Contrary to what many people think, most of the projects offering the greatest returns in resale value are related to curb appeal rather than more glamorous kitchen and bath remodels.
"You have to throw away everything you see on HGTV," said Todd Tomalak, Zonda's principle of building products research. Only a few projects can even deliver a 100% return on investment, such as converting a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to electric, replacing the garage doors, installing a stone veneer and upgrading to a steel front door.
A minor kitchen remodel — like painting and updating the backsplash — did provide high returns, but major kitchen and bathroom remodels did not, the Zonda survey found.and a tight supply of homes for sale, more people are choosing to fix up their current home rather than look for something new, according to Tomalak.
Even though both construction and financing costs are up, this decade could be "the golden age of remodeling," Tomalak said.