Are you planning a home remodel? Or looking to sell in the coming years? Make the most of every dollar spent by tackling these projects that increase your home’s value.
When remodeling, some projects increase your home’s resale value more than others. If you’re wondering where you should spend your money, our data will help you decide by breaking down which projects offer the highest return on investment (ROI).
Using the Remodeling 2020 Cost vs. Value Report combined with our years of real estate experience, we’ve taken a look at the California averages for job cost, resale value and cost recouped on some mid-range home improvement projects. Seeing the most cost-effective ones can help you prioritize which renovation to tackle next.
While these are just a few select examples of some of the changes you might make, these figures should give you a good price estimate for future projects as well as a sense of the potential return on investment.
1. Add Manufactured Stone Veneer
Remove existing vinyl siding from the street-facing façade and replace it with adhered manufactured stone veneer, outlining the entry archway.
Job Cost
$10,175
Resale Value
$12,157
Cost Recouped
119.5%
2. Garage Door Replacement
Remove and dispose of existing 16×7-foot garage door and tracks and install new four-section garage door on new heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks while reusing existing motorized opener. New door has a lifetime warranty.
Job Cost
$3,874
Resale Value
$4,537
Cost Recouped
117.1%
3. Entry Door Replacement | Steel
Remove existing entry door and jambs and replace with new 20-gauge steel unit, including a clear, dual-pane half-glass panel, jambs, and aluminum threshold with composite stop. Replace existing lockset.
Job Cost
$2,048
Resale Value
$1,801
Cost Recouped
87.9%
4. Minor Kitchen Remodel | Midrange
In functional, but dated kitchen with cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place, but replace fronts with new shaker-style wood panels and drawer fronts, including new hardware. Replace cooktop/oven range and slide-in refrigerator with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops; install mid-priced sink and faucet. Add new resilient flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.
Job Cost
$26,150
Resale Value
$22,657
Cost Recouped
86.6%
5. Siding Replacement | Fiber-Cement
Replace existing siding with new fiber-cement siding, factory primed and factory painted. Include all trim using either fiber-cement boards or cellular PVC.
Job Cost
$20,064
Resale Value
$15,647
Cost Recouped
77.9%
6. Deck Addition | Wood
Add deck using pressure-treated joists supported by posts anchored to concrete piers. Include built-in bench and planter of the same decking material. Include stairs, assuming three steps to grade. Provide a complete railing system using pressure-treated wood posts, railings, and balusters.
Job Cost
$18,059
Resale Value
$13,924
Cost Recouped
77.1%
7. Roofing Replacement | Asphalt Shingles
Remove and dispose of existing roofing to bare wood sheathing. Install fiberglass asphalt shingles with new underlayment, galvanized drip edge, and mill-finish aluminum flashing. Assume a rectangular hip roof; custom flashing at two average-size skylights; and custom cap treatment at vented ridge.
Job Cost
$27,769
Resale Value
$20,902
Cost Recouped
75.3%
8. Siding Replacement | Vinyl
Replace 1,250 square feet of existing siding with new vinyl siding installed to the manufacturer’s specifications. Include factory trim at all openings and corners. Care should be taken to ensure a continuous water-resistive barrier (WRB), such as house wrap, beneath the siding.
Job Cost
$16,937
Resale Value
$12,687
Cost Recouped
74.9%
9. Window Replacement | Vinyl
Replace 10 existing 3×5-foot double-hung windows with insulated vinyl windows with a custom-color exterior finish. Trim exterior to match existing; do not disturb existing interior trim.
Job Cost
$19,184
Resale Value
$14,296
Cost Recouped
74.5%
10. Window Replacement | Wood
Replace 10 existing 3×5-foot double-hung windows with insulated wood windows. Interior finish of stained hardwood; exterior finish of custom-color aluminum cladding. Trim exterior to match existing; do not disturb existing interior trim.
Job Cost
$22,976
Resale Value
$16,750
Cost Recouped
72.9%
