Depending on the circumstances, a homeowner may want to make a change to their home because of a growing family, to add a home office, or just to enhance “curb appeal” for resale purposes. If you are interested in recovering the costs, it’s important to know first whether it’s for comfort or resale.
Consider Subjective Value
Keep in mind that the project may meet your immediate needs but may not be what potential buyers are looking for. For example, a home office remodel may appeal to buyers who intend to telecommute or run a home-based business but will have little value to other buyers who would prefer to have an extra bedroom or an exercise room.
Using Comparable Values
If a remodeling project helps a house to meet buyers’ expectations — adding a deck to the only house in the neighborhood without one or adding a second bathroom where every other home already has two — the homeowner can expect a good return if everything else about the house is up to standard.
Tip: Talk with an experienced Realtor about home prices in the neighborhood. However, keep in mind that comparable values are still difficult to judge because of foreclosures and short sales.
Better Resale Value – Replacement Projects
Replacing the siding, doors, and windows will greatly enhance that “curb appeal” that potential buyers are looking for. Plus, they will probably help you recoup most of the cost of the project.
| Mid-Range |
Average cost | Cost Recouped |
| Siding Replacement (vinyl) | $11,729 | 69.5% |
| Entry Door Replacement (Fiberglass) |
$3,536 | 56.3% |
| Garage Door Replacement | $1,512 | 71.9% |
| Window Replacement (vinyl) | $11,319 | 68.0% |
| Upscale |
Average cost | Cost Recouped |
| Siding Replacement (Fiber-cement) | $13,461 | 78.0% |
| Entry Door Replacement (Fiberglass) |
$7,488 | 60.8% |
| Garage Door Replacement | $2,994 | 71.1% |
| Window Replacement (vinyl) | $14,328 | 69.1% |
Interior Remodeling Projects For Comfort
Attic Bedroom
Among discretionary projects, the Attic Bedroom Remodeling Project is the least expensive way to add a bathroom and bedroom, and it does so within the home’s existing footprint.
| Mid-range | Average cost | Cost Recouped |
| Attic Bedroom | $50,148 | 72.5% |
Minor Kitchen Remodel
This project is the least expensive way to give an existing kitchen a complete facelift. Includes new cabinet door and drawer fronts and hardware, new countertops, and new appliances.
| Mid-range | Average cost | Cost Recouped |
| Minor Kitchen Remodel (mid-range) |
$19,588 | 72.1% |
* All charts are according to the Remodeling 2011–12 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com).
© 2011 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2011–12 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.