According to Remodeling magazine’s 2015 “Cost vs. Value Report,” Realtors say that simple, lower-cost replacement projects tend to return the greatest value upon resale of a home. For example, a steel door replacement costs only around $1,000, but on average sellers recoup 101.8 percent of the expense when they sell their home. Other affordable replacement projects that topped 100 percent payback in multiple markets included mid-range and upscale garage doors, and mid-range wood windows.
Based on interviews with real estate professionals throughout the country, the Remodeling report also found that the replacement projects that performed the best were ones that added to curb appeal and created a positive first impression with visitors. This includes siding replacement which, while a bit more expensive, makes its way into the Top 5 projects nationally in terms of cost recouped.
While it was clear that replacement projects provided more bang for the buck, one remodeling project ranked in the Top 10: the minor kitchen remodel. This project tends to pay pack 79.3 percent of the cost when a home is sold.
Click here to access the “Cost vs. Value” website, where you can download data for all regions of the country.
