Remodeling Projects That Add the Most Value to Your Home

Not all remodel projects are created equal, and you won't always get what you pay for. Some of the most expensive projects (we're looking at you swimming pool) may give you the worst return on your investment. Other substantially cheaper projects, like a new entry door, could very well pay for themselves when it comes time to sell. Calculating the ROI on remodeling projects is far from an exact science, but here are some notes to help you plan for your own upgrades.

Best Return on Investment

Statistically, master bathroom suites and kitchens are the two rooms that capture would-be buyers most. So as a general rule, upgrades to those areas or remodels to external-facing structures, like a new front or garage door, are going to give you the best "bang for your buck".

Replacing old windows and doors are also usually a good idea as they increase energy efficiency. Adding a deck or remodeling the kitchen are both core and highly visible improvements that most buyers appreciate, making your home more appealing to a potential buyer.

Here is a list of some remodeling projects that also give a relatively high return on investment.

Source: Remodeling by JLC's 2022 cost vs value report. Figures represent a national average.

Which projects don't pay you back at resale?

Features like a home office, sunroom, swimming pool, or whirlpool bath may sound like luxury features that will make your home appealing to a potential buyer. In reality, these fun features may not pay off when it comes time to sell your home.

For example, when you convert a bedroom into a home office, usually the first thing to go is the closet. To most real estate agents and buyers, a room must have a window and a closet to be considered a true bedroom. By removing the closet to convert the room to a home office, you may actually be losing a bedroom. The number of bedrooms is one of the first things most potential buyers look at when shopping for a new home.

Swimming pools are another classic example. While it is certainly nice to be able to step out your back door and be at the pool, unless you live in Florida, California or Arizona, it's probably going to hurt your chances of selling the home. Pools take up valuable yard space, can be difficult and expensive to maintain and will raise your home's energy costs, not to mention safety concerns for young children and pets.

Here are a few more projects with lower pay-off.

Source: Remodeling by JLC's 2022 cost vs value report. Figures represent a national average.

However big or small your remodel, we're here to help! Talk to your local neighborhood loan officer or call us at 800-324-9375 to find out more.