Projects & remodel
Where remodels return the most.
National averages from the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report. The % is how much of the typical job cost buyers may “pay back” at sale—then price the same kind of job in your ZIP.
Curb-appeal jobs often top the list—buyers see them first.
Source: 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda / Remodeling). Markets vary. Not a sale-price guarantee.
National ranking
Top 10 by cost recouped at resale
Outside jobs buyers see from the curb lead. Midrange kitchen and bath updates still beat many luxury gut renos on percent returned.
- #1
Garage door replacement
Swap the big door on the front of the garage. Buyers notice it from the street, and the job usually costs less than bigger remodels.
National avg cost $4,672·Est. resale value $12,507
Recouped0.0%Price in your ZIP - #2
Entry door replacement (steel)
Replace the front door with a new steel one. It’s the first thing guests see—and it signals security and care.
National avg cost $2,435·Est. resale value $5,270
Recouped0.0%Price in your ZIP - #3
Manufactured stone veneer
Thin stone-look panels stuck onto the outside walls (not full structural stone). Adds texture and a higher-end look without rebuilding the house.
National avg cost $11,702·Est. resale value $24,328
Recouped0.0%Study only - #4
Fiber-cement siding replacement
New outer “skin” made of cement and fiber—tougher than wood or vinyl, resists rot and fire, and refreshes the whole street view.
National avg cost $21,485·Est. resale value $24,420
Recouped0.0%Price in your ZIP - #5
Minor kitchen remodel (midrange)
Update cabinets, counters, and finishes without tearing the kitchen down to the studs. Everyday kitchens sell homes; full luxury gut jobs often return less per dollar.
National avg cost $28,458·Est. resale value $32,141
Recouped0.0%Price in your ZIP - #6
Vinyl siding replacement
Plastic-panel siding that covers the outside of the house. Protects the walls and updates curb appeal at a mid-range price.
National avg cost $17,950·Est. resale value $17,313
Recouped0.0%Price in your ZIP - #7
Backup power generator
A standby generator that keeps lights and fridge on during outages. Especially attractive where storms and blackouts are common.
National avg cost $13,534·Est. resale value $12,902
Recouped0.0%Price in your ZIP - #8
Wood deck addition
Add an outdoor wood platform for grilling and seating. Buyers can picture using it on day one.
National avg cost $18,263·Est. resale value $17,323
Recouped0.0%Price in your ZIP - #9
Composite deck addition
Same idea as a wood deck, but made of man-made boards that need less staining and upkeep over time.
National avg cost $25,096·Est. resale value $22,199
Recouped0.0%Price in your ZIP - #10
Bath remodel (midrange)
Refresh one bathroom—vanity, tile, fixtures—without a spa-level overbuild. Spaces you use every day help sell the house.
National avg cost $26,138·Est. resale value $20,915
Recouped0%Price in your ZIP
Cost and resale value are national averages from the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report—not your local quote or an appraisal.
Next step
High ROI ≠ cheap to do
This ranking answers “what might buyers pay back.” Our project tool answers “what might it cost where you live.” Pick a high-return job, then estimate it in your ZIP.
