The decision to renovate your home can be a big one. Home renovations are often expensive, and believe it or not, renovations aren’t usually investments that pay for themselves over time. Most, if not all, renovations don’t actually add value to your home equal to what you spent.

Of course, like any major purchase, the value is in your enjoyment of the renovation while you still own the property, not in how much you can get back for it down the road. That being said, there are some smart renovations that can not only make your home nicer while you own it but can also retain most of their value when you finally choose to sell.

Fortunately, remodeling.com has compiled all that data in a convenient package. Here are the top renovations to do for the best resale value in 2021.

1. Garage Door Replacement

This year, as usual, garage doors are the number one home renovation to make for resale value down the line — and for good reason! Garage doors are one of the most prominent features on the front of any house and sprucing them up can immediately help your home leave a better first impression. You’ll get about 98% of the money you spent back when you decide to sell.

A new four-section garage door with heavy-duty steel tracks is your best bet for long-term quality and reliability. It’s important that the door is made of high-tensile strength steel, with two coats of industry-quality paint. 

You don’t have to replace the existing motorized opener, though. Foam insulation with thermal seals is also important to cut down on heating bills later on, and a lifetime warranty is always a nice touch.

2. Manufactured Stone Veneer

Adding manufactured stone veneer to the front of your house can spruce up its appearance, and it’s also a smart renovation economically! You’ll get about 96% of the cost of the job back down the line, and a more attractive home front for when it’s time to sell. 

Replacing a band of siding around the bottom third of the street-facing side of your house with manufactured stone veneer should be enough. Begin from the garage until you reach the main entrance. It’s important to add at least two separate layers of water-resistant barrier underneath the veneer to protect your newly renovated house. You can also add new sills, corners, and an address block to complete the look.

3. Minor Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is usually one of the most popular rooms in a house; many people not only cook in the kitchen, but they also eat and catch up with family members there, too. A minor upgrade to your kitchen will make the whole atmosphere more inviting, and you’ll get about 89.6% of the cost back too! A minor remodel is actually a much better deal than a major remodel, which will only fetch about 66.9% of the cost back upon resale.

You can replace the fronts of your cabinets and drawers with new wood panels, along with an upgrade to your kitchen equipment. A new stove, oven range, sink and fridge are all smart choices, and you can get energy-efficient ones to cut down on electricity spending. A new paint job on the trim and walls will complete the look.

4. Grand Entrance (Fiberglass)

The entrance to your home is one of the first things visitors see. Upgrading your home entrance to a fiberglass door adds a much more welcoming look to the front of your house, and it’s a smart upgrade, too. You’ll get about 85.6% of the cost back upon resale.

Opt for a larger entranceway for dual sidelights to create a better-lit entry hall indoors. Make sure the color and lockset match the aesthetic of your house exterior. You can use decorative glass on the sidelights to match the styling on the door. Use PVC-wrapped trim to match the color of the existing trim to create a cohesive look.

5. Window Replacement (Vinyl)

Windows are also a key element of your home’s exterior look. Replacing your existing windows with a vinyl frame and finish adds a welcome splash of color to your home. You’ll also get about 83% of the cost of the replacement back.

Replace your existing windows with insulated vinyl ones in a color that complements or matches the existing facade of your home. You’ll want to make sure that the exterior trim of the windows doesn’t clash with the existing aesthetic of the house. You don’t need to touch the interior trim to complete the upgrade.

6. Deck Addition (Composite)

A deck can be a lovely addition to your home, perfect for relaxing outdoors during the summer or for hosting barbeques. A deck can also make your house more appealing to future buyers, and you’ll get most of the cost of the work back, at about 82.1%.

Use composite deck material in a linear pattern for a simple, elegant feel. Since decks are elevated compared to your backyard, it’s important to add stairs for easy access. The railing should be constructed using the same material as the deck floor, for a complete look.

7. Roofing Replacement (Asphalt)

New roofing not only makes your house appear more attractive, but it’s also a safety precaution to avoid messy leaks later on that might damage your property and belongings. Replacing your existing roofing with new asphalt shingles will fetch about 78.2% of installation costs later on, significantly better than the 63% of recuperated costs from installing metal shingles. 

Try to use a minimum of 235-lb. fiberglass asphalt shingles, with felt or synthetic underlayment. You should add a galvanized drip edge and mill-finish aluminum flashing. Be sure to pick a color for the shingles that matches or complements your existing front facade.

I hope this information helps to better inform you to make smart, economical decisions for your next home renovation project. If you want to learn more, you can contact me for more information about the best value renovations here in Orange County.