Home Improvements with Great Return in Value

The real estate season is upon us.  So what better time to discuss the most cost effective home improvements to increase your home's value.  Especially if you're in the market to sell.

Bathrooms and kitchens are typically the most popular areas to remodel.  But they can also be very expensive, which can bite into your Return on Investment (ROI). New paint and carpet can also be easy, inexpensive ways to spruce up your home for a buyer.

But according to Remodeling Magazine, there are better home improvements when it comes to maximizing your ROI.  


Top 5 Remodeling Projects by ROI

1. Replace the Front Door with a new Steel Door - 96.9%
2. Add a new Wood Deck - 87.4%
3. Replace older siding with new fiber-cement siding - 87%
4. Build an attic bedroom - 84.3%
5. Replace an older garage door with a new garage door - 83.7%

If you're making home improvement solely for the purpose of increasing your home's resale value, make sure you are working with a real estate agent that knows your market and a contractor that you can trust to get the work done well and stick to your budget.  And of course, make sure you inform your insurance agent of any improvements that could increase the reconstruction value of your home.  Whether you sell your home or not, you don't want to be under-insured.

What other cost-effective suggestions do you have for increasing your home's market value?