Top 10 Home Improvement Projects with High ROI
Every year, homeowners across the country tackle home improvement projects with the dual goals of enhancing their living experience and increasing the value of their homes. However, it's often a question of where to invest your hard-earned money for the best return. To aid you in your decision-making, we'll examine Remodeling.com's annual Cost vs. Value report, which ranks the top 23 projects homeowners take on, based on their return on investment (ROI).
1. HVAC Conversion
While it may not be the most glamorous of projects, replacing your outdated heating and air system with a modern, energy-efficient model sits at the top of the list. The job cost averages $17,747, and the value at sale is $18,366, translating to an impressive 103.5% of the cost recovered. Not only does it make your home more comfortable, but it also significantly reduces energy costs.
2. Garage Door Replacement
Surprisingly, the kitchen remodel takes a backseat to a simple garage door replacement. By replacing an old or outdated garage door, you can instantly spruce up your home's curb appeal and recoup an average of 102.7% of your investment. Expect to spend around $4,302, with a return value of $4,418.
3. Manufactured Stone Veneer
A manufactured stone veneer installation, either in interior or exterior spaces, can give your home an upscale look while offering an excellent return on investment - 102.3% to be exact. It's a cost-effective way to increase your property's value and curb appeal.
4. Entry Door Replacement
Another seemingly minor improvement that makes a significant impact is replacing an outdated front door. A new front door can modernize your home's look and allow you to recoup approximately 100.9% of your expenditure.
5. Siding Replacement
Replacing old siding with new vinyl siding results in 94.7% of its cost being recouped at sale. Similarly, fiber cement siding (like HardiePlank and GAF Weatherside) returns 88.5% of the value.
6. Minor Kitchen Remodel
The fan-favorite kitchen remodel is up next. A minor kitchen remodel, including updating cabinets, countertops, appliances, and painting, averages $26,790 with a return of $22,963, which calculates to 85.7%.
7. Vinyl Window Replacement
Installing high-quality, energy-efficient vinyl windows is another smart investment, particularly in areas with severe weather conditions. This upgrade can recoup 72% of the cost, adding value to your home and reducing heating and cooling costs.
8. Midrange Bathroom Remodel
If you're considering a bathroom upgrade, a midrange remodel, including replacing fixtures and updating tiling or painting, is a smart bet. Expect to spend around $24,606 and recoup $16,413, or 66.7% of the cost.
9. Wood Window Replacement
Replacing your windows with wood alternatives not only boosts your home's energy efficiency but also increases its overall value. With a job cost of $24,376 and a return value of $14,912, the ROI is 61.2%.
10. New Asphalt Roof
Though it's a more expensive endeavor with an average cost of $29,136, a new asphalt roof gives you peace of mind for 15 to 30 years and provides an ROI of 61.1%, with $17,807 returned during a sale.
Before making a decision, we recommend checking out all the projects on Remodeling.com’s Cost vs. Value report to see how your planned projects fare. The report provides a comprehensive overview, and you can even drill down by region to get more precise insights. Happy remodeling!