Sensible Home Improvement Projects
HGTV.com ranks your best home improvement options – the ones that are worth the monetary investment.
Projects that pay you back:
#1 Minor Bathroom Remodel
Average return at resale: 102 percent
HGTV says it costs about $10,500 to replace the tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures. You’ll get back an average of $10,700 at resale.
#2 Landscaping
Average return at resale: 100 percent
The average homeowner spends about $3,502 for landscaping and $1,465 on a designer, according to the American Nursery Landscape Association. You’ll get roughly the same amount back at resale.
#3 Minor Kitchen Remodel
Average return at resale: 98.5 percent
HGTV reports that a minor kitchen remodel (cosmetic update) averages $14,913 and returns $14,691 at resale.
#4 Exterior Improvements
(Vinyl Siding, Paint, Updated Front Entry)
Average return at resale: 95.5 percent
According to HGTV, the average cost to replace 1,250 sq. ft. of vinyl siding is $7,239 and returns $6,914 at resale.
#5 Attic Bedroom Conversion
Average return at resale: 93.5 percent
The average attic bedroom in a two- or three-bedroom house costs $39,188 and returns $36,649 at resale, says HGTV.
#6 Major Bathroom Remodel
Average return at resale: 93.2 percent
HGTV explains that a major bath remodel involves expanding an existing 5×7 ft. bathroom, relocating and replacing the tub and toilet and adding designer sinks and faucets, a linen closet, lighting, a ceramic tile floor and exhaust fan for a cost of $26,052, which brings in $24,286 at resale.
#7 Major Kitchen Remodel
Average return at resale: 91 percent
HGTV says a complete kitchen remodel in a midrange home averages $43,862 and returns $39,920 at resale.
#8 Deck, Patio or Porch Addition
Average return at resale: 90.3 percent
HGTV reports that adding a 16×20 ft. pressure-treated wood deck with a simple pattern costs about $11,000 and returns about $10,000 at resale.
#9 Basement Remodel
Average return at resale: 90.1 percent
The average basement remodel costs just over $51,051 and returns $46,010 at resale, says HGTV.
#10 Replacement Windows
Average return at resale: 89.6 percent
Replacing ten 3×5 ft. windows runs about $9,700, reports HGTV, and returns a national average of $8,700 at resale.