Putting on a Pretty Face

Exterior replacement projects continue to be the most cost effective home improvement projects, according to the 2010-11 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. This year nine out of the 10 projects that return the most
bang for the buck are improvements to a home’s exterior.

A steel entry door took the top spot with an estimated 102.1 percent of cost recouped upon resale. That was the only project in this year’s report expected to return more than the cost. A new addition to the report – the
mid-range garage door replacement – is expected to recoup 83.9 percent of its cost.  Both projects are relatively small investments, costing around  $1,200 each, on average.

The report also found that replacement projects usually outperform remodel and addition projects in resale value due to their inexpensiveness and positive impact on curb appeal.

Talk to a Realtor® about what home features and remodeling projects buyers really respond to in your area. REALTOR® Magazine has published a summary of the results at www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/articles/2011/1101_costvsvalue. To read the full report and download a free PDF version, visit www.costvsvalue.com.