Exterior Remodeling: Home Improvements with the Best ROI

One of the keys to making the most out of owning a home is knowing which updates and improvements to prioritize. It’s easy to assume that any upgrade will increase your home’s value, but that isn’t necessarily the case.

Converting the deck into a sunroom might be high on your list, for example, but the reality is that sunrooms don’t have a great return on investment. You may love the new sunroom, but it isn’t going to boost your home’s value very much. That being said, it’s your house. You should absolutely make it your own. But if you’re value conscious or know that this isn’t your forever home, focus on exterior projects instead.

It can be difficult to know where to start with exterior home renovations. There are so many possible projects! To make it easier, we’ve narrowed the list down for you. Keep reading for a list of home exterior remodeling projects with a great ROI.

5 Home Exterior Renovations with a Great ROI

1. Roof replacement

A new roof is a great way to spend money you’ve set aside for home improvements. An asphalt shingle roof is almost always a safe bet. Spring for architectural shingles over the basic three-tab shingles. The project will cost a bit more, but architectural asphalt shingles are thicker than their three-tab counterparts. As long as it’s installed by professional roofers, an architectural shingle roof will look great and perform well for decades.

If you have the go-ahead from your homeowners’ association, consider a metal roof. Metal roofs are more expensive than shingle roofs, but they have a much longer lifespan. In some areas, a metal roof can also qualify you for a discount on your homeowners’ insurance.

2. New siding

Upgraded siding can make a huge difference in your energy bills. For the best return on your investment, look into engineered wood, fiber cement, or high-end vinyl siding products. Real wood siding, commonly made from cedar, is gorgeous but high maintenance. If wood siding makes your house look fantastic, opt for engineered wood siding. You’ll get the same look without the maintenance requirements.

Fiber cement siding is another durable, low-maintenance siding option. It lasts for many decades and even gives your house a small boost in terms of fire resistance. The new vinyl siding products on the market today are gaining popularity, so don’t immediately write off this option. High-end, wide plank vinyl siding gives you a luxurious look at a lower price point. Look for vinyl siding with insulation for even more energy savings.

3. Energy-efficient windows

Replacing old, drafty windows is another solid investment in your house. And it won’t take long for you to see the savings on your heating and cooling bills. Unless you live in an extremely cold climate, double-pane windows will be perfectly sufficient. There’s really no need to spring for triple-pane windows in most cases.

Whole-house window replacement is a significant financial investment. It might be tempting to reduce the cost by replacing windows a few at a time. And you can certainly do that if you’re working with a tighter budget. But keep in mind that you might end up paying more for the new windows by stretching out the project. Most window and door replacement companies incentivize whole-house projects.

4. New garage door

While it isn’t as exciting as new windows or even a new roof, a new garage door is a great exterior home update. It’s a one-day project, and you’ll see a fantastic return on your investment.

Insulated steel garage doors are a popular option. If you live in a coastal area, opt for a vinyl garage door. Vinyl won’t rust in the humid, salty air. Wood and wood composite garage doors are beautiful, but they are on the higher end of the cost scale. Wood doors need regular maintenance to keep the finish in good shape.

5. New exterior paint

If your siding is in good shape, but your house could still use a pick-me-up, an exterior paint job might be exactly what you need. Painting might sound like an easy enough project to DIY, but exterior painting is truly a skilled trade. Hire a professional painting company. They’ll have the equipment and knowledge to handle the job smoothly and efficiently.

Remember that if your neighborhood has a homeowners’ association, you will likely need to have your paint color selections approved. If you don’t need HOA approval, opt for neutral tans or grays for maximum return on investment. If your heart is set on a color other than neutral, a muted tone of your favorite shade is your best bet. A saturated but soft and earthy blue or green is beautiful without being boring.

Why Prioritize Exterior House Remodeling Projects?

Exterior home remodeling projects are easy to push down on the priority list until things are really dire. Things like siding, windows, and roofing are expensive. And while they’re vital parts of your house, they aren’t things you really pay attention to every day.

But when it comes to owning a home and spending your home improvement budget responsibly, exterior home renovations are hard to beat. You’re almost certain to see a good (if not great) return on your investment when you sell the house. And with so many energy-efficient products on the market, exterior home upgrades can make a big difference in your monthly expenses. Whether you stay in your house for decades or sell within the next five years, it’s hard to go wrong with an exterior home remodeling project.