Before starting your next home improvement, check out its return on investment.

Is it worth it to do home renovations that run thousands of dollars? The short answer is it depends. The longer answer requires looking at how long you plan to stay in the house, your desired quality of life, and the return on investment. Two-thirds of the decision is based on your preferences—only you know how long you’ll stay and what you want. The other third is about the return on investment (ROI), and we can help with that.

Let’s take a look at some projects for our region based on data from Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value. Their figures on ROI are calculated based on how much value projects retain at resale. It might surprise you to learn which are most worthwhile and which ones aren’t.

Exteriors

Enhancing your home’s curb appeal by updating the exterior is one of the most valuable on Remodeling’s list. The materials chosen directly affect just how much ROI you’ll get. In Michigan, 88% of the cost of manufactured stone veneer will be recouped. Updating with fiber-cement siding or vinyl siding recoups just over 70%.

Garage door replacement

A new garage door makes a bold visual statement and it’s also one of the best home improvement investments with a 79% ROI.

Windows

In addition to looking good, new windows help save energy, make your home feel more comfortable, and offer a good ROI compared to many other renovations. Vinyl replacement windows get better ROI at resale than wood, but it’s only a difference of three percentage points—70% for vinyl versus 67% for wood.

Kitchens

If an Instagram-worthy kitchen is your dream, this is one time when less is more. The ROI on a minor kitchen remodel with midrange materials is just under 70%. However, if you go all out for a major kitchen remodel, ROI drops to just 57%. Going for an upscale kitchen returns even less, just 54%.

Bathrooms

The numbers show that a midrange bathroom remodel earns a higher return than an upscale bath. Here’s how the numbers break out:

Midrange bath remodel                      64% ROI

Universal design bath remodel           61% ROI

Upscale bath remodel                         57% ROI

Upscale bath addition                         55% ROI

Two projects with lower ROI

You might be surprised which projects have the lowest ROI on Remodeling’s Cost Vs. Value list—a midrange bathroom addition and an upscale master suite addition. These projects return just over 50% on the dollar.

Paying for home renovations

For many people, creating a home they really love with spaces that function how they want is worth the price. Often, they fund home renovations with a personal loan or home equity loan. Both types of loans are available at Consumers and you can apply online or start the process by calling us at 800-991-2221.

Consumers helps more than 2,000 members finance land, first and second homes, and home improvement projects each year. We’d love to help you with a mortgage or home equity line of credit; contact us online or call us at 800-991-2221.