If you are considering home improvements, it is a good idea to understand what type of financial return you will have from an upgrade in terms of the resale value of your home.

NCCC has compiled some information on home improvement investments that usually offer the best returns.  The figures we report are averages.

Not all home improvements are created equal.  Some projects net a much higher return than others.  The chart below highlights where some improvements may fall.  Please note that these figures are only estimates and the real cost and return of your project depend on a number of variables.

Return value depends heavily on the real estate market and prevailing property values. If the market is slow, expect to see less return than you would in a fast market. Also, consider the neighborhood. If you remodel your house to twice the size of the other homes on the block, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to sell at double the price.

Important Points:

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects consistently return the most in resale value and almost always help to sell a house. Converting a basement into a family room generally yields the smallest return on the investment.

Projects can be large or small. Sometimes, the cumulative effect of small projects can pay back more in resale value than that of larger projects. Small projects tend to be cosmetic in nature: fresh paint, new doors, garden windows, and ceiling fans. Large improvements involve adding or upgrading living space.

Today's fad may be tomorrow's standard. Backyard decks, for example, were difficult to find 30 years ago; now they are common. Decks may not have paid back very much in resale value decades ago, but as decks have become more desirable, their resale value has increased.

The price of home improvements fluctuates depending on economic conditions and region. If remodeling costs are particularly high in your area (or home sale prices particularly low), you may not recoup as much on your investment as you would if costs were in sync with sales prices.

As a homeowner, you will want to make whatever changes are necessary to enhance the enjoyment of the home for you and your family, but be aware that the cost of the improvement will often not be totally recaptured in an appraisal or sale of your home.

Typically, neutral decorating (new carpet, paint, wallpaper, etc.) is money well spent. Larger improvements, such as additions and four-season porches, must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to take a look at your neighborhood when planning changes and try to keep improvements in line with other properties in the area.

Also, if you happen to do home improvements yourself instead of hiring labor, you can generally make more of a return.  Be sure to follow proper building codes and acquire the proper permits.  Never begin work if you are unsure how to proceed. 

Project	Average Cost	Return Percentage
New heating or A/C system	$2,000 to $4,500	60% to 100%
Minor kitchen remodeling	$2,000 to $8,500	94% to 102%
Major kitchen remodeling	$9,000 to $25,000	Up to 90%
Add bathroom	$5,000 to $12,000	Up to 92%
Add a family room	$30,000	Up to 86%
Remodel bathroom	$8,500	Up to 77%
Add a fireplace	$1,500 to $3,000	Up to 75%
Build a deck	$6,000	Up to 73%
Remodel home office	$8,000	Up to 69%
Replace windows	$6,000	68% to 74%
Build a pool	$10,000 and up	Up to 44%
Landscaping	$1,500 to $15,000	30% to 60%
Finish basement	$3,000 to $7,000	Up to 15%