If you’re looking to give the exterior of your home a facelift a recent report from Remodeling magazine lists the top home renovation projects that not only enhance your home’s curb appeal, but are likely to recoup your investment when you go to put your home on the market. Here, we begin our countdown to the No. 1 renovation project that’s worth the money. (The figures below apply to the South Atlantic region of the U.S., which includes Florida).
#4. Replacing Your Front Door With One Made of Steel
Average cost: $1,798
Resale value: $1,205
Expected recoup percentage: 67.0%
The front door of your home is the ambassador that greets your guests and ushers them inside your residence. A shabby entry door can undermine an otherwise well-kept exterior and landscape and send the message to potential buyers that you don’t pay attention to details. House hunters will take note, and these types of fumbles will color their perception of your home if they decide to go farther.
If your front door has seen better days, and a can of paint and new hardware aren’t enough to transform it from a liability to profitability, it’s time to invest in a new one. Consider a door made of steel. Steel doors, which are typically made of 20 to 26-gauge steel, are more durable than most others and will resist cracking, warping, and rot. They’re also very energy efficient, which can help save you money on monthly energy bills.
#3. Replacing Your Vinyl Siding With Fiber Cement
Average cost: $15, 582 (for 1,250 square feet)
Resale value: $12,550
Expected recoup percentage: 80.5%
You can update the exterior of your residence by replacing dated or faded vinyl siding. You may choose to refresh your existing color, or decide on a new look to boost your curb appeal. Fiber-cement siding lets you imitate the look of brick, stone, shingles, and even wood. Another benefit of fiber cement is its durability—it’s resistant to damage from termites, wind, and rain. Fiber-cement siding usually comes primed and painted.
