide variety of home automation and security features that are now available.

Consult a Professional

When in doubt about which projects fe sackie first, consider consultation with your REALTOR. They can help you determine your goals for your home a id help you plan projects thi will either pay off when selling ur Greate the highest ROl vs. cost while you enjoy the improvements. And there are many resources online to help guide your plans including costvsvali com and homedepot.com.