If you’re a homeowner wondering which home improvements actually pay off at resale, the newly released 2024 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report by Zonda (www.costvsvalue.com) offers clear answers—and some surprising trends.
Curb Appeal Still Reigns Supreme
For the 37th year in a row, exterior projects continue to deliver the highest return on investment (ROI). In fact, 9 of the top 10 highest-ROI projects were exterior improvements. That’s no accident—real estate professionals consistently emphasize curb appeal as a major factor in driving buyer interest and increasing sale price.
So, which projects came out on top in 2024?
According to the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com), these are the national leaders in ROI:
- Garage Door Replacement: 194% ROI
- Steel Entry Door Replacement: 188% ROI
- Manufactured Stone Veneer: 153% ROI
- Grand Entrance Upgrade (Fiberglass): 97% ROI
- Minor Kitchen Remodel: 96% ROI
National averages from the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, showing project costs, resale values, and ROI percentages.
© 2024 Zonda Media, a Delaware Corporation. Complete data from the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.
This year marks the highest returns ever recorded for garage and steel door replacements, both nearly doubling the money spent. These hot returns are fueled by a unique housing market: fewer listings, higher interest rates, and homeowners sitting on substantial equity.
“A new garage or entry door could be the key feature that sets one home apart from the rest,” says Todd Tomalak, Principal at Zonda Advisory. “That visual impact at the front door can influence perceived value—and price—more than many homeowners realize.”
Not All Projects Are Created Equal
While exterior improvements are surging, some interior upgrades have slipped. For example, last year’s ROI leader—HVAC conversion (from gas to electric heat pump)—fell from a 104% ROI in 2023 to just 66% in 2024. That’s a significant drop.
Experts suggest the decrease is driven by a combination of falling natural gas prices, rising electricity costs, and a more informed real estate community who now view this conversion as less likely to boost a sale price.
And while heat-pump adoption is expected to rebound as federal tax rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act kick in, it hasn’t yet made a significant impact on resale value.
Trend Reversal: ROI Is Climbing Again
After years of declining ROI (as project costs rose faster than resale values), 2024 shows a promising turnaround. For the 15 projects tracked since the beginning of the report in 2002, there’s been a 5.2% average increase in ROI year over year.
The black trend line in the chart provided in the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report illustrates this clearly: costs continue to rise, but for the first time since the pandemic disrupted housing markets, values are finally catching up.
Historical trend showing project costs rising, values fluctuating, and 2024 showing a positive ROI shift.
© 2024 Zonda Media. Data from the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com).
Regional ROI: Where You Live Matters
The value of your remodeling investment also depends on location. The Pacific region leads the nation in ROI, with New England close behind. Meanwhile, areas like the East South Central and East North Central regions delivered the lowest average returns on improvement projects.
For homeowners in the Pacific region (including California), some of the standout returns include:
- Garage Door Replacement: 251% ROI
- Steel Door Replacement: 250% ROI
- Manufactured Stone Veneer: 204% ROI
- Minor Kitchen Remodel: 134% ROI
In contrast, the same garage door replacement project in West South Central markets (like Texas) saw a still-respectable but much lower 149% return.
Regional breakdown of ROI by project type across U.S. regions. The Pacific region leads in returns.
© 2024 Zonda Media. Complete data from the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report available at www.costvsvalue.com
Real-World Takeaway for Homeowners
As you consider upgrades, focus on what will sell your home—not just what looks nice or feels trendy. Exterior projects continue to outperform high-end kitchen or bath remodels when it comes to resale. That said, any project should still be considered within the broader context of your neighborhood, your long-term goals, and the current real estate climate.
And while the Cost vs. Value report is an excellent tool to understand potential resale gains, it’s also a great starting point for conversations with contractors or real estate professionals about true project value, including durability, safety, and craftsmanship.
Regional breakdown of ROI by project type across U.S. regions. The Pacific region leads in returns.
© 2024 Zonda Media. Complete data from the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report available at www.costvsvalue.com.
📌 Local Insight:
If you’re in San Diego County, Carmel Valley, or Palm Desert, reach out today and let’s talk strategy. Whether you’re looking to prep for sale or just invest smartly in your home, we’ll help you make the right move based on data, experience, and market insight.
Karen and Brad Mattonen
📞 858-518-2875
🌐 homesinsdcounty.com
📍 Serving Palm Desert, Carmel Valley, and Greater San Diego County
Sources:
- Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com)
- © 2024 Zonda Media, a Delaware Corporation. Complete data available for download at www.costvsvalue.com.
HomeImprovementROI #CostVsValue #RemodelingROI #BestHomeUpgrades #CurbAppeal #HomeValueTips #GarageDoorUpgrade #KitchenRemodelROI #SanDiegoRealEstate #CarmelValleyHomes #PalmDesertLiving #RealEstateInvesting #RenovationROI #ExteriorUpgrades #SellSmarter
Why Work With Us?
✔️ We ensure your sale or purchase is legal, safe, and protected
✔️ We prevent the expensive mistakes others miss
✔️ We fight to maximize your profit and protect your future
✔️ We’re not here for fluff—we’re here to deliver results with integrity
💼 HomesinSDCounty: Local Power. Nationwide Reach.
✅ Experts in Probate, Pre-Foreclosure & Distressed Sales
✅ Strategic Advisors in Residential, Investment & Commercial Real Estate
✅ No fluff. Just relentless advocacy and smart protection.
💥 Explore Our Valuable FREE Real Estate Resources
✓ eBooks | ✓ Checklists | ✓ Buying & Selling Guides | ✓ Investor Tools
→ Visit our Resources Page to download now
🛫 Relocating? Buying, selling, or relocating in San Diego, Riverside, Orange County—or anywhere in the U.S.?
We’ve Got You Covered—Nationwide.
We’re not just your local experts—and we don’t just work in Southern California. We’re backed by the powerhouse Coldwell Banker National Network and a handpicked team of personally vetted agents across the country. Whether you’re making a move across town or across the country, we ensure a smooth, strategic, and successful experience.
We’ll connect you with an agent we trust—not just someone in the directory.
📲 Brad & Karen Mattonen
HomesinSDCounty | Coldwell Banker West
858-518-2875 | www.homesinsdcounty.com
Your Smart Move—Wherever Life Takes You
