The answers might surprise you, as the classic home improvement projects homeowners are most interested in, such as sparkling new kitchens and baths, rarely deliver the return on investment they expect.
Actually, the top projects with the greatest returns in resale value are more often related to a home’s curb appeal.
Homeowners can expect a 100% return on investment on only a handful of renovations or additions, such as converting a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system to electric; replacing garage doors; installing a stone veneer; or upgrading to a steel front door. A minor kitchen remodeling — such as painting and updating the backsplash — did provide high returns, but major kitchen and bathroom renovations did not, a recent Zonda survey found.
Home renovation projects with the best returns on investment in the U.S.
Cost Resale Return
| 1. | HVAC electrification Change traditional furnace to electrified heat pump | $17,747 | $18,366 | 103% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2. | Garage door replacement | $4,302 | $4,418 | 103% |
| 3. | Replace house siding with stone veneer | $10,925 | $11,177 | 102% |
| 4. | Entry door replacement With a steel door | $2,214 | $2,235 | 101% |
| 5. | Vinyl siding replacement | $16,348 | $15,485 | 95% |
| 6. | Fiber-cement siding replacement | $19,361 | $17,129 | 89% |
| 7. | Midrange basic kitchen remodel Refaced cabinets and new countertops, flooring, appliances and fixtures | $26,790 | $22,963 | 86% |
| 8. | Vinyl window replacement | $20,091 | $13,766 | 69% |
| 9. | Midrange bath remodel New countertops, fixtures and tile | $24,606 | $16,413 | 67% |
| 10. | Wood window replacement | $24,376 | $14,912 | 61% |
