| When considering a home remodeling project or | | | | even better deal. |
| building a new addition, one consideration should be | | | | Replacement windows |
| the likely return on your investment. Even in the | | | | Generally, high-end vinyl windows outstripped |
| current housing market, the value of your home can | | | | traditional wood replacements, but all of these home |
| be enhanced by the right home improvement. | | | | improvement projects gave a return on investment |
| Though housing prices have slumped in recent years, | | | | of between 76% and 79%. Again, replacing your |
| the return on investment for home improvements | | | | windows can also save you money on heating and |
| has remained fairly stable. Thus, it can make good | | | | cooling your home, making this home remodeling |
| financial sense to build an addition or remodel your | | | | project a financially sound decision even if you |
| existing home rather than trading up to a new one. | | | | don’t intend to sell your home anytime soon. Be |
| While recouping your financial investment should not | | | | sure to look into Federal energy tax credits, available |
| be your primary reason for remodeling your home, | | | | when you purchase and install certain kinds of |
| it’s a factor to consider when deciding which | | | | high-efficiency replacement windows; they can save |
| project is right for you. | | | | you hundreds of dollars on the cost of your project. |
| Generally, home improvements that add to the curb | | | | Decks |
| appeal of your house offer higher returns when you | | | | Installing a deck can recoup 81.8% of its initial cost to |
| sell. In the 2009 Realtor Magazine “Cost vs. Value | | | | build; these projects can add a great deal to your |
| Report”, siding projects, replacement windows, | | | | enjoyment of your home and yard, as well. |
| and adding a new deck topped the list of best | | | | Maintenance-free decks of pressure-treated wood |
| value-added projects, with kitchen remodeling | | | | last longer; these are usually constructed of Southern |
| rounding out the top ten. | | | | yellow pine, though cedar decks are also popular. |
| Adding or replacing siding | | | | Kitchens and bathrooms |
| In addition to improving the appearance of your | | | | Minor and major improvements to kitchens were also |
| house and reducing maintenance and upkeep, the | | | | good investments, typically adding between 76% and |
| right siding can provide additional insulation, reducing | | | | 80% to the value of homes. Refacing kitchen |
| heating and cooling costs. Of the various kinds of | | | | cabinets is becoming more popular and can add more |
| siding, adding high-end fiber cement siding recoups | | | | to your home’s value than more elaborate |
| most value when reselling your home, weighing at a | | | | alterations; replacing outdated appliances with newer |
| return on investment of 86.7%. Fiber cement siding | | | | models was also cost-effective in most cases. While |
| comes in various finishes and surfaces, resembling | | | | minor cosmetic alterations are often cost-effective, |
| stucco or wood, but is fireproof and termite | | | | larger scale bath remodeling was not one of the top |
| resistant. | | | | projects for recouping the initial investment. |
| Mid-range vinyl siding offers the next best return on | | | | Making your home a more pleasant place to live is |
| investment at 80.7%, followed closely by high-end | | | | always the most important reason for a home |
| foam-backed vinyl. The most popular type of home | | | | improvement project. But when planning to remodel |
| siding, vinyl comes in a wide array of colors and | | | | or add on to your home, the money you can recoup |
| finishes, allowing a custom look for your home. | | | | may help you decide which home improvement |
| Foam-backed vinyl offers especially good insulating | | | | project is right for you. |
| protection, increasing your savings and making it an | | | | |