Planning your remodel and want make sure you’re spending your hard-earned cash wisely? Each of these replacements and upgrades earned top honors in Remodeling magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value Report* for having the biggest bang for your buck — giving you the best return on your home improvement dollar while preserving the value of your home.
Durable, weatherproof, fireproof, and resistant to insects and decay, fiber-cement siding is a popular trend for siding replacement. One of its key benefits is stability — it doesn’t shrink and expand with changes in temperature and humidity. Exterior paint and caulking jobs last longer, contributing to low-maintenance exteriors.
National average cost, replace 1,250 sq. ft. of existing siding with fiber-cement siding, including all trim: $13,461*
Value at resale: $10,493*
Percent of investment recouped: 78%*
#2: A Low-Cost Entry Door with Steely Good Looks
Few projects have the cost-effective impact of a new steel entry door. For less than $1,500, you can enhance your home’s curb appeal and recover a portion of your investment if you sell your home. Steel doors, however, lack the durability of wood and fiberglass exterior doors that cost twice as much.
National average cost, replace an existing entry door with a 36-inch-wide, half-glass, 20-gauge steel door, including new jambs and trim: $1,238*
Value at resale: $903*
Percent of investment recouped: 73%*
#3: A Bedroom with High Aspirations
Converting attic space to a bedroom reaps big rewards. You’ll add value by adding bedrooms without altering your home’s footprint. Planning is key — ask an architect or structural engineer to ensure there’s enough headroom, the floor joists are strong, and there’s emergency egress.
National average cost, convert a 15-by-15-ft. attic to a bedroom plus bath: $50,148*
Value at resale: $36,346*
Percent of investment recouped: 72.5%*
If your kitchen is looking dated but the layout and size are fine, a minor kitchen remodel can work wonders without big expense. Get a low-cost facelift by leaving the cabinet boxes in place, and adding new doors and drawer fronts, hardware, and an inexpensive but stylish laminate countertop. New vinyl kitchen flooring and EnergyStar-rated appliances complete the transformation.
National average cost, minor kitchen remodel: $19,588*
Value at resale: $14,120*
Percent of investment recouped: 72.1%*
Garage doors account for up to 20% of your home’s façade — and a whole bunch of its
curb appeal. A new garage door not only makes your homestead more appealing, it helps preserve its value. You can get a new 16-by-7-ft. steel double door for about $1,500. If you move up to an insulated garage door with glass window panels, you’ll pay about $3,000.
Average cost for a mid-range steel replacement garage double door: $1,512*
Investment value at resale: $1,087*
Percent of invest recouped: 71.9%*
We Americans love the out-of-doors, especially our own backyards. That’s one reason decks remain popular home improvement projects. They also increase living space at a reasonable cost — you can build a 16-by-20-ft. wood deck for about $32 per sq. ft. That’s less than half the cost of new housing construction. Plus, all the fresh air and sun are free.
National average cost, 16-by-20-foot pressure-treated wood deck: $10,350*
Value at resale: $7,259*
Percent of investment recouped: 70.1%*
Vinyl remains the most popular choice for
siding material. Its durability and low cost make it a sensible option, and its light weight makes it easy to install, saving on labor. Modern vinyl siding comes in many colors, and certain varieties include foam backing, which contributes stiffness while adding
money-saving insulation.
National average cost, replace 1,250 sq. ft. of existing siding with foam-backed vinyl siding, including trim: $14,274*
Value at resale: $9,937*
Percent of investment recouped: 69.6%*
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