As you can see, the ROI range is fairly broad, though not as dramatic as with less ambitious remodels. Interestingly, some of the most expensive projects (like a sunroom addition, which can average over $72,000) often provide the lowest returns. Building costs can vary widely. For example, a 200-square-foot sunroom addition with footings and a slab-on-grade foundation can cost up to $70,000, while a survey on HomeAdvisor.com found that sunroom additions average around $16,315. Another factor to consider is that buyers may not share your taste. Even if they do, they only see the finished product and won’t appreciate the effort (or the receipts) that went into creating it. This is why it’s crucial to understand how these statistics play out in the real world. Take a roof replacement, for example. It’s often touted as having a high ROI, but let’s be honest—no one gets excited about a roof unless it’s leaking. A roof is like the bass player in a band; you only notice it when it’s not doing its job. So, while a bad roof can certainly hurt your home’s value, a solid, trouble-free roof is simply expected. Don’t replace your roof with an eye toward selling unless your home clearly needs it. That said, energy-efficient architectural shingles with a transferable warranty can be highly attractive to the right buyer. Remember, more money spent doesn’t necessarily mean a bigger return. Going back to the kitchen example, a relatively minor $20,000 remodel yields a much higher ROI than a $55,000 remodel. Buyers love a big, beautiful kitchen with an island and shiny stainless-steel appliances, but they won’t be as impressed by custom stained cupboards or high-end Wolf appliances. In fact, very high-end features can sometimes be a turn-off, either because the buyer isn’t familiar with them or knows just how hard it is to get parts when they fail. Basements can be tricky too. A spacious rec room is a draw, but it often won’t be counted as living space in an appraisal or the home’s listed square footage. People also tend to have their own ideas of what a rec room should be. If your basement isn’t
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