In these cost-conscious times, every homeowner wants to know which improvement or remodeling projects are going to pay off by raising the home's actual value.
Remodeling Magazine's 2013 Cost vs. Value report offers some research to help you find the highest-ROI projects. Here we choose five of the best, and provide you with some more information about good options.
Entry Door Replacement (average cost recouped: 85%)
Maybe your entry door is not what you've always dreamed of replacing. But this small change has a very high return on investment, and the front door is an integral part of the curb appeal and first impression of your home.
It's also a very manageable project with hardly any time requirement.
Fiberglass doors can give you the look of wood doors and the strength of steel doors. Look for low-maintenance options like fiberglass that:
- resist denting and scratching;
- offer a wood-grain or smooth look;
- won’t rot, deteriorate or rust;
- won't warp, bow, or twist;
- and are energy efficient.
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Outdoor Space (average cost recouped: 77%)
Maybe you're feeling a little cramped?
Create a retreat that extends the living space of your home, and make it your own by adding a pizza oven, pergola, garden beds, or a hammock.
This is a great option to consider, because there are so many possibilities for your outdoor space including full kitchens, outdoor TVs, and cozy seating areas. This means you can add as many or as few elements to the project, creating the right match for your lifestyle and your budget.
Tip: When building your outdoor space, use creative lighting so that you can enjoy it in the evening.
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Garage Door Replacement (cost recouped: 75%)
Because so much of your home's facade may be the garage itself, new garage doors can dramatically enhance the style of your whole property.
If it is time to replace these doors, the great news is that they are a good investment. If the motor is still working fine, you can just replace the doors themselves. And there are a wide variety of styles and options to choose from.
Steel garage doors are the most popular and are virtually maintenance-free – and they are the least expensive.
Aluminum can be a great choice if you live near the ocean or other corrosive environments.
Wood doors are typically the most expensive, but they are truly beautiful and can improve the look of your home.
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Kitchen Remodel (average cost recouped:75%)
The most popular area of the home to remodel is your kitchen.
There are myriad options for kitchen remodeling from flooring to countertops, specialty stoves and beverage units, to custom cabinetry. A refreshed kitchen makes cooking and maintenance a joy.
Kitchens are such an important area of the home for entertaining and family time that you should plan a kitchen remodel carefully. Think about these factors:
- Sight lines. What other areas do you want to see, and which should be able to see into the kitchen?
- Storage. Some things belong out of view, while others might enhance the look or utility of the room (think overhead pot racks, for example). Any special utensils or appliances that need a custom storage space?
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Most people need to compromise and balance wants and needs with a realistic budget, so start early and use a designer to help you maximize the space.
- Usage. How you like to cook matters. Need more counter space? Prefer an emphasis on outside windows or brighter/dimmer lighting? More outlets for small appliances?
Window Replacement (average cost recouped: 73%)
So much of the façade of your home is made up of windows. Old wooden peeling windows are not only an eyesore, but also cost you a lot in lost energy.
There are so many options for windows depending on your style, lifestyle, climate and your budget. Have a great view? High transparency screens won’t get in the way of your scenery and won’t detract from your home’s curb appeal. For cold-weather climates, windows and doors with double- or triple-pane glass with argon provide excellent insulation and draft protection and will help lower your heating bills.
No matter what style you choose, new windows are a great investment in your home.
Where to begin?
Call GMT Home Designs at 508-881-7992 and we can help you balance your budget with your wish list while getting you the best return on investment for your remodeling dollar.