May 10th - How To Guarantee A Return On Your Home Improvement Investment

Home Improvement Return On Investment

Let’s say I’m thinking about selling my home and want to fix it up first, or perhaps I’m just looking to take on a new home improvement project for my own enjoyment, what kind of return on investment can I expect for different projects?

Terry, referencing a study by the Appraisal Institute, says that smaller projects offer the best “cost to value” ratios.  Many projects fail to meet the criteria because they’re too expensive—a full kitchen remodeling where you replace all the cabinetry, for example, is both costly and may not even be desirable to prospective buyers.  On the other hand, not all expensive improvements are a bad investment.  Attic installation, for example, is seen as a good source of ROI, at least in parts of the country where attics are still considered a near essential.  But the majority of improvements they suggest are on a smaller scale, though they may have an outsized impact on the design and use of space in a property.  Examples given include replacing wooden doors with steel doors, adding manufactured stone veneer, minor kitchen remodels, garage door replacement, and siding replacements.