Maximize Your Home Renovation ROI: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report
- LaMoriaConstruction
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
If you’re a homeowner considering a renovation this year, you’ve likely asked yourself: “Is this project actually worth the money?”
While we believe a good reason to remodel is to improve your quality of life, it’s always smart to keep an eye on resale value. The recently released 38th annual Cost vs. Value (CVV) report from Zonda offers a goldmine of data on which projects provide the best Return on Investment (ROI).
The big takeaway? Exteriors are king.
You can check out the full report here at www.costvsvalue.com
The Power of First Impressions: Exterior vs. Interior
For the second year in a row, the report confirms that exterior replacements consistently outperform complex interior remodels when it comes to boosting your home's sale price. In fact, of the top 10 projects with the highest ROI, eight are exterior replacements.
Why is the gap so large? It comes down to two things:
Curb Appeal: Real estate professionals place massive value on how a home looks the moment a buyer pulls up.
Broad Appeal: While a "dream kitchen" is subjective, a high-quality garage door or beautiful siding appeals to everyone.
Top Renovation Performers
If you want the most "bang for your buck," these projects are currently seeing returns that, in some cases, are double the investment cost:
#1 Garage Door Replacement: The undisputed champion for the second year running.
#2 Steel Entry Door: An insulated steel unit offers security, energy efficiency, and instant polish.
#3 Manufactured Stone Veneer: Adding a stone "skirt" to your home's facade is a high-impact visual upgrade.
#4 & #6 Siding Replacement: Both fiber-cement and vinyl siding have climbed the rankings this year.
#8 & #9 Decks: Both wood and composite decks offer not only increased enjoyment but also solid added value.
What About the Kitchen?
There is one notable exception to the exterior trend. The Minor Kitchen Remodel (think: a "face-lift" rather than a gut renovation) sits at #5. Buyers prioritize the kitchen above all other rooms, but they often prefer a clean, updated "blank canvas" over a high-end, personalized custom build that might not match their specific taste.
The "Complexity" Trap
One of the most interesting findings in the CVV report is that the more complex a project is, the lower the ROI tends to be at the time of sale. Large-scale interior projects like master suite additions or major kitchen overhauls involve high labor costs and highly personal design choices. While a "dream kitchen" is great for you, your specific choice of marble or custom cabinetry might not appeal to every buyer. Exterior projects—like siding and windows—have universal appeal. They are seen as essential "up-to-date" features that every buyer wants.
Thinking Like a Pro: Value Beyond the Sale
While the CVV report focuses strictly on "resale value," at LaMoria Construction, we know that value means more than just a price tag. When we partner with you, we also prioritize:
Occupant Health & Safety: Ensuring your home’s envelope is sealed correctly to prevent moisture issues.
Long-Term Durability: Using materials and craftsmanship that lasts decades in our PNW climate, not just until the house is sold.
Energy Efficiency: Reducing your monthly utility bills.
The CVV report is a fantastic way to start the conversation about your budget and anxiety over costs. It proves that remodeling isn't just an expense—it can be an investment.
Invest in Your Home’s Future
The 2025 Cost vs. Value report proves that you don't need a massive interior overhaul to add significant value to your home. Often, the best investment is right in front of you—literally.
Ready to boost your home's value? Contact us for a free exterior inspection and estimate.
