effective if you’re planning to sell within the next few years. However, if you plan to stick around and enjoy the extra space, they can provide a reasonable ROI. Some additions are more financially worthwhile than others: • Master suite addition: 52% • Deck addition: 70% • Bathroom addition: 62% There’s a fairly wide range in the ROI of these projects, though not as large as with some less ambitious remodels. A careful reading of the data shows that some of the most expensive projects—like a sunroom addition averaging over $72,000 nationwide—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 HomeAdvisor.com reports the average cost for sunroom additions is around $16,315. That’s a lot of money for a room that might just end up being the nicest spot for your plants. Remember, buyers may not share your taste—or even if they do, they only see the finished product and won’t appreciate the sweat equity you put in. This is where understanding how these statistics play out in real life becomes essential. A Few Caveats and Considerations Let’s circle back to a classic example: the roof replacement. It’s often cited as having a high ROI, but let’s face it—a roof isn’t exactly the showstopper of your home’s ensemble. It’s more like the drummer in a band: essential, but only really noticed when it’s out of sync. So, while a bad roof can certainly detract from a home’s value, a solid, trouble-free roof is simply expected. Its main value as a seller is how it stacks up against other homes with older roofs that are starting to show wear. Don’t replace your roof with an eye toward selling unless your home clearly needs it. And remember, just because you spend more doesn’t mean you’ll get more back. For instance, a relatively minor kitchen
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