Your home is a significant investment, and any improvement you make can increase its value. Whether you are planning to sell your home or just want to upgrade it, these home improvement projects can help you achieve your goals. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 home improvement projects that can increase your home’s value, all with the highest percentage of cost recouped at sale. While these are tailor-picked for Connecticut’s market, and pricing is particular to Connecticut home remodels, these projects are still the best returned value for their cost across most markets in North America. All pricing information is sourced from Zonda Media’s Cost vs Value Report for 2022.
Garage Door Replacement
Garage door replacement involves removing the old door and installing a new one. It may also include replacing the door opener and other hardware. Replacing your garage door can significantly improve the curb appeal of your home., and improve energy efficiency, security, and noise reduction.
Average Job Cost
The average cost of a garage door replacement is $4,041.
Value at Sale
The value added to your home at the time of sale is approximately $3,769.
Cost Recouped
You can recoup up to 93% of the cost of a garage door replacement.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Manufactured stone veneer installation involves applying a thin layer of stone veneer to the exterior of your home. Installing manufactured stone veneer can significantly enhance the appearance of your home’s exterior. It can also increase your home’s energy efficiency and durability.
Average Job Cost
The average cost of manufactured stone veneer installation is $11,066.
Value at Sale
The value added to your home at the time of sale is approximately $10,109.
Cost Recouped
You can recoup up to 91% of the cost of manufactured stone veneer installation.
Minor Kitchen Remodel
Minor kitchen remodels may include updating the cabinets, countertops, appliances, and fixtures. A minor kitchen remodel can significantly improve the functionality and appearance of your kitchen. It can also increase the value of your home and attract potential buyers. For more information on possible kitchen upgrades, see our main Kitchens page.
Average Job Cost
A kitchen remodel in Connecticut should range between 12 – 18% of your home’s market value.
Example if your home is valued at $500k you should invest $60k to $90k based on upgrades and finishes.
The average cost of a minor kitchen remodel is $28,279. Using Fine Home Contracting’s 3-tier system, general kitchen pricing is as follows:
- Tier 1: $19k – 29k
- Cabinet Removal + Install
- Granite Countertops, new sink + faucets.
- Painted walls, Luxury Vinyl Floors.
- Common Plumbing + Electrical hookups.
- Tier 2: $39k – $59k
- All work described in Tier 1, plus
- Undercabinet or Recessed lighting
- Tile Backsplash
- Larger Kitchen Islands
- Hardwood or Tile Flooring
- Tier 3: $69k+
- All work described in Tiers 1+2, plus:
- Removal of walls or redesign of floorplans.
- Major electrical or plumbing changes.
- New windows or exterior doors.
Value at Sale
After a minor kitchen remodel, the value added to your home at the time of sale is approximately $20,125.
Cost Recouped
You can recoup up to 71% of the cost of a minor kitchen remodel.
Fiber Cement Siding Replacement
Fiber cement siding replacement involves removing the old siding and installing new fiber cement siding. Replacing your old siding with fiber cement siding can improve the energy efficiency and durability of your home. It can also enhance the curb appeal of your home.
Average Job Cost
The average cost of fiber cement siding replacement is $22,093.
Value at Sale
The value added to your home at the time of sale is approximately $15,090.
Cost Recouped
You can recoup up to 68% of the cost of fiber cement siding replacement.
Vinyl Window Replacement
In addition to the obvious opportunity for aesthetic changes, replacing your old windows with vinyl windows can improve th
e energy efficiency and noise reduction of your home. It can also enhance the curb appeal of your home.
Average Job Cost
The average cost of vinyl window replacement is $20,482.
Value at Sale
The value added to your home at the time of sale is approximately $13,822.
Cost Recouped
You can recoup up to 67% of the cost of Vinyl Window Replacements.
Vinyl Siding Replacement
Replacing your old siding with vinyl siding can significantly enhance the appearance of your home’s exterior. It can also increase the energy efficiency and durability of your home. Vinyl siding is designed to withstand weather and resist moisture damage, and comes in a wide variety of colors and textures. 
Average Job Cost
The average cost of vinyl siding replacement is $18,662.
Value at Sale
The value added to your home at the time of sale is approximately $12,541.
Cost Recouped
You can recoup up to 67% of the cost of vinyl siding replacement.
Wood Window Replacement
Replacing your old windows with wood windows can enhance the appearance and increase the value of your home. It can also improve energy efficiency and noise reduction. Wood window replacement involves removing the old windows and installing new wood windows. Other work involved can include replacing damaged window trim and flashing, or installing shutters, flower planters, and other cosmetic window accessories.
Average Job Cost
The average cost of wood window replacement is $24,388.
Value at Sale
The value added to your home at the time of sale is approximately $16,160.
Cost Recouped
You can recoup up to 66% of the cost of wood window replacement.
Wood Deck Additions
Adding a wood deck to your home can significantly increase your outdoor living space and enhance the value of your home. For properties where a patio or yard space is not an option, deck space provides a comfortable outdoor area with plenty of possibilities for customization. 
Average Job Cost
The average cost of a wood deck addition is $19,248.
Value at Sale
The value added to your home at the time of sale is approximately $12,464.
Cost Recouped
You can recoup up to 65% of the cost of a wood deck addition.
Steel Entry Door Replacement
Benefits of Job
Replacing your old entry door with a steel one can improve the security and energy efficiency of your home. Steel entry doors come in a variety of finishes, window styles, and sizes, and your selection can heavily influence the curb appeal and overall aesthetic of our home’s exterior. Additional work can include repair or replacement of damaged doorways, trim, thresholds, lock replacement, and door hardware.
Average Job Cost
The average cost of a steel entry door replacement is $2,206.
Value at Sale
The value added to your home at the time of sale is approximately $1,409.
Cost Recouped
You can recoup up to 64% of the cost of a steel entry door replacement.
Composite Deck Additions
Similarly to adding a wood deck, adding a composite deck to your home can increase your outdoor living space and enhance the value of your home. It also requires less maintenance than a wood deck. However, due to the higher quality of material and longer lifespan, composite decks tend to carry a higher price tag. It is worth noting the estimated recouped cost percentage for both wood and composite decks is very similar, at 64% and 62% respectively.
Average Job Cost
The average cost of a composite deck addition is $24,677.
Value at Sale
The value added to your home at the time of sale is approximately $15,315.
Cost Recouped
You can recoup up to 62% of the cost of a composite deck addition.
FAQs: Common Questions About Increasing Home Value
Here are some frequently asked questions about increasing your Connecticut home’s value.
Q1. What is the best way to increase my home’s value?
A1. The best way to increase your home’s value is to make smart home improvements that are in line with the current real estate market trends. Updating your kitchen and bathroom, installing energy-efficient windows, and creating an outdoor living space are some of the best projects that can provide a significant return on investment. Following this guide and using cost information from Zonda Media’s Cost vs Value guide can give you an idea of average costs across different kinds of jobs, as well as what percentage you can expect to recoup at sale.
Q2. Is it worth it to finish my basement?
A2. Yes, finishing your basement can increase your home’s living space and add significant value. You can use the space for a family room, game room, or even a home theater. This upgrade can make your home more functional while increasing its value. Some basement refinishing projects can be more expensive due to being on a concrete foundation, particularly installing new plumbing connections where foundation may need to be trenched.
Q3. Should I add a home office to my home?
A3. Yes, adding a home office can make your home more functional and increase its value, especially in the current work-from-home environment. You can convert an underutilized room or even a closet into a home office to create a dedicated workspace.
Q5. Is it worth replacing my garage door?
A5. Yes, replacing your garage door can provide a significant return on investment. Zonda media estimates the recouped cost on a new garage door installation at around 93%, making it one of the best investments to make in your home if you intend to resell. A new garage door can also increase your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency, making it a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
There you have it, the top 10 home improvement projects that can increase your home’s value. From garage door replacement to composite deck additions, these projects can enhance the functionality, energy efficiency, and appearance of your home. Choose the project that best suits your needs and budget and start adding value to your home today.
About the Author: David Perrotti
