CHAPTER 2 Where to Spend the Money
When it comes to remodeling, going big doesn’t always mean getting the best bang for your buck. Instead, the smart money is on refreshing or replacing existing features like windows and doors, ideally with a tasteful mid-range upgrade. Let’s take a quick tour of the top spots to invest your hard- earned cash for the greatest return. We’ll dig into where and how much you can expect to recoup when the time comes to put that “For Sale” sign in the yard. We’ll start with replacement projects and then dive into some of the heavy hitters like kitchen and bathroom remodels. Replacements These projects are straightforward, relatively low-cost, and accessible to most homeowners. According to Remodeling magazine, the top four improvement projects in terms of ROI are: Notice anything? None of these are jaw-dropping, dramatic overhauls. So why do they pack such a punch? The answer lies in visibility. All these changes enhance the exterior of your home, creating a solid first impression that helps set the home’s value in potential buyers’ minds. Other replacement projects that offer a good return include swapping out old windows for new vinyl or wood frames and installing a new roof, which can yield returns of 71% and 62%, respectively. • Garage door replacement: 98.3% • Manufactured stone veneer: 97.1% • Deck addition (wood): 82.8% • Minor kitchen remodel: 81.1%
6
Powered by FlippingBook