Home improvement projects are booming, expected to cross $110 billion in total volume this quarter. Unlike in recent years, however, the projects aren’t helping to create much new home equity.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value Report 2011-2012, for each home improvement dollar spent in 2012, homeowners can expect to recoup just 58 cents in home equity.
This figure is down sharply from 2005, when the cost-to-value ratio was 87 percent.
Today’s Chicago homeowners get a much smaller payoff on their home improvement projects. If you’re planning to remodel/update in preparation for sale, therefore, consider the following projects, each of which carries a high cost-to-value ratio.
From Remodeling Magazine’s “Mid-Range Project” list :
- Steel Entry Door Replacement : Cost, $1,238; Recoup, 73.0%
- Attic Bedroom : Cost, $50,184; Recoup, 72.5%
- Minor Kitchen Remodel : Cost, $19,588; Recoup, 72.1%
- Garage Door Replacement : Cost, $1,512; Recoup, 71.9%
- Wood Deck Addition : Cost, $10,350; Recoup 70.1%
By contrast, other projects carry a low cost-to-value ratio, and should only be undertaken if the project’s utility exceeds its cost. These projects don’t do much to raise a home’s resale value.
- Home Office Remodel : Cost, $27,963; Recoup, 42.9%
- Sunroom Addition : Cost, $34,133; Recoup, 45.9%
- Backup Power Generator : Cost, $14,760; Recoup, 47.5%
- Bathroom Addition : Cost, $140,096512; Recoup, 51.0%
- Fiberglass Entry Door Replacement : Cost, $3,536; Recoup 56.3%
In the “Upscale Projects” category, projects including the replacement of doors, siding and windows occupy the list’s first 6 slots in terms of cost-to-value.
If you’re planning a home improvement project over the next few months, the timing is right — both contractor costs and material costs are low nationwide, and improving a home can extend its useful life.
See the complete Cost vs Value report online.
Rita- I hope you don’t mind that I shared this article with many of my clients. I thought it was good information and warns against overspending on projects.
We specialize in refinishing cabinets and hardwood floors. We are often at the beginning or end of a sale. I often speak with people that are going to spend outrageous dollars to get their home sold or to change the new home they just bought. We can restore cabinets to their original look often in a day, which is ideal for a seller. Our color change process is usually completed for cabinets in a few days (max 5) and without all the dust, odor and mess associated with other refinishing processes. And we provide a written warranty.
Our average kitchen is about 25% the cost of replacing and compared to refacing about 1/3 the cost. That leaves a good chunk for new appliances and countertops. We are often called in by sellers to differentiate their home.
On floors we can complete most floors in a day without the mess and cure the new finish with ultraviolet light so you can show the home tonight!
Tom Seeger
President
N-Hance Wood Renewal Chicago