15 Remodeling Ideas that Will Pay Off in 2019
Updated: Sep. 01, 2022Each year Remodeling magazine produces a cost vs. value report for nationwide and regional trends. The 2018 report gives us a look into which home remodeling projects will be worth the effort.
Garage Door Replacement
Replacing your garage door has taken over the top of the list on a national average, with a 98.3 percent cost recoupment. The average cost of the job ran $3,470 nationally and the resale came in at $3,411. Unlike in 2017, none of 2018’s remodeling ideas recoup the cost and add to the resale value, but garage door replacement comes pretty close! Here are 10 things you should know before buying a garage door.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Installing manufactured stone veneer comes in second on the list of home improvement projects that practically pay for themselves. Taking a 300-square-foot band of existing vinyl siding from the bottom third of the front of your house and replacing it with manufactured stone veneer will cost around $8,211. You’ll see a resale value of $7,986, recouping an impressive 97.1 percent.
Steel Entry Door Replacement
Remodeling magazine reports that replacing your door with a steel entry door will cost $1,471, with a $1,344 resale value, resulting in a 91.3 percent recoupment. Here’s how to replace an exterior door.
Wood Deck Addition
Reported as the fourth best remodeling project for its value, a wood deck addition will cost you $10,950. You’ll see a $9,065 resale value, so the recoupment comes in at 82.8 percent. An outdoor “room,” continues to remain a desired home attribute, because it creates more living space without breaking the bank. Check out these 15 modern deck building tips and shortcuts.
Minor Kitchen Remodel
Minor kitchen updates can make a big difference when you go to sell your house. While it will cost you $21,198, you’ll recoup $17,193 when you sell—that’s 81.1 percent. “In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new shaker-style wood panels and drawer fronts, including new hardware,” Remodeling magazine recommends. Other updates to consider include replacing major appliances with more energy-efficient models, and removing and replacing resilient flooring.
Siding Replacement
To replace 1,250-square-feet of existing siding with new siding, including factory trim at all openings and corners, you can expect to pay $15,072. The resale value is $11,554, so the recoupment is 76.7 percent. Plus, new siding increases curb appeal. Check out this guide to replacing siding.
Vinyl Window Replacement
According to Remodeling magazine, you should “replace 10 existing 3 x 5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-lite vinyl windows. Simulated wood-grain interior finish; custom-color exterior finish. Trim exterior to match existing; do not disturb existing interior trim.” The project will cost you $15,955, you’ll see a resale value of $11,855, with the recoupment coming in at 74.3 percent. Ready to replace your drafty old windows with new energy-efficient units? We’ll show you how to replace a window and put new ones in.
Universal Design Bathroom
The bathroom may be far from the first thing that people see when coming into your home, but it’s a very important room! The more spacious and updated, the better — especially for the elderly. Universal design includes accommodating a wheelchair and adding safety features like grab bars in convenient places. A full update will cost you $16,393. You’ll see a $11,581 resale value, with a recoupment of 70.6 percent. Here’s how to make a home safe for older folks.
Bathroom Remodel
A midrange bathroom remodel will cost you $19,134. The resale value is $13,422, with a recoupment of 70.1 percent. These numbers are based on remodeling an existing 5 x 7-foot bathroom with ceramic tile floor. The remodel includes a new 30 x 60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4 x 4-inch ceramic tile surround and new single-lever shower control. Other updates include a standard white toilet, solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink and a recessed medicine cabinet with light.
Check out these 16 cheap bathroom updates that have the wow factor.
Wood Window Replacement
Replacing 10 existing 3 x 5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-lite wood windows will cost you $19,391 with a resale value of $13,468. This project includes an interior finish of stained hardwood, an exterior finish of custom-color aluminum cladding, and exterior trim to match what’s already there. You’ll see a recoupment of 69.5 percent. If you’ve got questions about buying new windows, check out these FAQs before you buy.
Roofing Replacement
One of the most important parts of a home, a new roof is a big deal to home buyers. It’s a decent investment, too. Although it will cost you $20,939, you’ll see a resale value of $14,320. It recoups 68.4 percent. Here are common roof problems and how to fix them.
Fiberglass Grand Entrance
Make a great first impression. Removing your existing entry door and cutting and reframing the opening for a larger fiberglass entrance door with dual sidelights, threshold and upscale locket will cost you $8,591. The resale value is $5,809 with a recoupment of 67.6 percent. Here are 15 stunning front doors to inspire you.
Composite Deck Addition
A composite deck may not have the same recoupment as wood, but it still makes the list, coming in at number 13 on Remodeling magazine’s list, with a cost of $17,668, resale value of $11,239 and a recoupment of 63.6 percent for a 16 x 20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4×4 posts anchored to concrete piers. The composite deck material had a simple linear pattern with a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material. Steps and a railing should also be included. Do you know how to avoid staining a deck? Build it from something other than wood!
Major Kitchen Remodel
A midrange major kitchen remodel will cost you $63,829 with a resale value of $37,637 and a recoupment of 59 percent. “Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with a functional layout of 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets. Install a 3 x 5-foot island, laminate countertops, and standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet,” says Remodeling magazine. “Include energy-efficient range, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new resilient flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.”
Bathroom Addition
A midrange bathroom addition will cost you $44,717 with a resale value of $26,769 and a recoupment of 59.9 percent. The full 6 x 8-foot bathroom should be added over a crawlspace with poured concrete walls, ceramic tile floor and painted trim. Include a 30 x 60-inch white fiberglass tub-shower, cultured-marble vanity top with molded sink and a mirrored medicine cabinet, according to Remodeling magazine.