In the months leading up to selling a house, many homeowners are confronted with the reality that their home needs a lot of improvements to earn top dollar. Their budget might not allow for every home improvement that needs to be made. For homeowners in this predicament, it helps to choose projects that will result in the highest return on investment.
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2014 Cost Vs Value Report
Each year, Remodeling magazine releases its Cost Vs Value Report, which shows a side by side comparison of the average cost for 35 of the most common remodeling projects alongside the percentage of the cost that is recouped when the home is sold. The annual report is detailed enough to reveal trends at the national, regional, and even city level (101 U.S. cities are included in the report—including the Seattle area).
Exterior Upgrades Deliver Most Bang for Buck
For the Seattle area, this year’s report showed that exterior upgrades were among the highest ROI home improvement projects out of all projects listed. The percentages of cost recouped for midrange exterior projects were as follows:
- Entry Door Replacement (Steel): 104.1%
- Window Replacement (Vinyl): 86.9%
- Window Replacement (Wood): 82.3%
For upscale exterior projects, siding and window replacements also were among the highest ROI home improvement projects. The report showed the percentages of cost recouped were as follows for the Seattle area:
- Siding Replacement (Fiber Cement): 87.9%
- Window Replacement (Vinyl): 86%
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Why Are Exterior Upgrades So Valuable?
Exterior home improvements are important because you never get a second chance to make a first impression. The exterior is the first part of the home that buyers see when house hunting, and curb appeal is vital to getting people to even consider touring your home once you’ve placed it on the market. Considering most house hunters begin their search for a new home online, a spruced-up exterior could be just the factor that entices online shoppers to click on your home.
About Lake Washington Windows & Doors
Lake Washington Windows & Doors installs energy-efficient replacement windows, doors and siding for homes, apartments or businesses in the Greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, Issaquah, Kent, Renton, Sammamish, Woodinville and more. Our knowledgeable team has more than 50 combined years of window, door, and siding experience, so you can rest assured that you will have a professional, efficient and friendly experience. Contact Lake Washington Windows online for a free estimate.
