Survey: Exterior Home Improvement Projects Offer Highest Returns

Exterior projects are the most important aspects of home improvement for sellers in the current market, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors. Agents ranked the most important remodeling jobs, and eight of the top 10 were exterior projects. Steel entry door replacement offered the highest rate of return on investment, enabling owners to recoup an estimated 96.6 percent of the cost of the project upon resale; it also is one of the least expensive projects listed in NAR’s Cost vs. Value Report, averaging little more than $1,100. Other top projects include a wood deck addition, fiber-cement siding, vinyl siding, garage door replacements, window replacements, attic bedroom addition, ‘minor’ kitchen remodel, and home office remodel. A home’s curb appeal is always critical since it is the first impression for potential buyers, said NAR President Steve Brown in a statement. “That’s why exterior replacement projects offer the greatest bang for the buck,” he noted. “Projects such as entry door, siding and window replacements can recoup homeowners more than 78 percent of costs upon resale.” | Read More