When planning big remodeling projects, it pays to research how much the improvements should be worth when you sell your home. Here's a quick index to the survey that can help you evaluate the “cost vs value” of the most common home renovations.
Remodeling.com's “cost vs value” surveys began in 2002 with 15 remodeling projects. The survey peaked at 30 projects, adding and dropping projects to reflect changing real estate market trends. The data is excellent with value (return on investment or ROI) determined by 200 plus real estate agents throughout the US.
Cost vs Value Research on Remodeling Projects
Here are tips on finding the best data for your project:
- Find the project below that most closely matches the project you're planning.
- Identify the most recent year that the project was surveyed – column on the right.
- Go to the “cost vs value” reports for the latest year available.
- Scroll over the map for your state and find the data specific to your region. It's broken down for east north central, east south central, middle Atlantic, mountain, New England, pacific, south Atlantic, west north central or west south central.
- Review the list of cities in that region and click on the city closest to where you live, like Atlanta.
- Download the PDF for your city to get all the data. It will include city job costs, city resale value, ROI (cost recouped) and city comparisons to the region and national average.
- Answer a few questions and you'll get to view/download your report.
- Keep digging and you'll find detailed descriptions of what's included in each remodeling project.
PS There is some manufacturer bias in the projects they look at but it took me a few years to figure this out. For example they survey vinyl, composite and more recently fiber cement siding. The question then is what about wood, brick or stucco siding … there's no national manufacturer for these materials.
At times I've disagreed with a product like the steel entry door which I don't believe is a good or cheaper investment than builder grade fiberglass doors (read: Exterior Doors: Fact, Fiction, Gobbledy Gook?). And sometimes the cost seems out of whack like the home office which was ridiculously high because they used commercial fixtures (read: Home office Remodel or Home Office Furniture?).
Remodeling to Create Outdoor Living Spaces
Decks have been in the survey for years and patios were added in 2017 (read: Patio or Deck: What's Right for Your Backyard?). What's exciting is how we're going beyond the typical grill to outdoor kitchens and so much more … so yes, investing in a patio or deck makes a lot of sense.
| Exterior Remodeling Projects | Cost (Most Recent) | Resale Value (Most Recent) | Most Recent Data |
| Backyard patio | $56,906 | $31,430 | 2019 |
| Mid-range composite deck addition | $19,150 | $13,232 | 2019 |
| Mid-range wood deck addition | $13,333 | $10,083 | 2019 |
| Upscale composite deck addition | $34,403 | $20,532 | 2013 |
Door & Window Remodeling Projects
Your home's doors and windows get a lot more use than other exterior features … except the roof. With continuous improvements in the design and materials used to make doors and windows, there comes a time when it makes sense to replace them. Learn more about why, when and how to replace windows (and don't be scared as you don't have to do them all at once).
| Project | Cost (Most Recent) | Resale Value (Most Recent) | Most Recent Data |
| Mid-range steel entry door replacement | $1,826 | $1,368 | 2019 |
| Upscale fiberglass entry door replacement | $3,276 | $2,550 | 2017 |
| Mid-range garage door replacement | $1,749 | $1,345 | 2017 |
| Upscale garage door replacement | $3,611 | $3,520 | 2019 |
| Fiberglass grand entrance | $8,994 | $6,469 | 2019 |
| Upscale vinyl window replacement | $16,802 | $12,332 | 2019 |
| Upscale wood window replacement | $20,526 | $14,530 | 2019 |
| Mid-range vinyl window replacement | $11,198 | $8,163 | 2015 |
| Mid-range wood window replacement | $11,341 | $8,937 | 2015 |
Exterior Renovations to Keep You Dry & Safe
The exterior of your home is like an envelope that keeps you dry and safe. That's why it's important to inspect and repair these features every year, and replace them when they're likely to fail. Yes, how your roof and siding look will influence the curb appeal of your home but that's not their primary role.
| Project | Cost (Most Recent) | Resale Value (Most Recent) | Most Recent Data |
| Asphalt roofing replacement | $22,636 | $15,427 | 2019 |
| Metal roofing replacement | $38,600 | $23,526 | 2019 |
| Upscale roofing replacement | $36,329 | $22,840 | 2015 |
| Mid-range siding replacement | $16,036 | $12,119 | 2019 |
| Upscale fiber cement siding replacement | $14,014 | $11,816 | 2015 |
| Upscale foam-backed vinyl siding replacement | $15,184 | $11,790 | 2015 |
Other Exterior Home Improvements
Older homes often don't have a garage. Where winters are severe, putting on a garage addition is one of the most popular remodeling projects for your car, for more storage and with a second floor, more living space. Backup power generators are also gaining popularity as climate change is creating more weather related challenges.
| Project | Cost (Most Recent) | Resale Value (Most Recent) | Most Recent Data |
| Mid-range manufactured stone veneer | $8,907 | $8,449 | 2019 |
| Mid-range backup power generator | $12,860 | $6,940 | 2017 |
| Mid-range garage addition | $52,382 | $33,938 | 2015 |
| Upscale garage addition | $85,592 | $46,791 | 2015 |
Bathroom Remodeling Projects
Bathrooms are the smallest rooms in a house. You will be surprised at the cost when you list everything you've got to buy for a complete renovation from the walls out (read: Bathroom Remodel: Prioritizing Goals). And make sure to consider if you need to add floor space to this tiny room or move plumbing as these changes add costs too.
| Project | Cost (Most Recent) | Resale Value (Most Recent) | Most Recent Data |
| Mid-range bathroom addition | $47,427 | $28,726 | 2019 |
| Upscale bathroom addition | $87,704 | $51,000 | 2019 |
| Mid-range bathroom remodel | $20,420 | $13,717 | 2019 |
| Upscale bathroom remodel | $64,743 | $38,952 | 2019 |
| Mid-range universal design bathroom remodel | $33,374 | $20,868 | 2019 |
Kitchen Remodeling Projects
Who doesn't want a new kitchen? That's why they're one of the most popular remodeling projects and if you do your planning, you don't have to spend a fortune. Cabinets, countertops and appliances are your most expensive items but don't forget the details too like power strips under the wall cabinets so you don't have ugly outlets in the middle of your backsplash.
| Project | Cost (Most Recent) | Resale Value (Most Recent) | Most Recent Data |
| Mid-range major kitchen remodel | $66,196 | $41,133 | 2019 |
| Upscale major kitchen remodel | $131,510 | $78,524 | 2019 |
| Mid-range minor kitchen remodel | $22,507 | $18,123 | 2019 |
Remodeling Projects to Add Living Space
When you love your neighborhood, the schools and everything about where you live, then remodeling to add more living space makes a lot of sense. Here are the most common projects to add space to your current home and make sure to check on local zoning codes at the beginning of your planning.
| Project | Cost | Resale Value | Most Recent Data |
| Mid-range master suite addition | $130,986 | $77,785 | 2019 |
| Upscale master suite addition | $271,470 | $136,820 | 2019 |
| Mid-range basement remodel | $71,115 | $49,768 | 2017 |
| Mid-range family room additions | $89,566 | $62,055 | 2017 |
| Mid-range two-story addition | $176,108 | $125,222 | 2017 |
| Mid-range attic bedroom | $51,696 | $39,908 | 2015 |
| Home office remodel | $29,066 | $14,155 | 2015 |
| Mid-range sunroom addition | $75,726 | $36,704 | 2015 |
| Plus | |||
| Mid-range fiberglass attic insulation | $1,343 | $1,446 | 2017 |
Best of luck on your future remodeling projects.
Let us know how we can help you create your dream home!
PS For more remodeling tips, check out these articles:
- Remodeling Budget & Neighborhood Home Values
- Remodeling and Home Renovations
- 3D Remodeling Drawings Can Reduce Your Stress
- Home Remodeling: Homeowner Priorities Changing
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