15 remodelling ideas that will pay off this year

In US Remodelling magazine’s annual cost versus value report for nationwide and regional trends, replacing your garage door has taken over the top of the list, with a 98.3 percent cost recoupment.

The average cost of the job ran $3,470 nationally and the resale came in at $3,411.

After you have sorted out the door, why not try organising the rest of your garage so you can actually find something?

Installing manufactured stone veneer comes in second on the list of home improvement projects that practically pay for themselves.

Taking a 300-square-foot band of existing vinyl siding from the bottom third of the front of your house and replacing it with manufactured stone veneer will cost around $8,211.

You’ll see a resale value of $7,986, recouping an impressive 97.1 percent.

Most people associate veneer with timber and retro 1950s furniture however these DIY pieces you can make at home tend to feature fake woodgrain laminate.

Remodelling magazine reports that replacing your door with a steel entry door will cost $1,471, with a $1,344 resale value, resulting in a 91.3 percent recoupment.

Installing a new door is a fast and cheap way to spruce up your home. Here’s how to do it in a snap.

Reported as the fourth best remodelling project for its value, a wood deck addition will cost you $10,950.

You’ll see a $9,065 resale value, so the recoupment comes in at 82.8 percent.

An outdoor “room,” continues to remain a desired home attribute, because it creates more living space without breaking the bank.

Adding an extension is a great way to increase both the value of a house and available living space, but sometimes it affects how adjacent areas can be used. Here’s how to install a wooden deck with ease.

Minor kitchen updates can make a big difference when you go to sell your house.

While it will cost you $21,198, you’ll recoup $17,193 when you sell—that’s 81.1 percent.

“In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new shaker-style wood panels and drawer fronts, including new hardware,” Remodelling magazine recommends.

Other updates to consider include replacing major appliances with more energy-efficient models, and removing and replacing resilient flooring.

The trend towards open-plan living is nowhere more evident than in the evolution of kitchen design. Check out how to start on your open plan kitchen.

To replace 1,250-square-feet of existing siding with new siding, including factory trim at all openings and corners, you can expect to pay $15,072.

The resale value is $11,554, so the recoupment is 76.7 percent.

Plus, new siding increases curb appeal.

Whether your goal is to add value to your home to sell, or you’re just looking to get your home entertainment-ready for summer, there are three DIY projects you can complete in a weekend that will greatly increase the curb appeal of your home.

According to Remodelling magazine, you should “replace 10 existing 3 x 5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-lite vinyl windows. Simulated wood-grain interior finish; custom-color exterior finish. Trim exterior to match existing; do not disturb existing interior trim.”

The project will cost you $15,955, you’ll see a resale value of $11,855, with the recoupment coming in at 74.3 percent.

The bathroom may be far from the first thing that people see when coming into your home, but it’s a very important room!

The more spacious and updated, the better – especially for the elderly.

Universal design includes accommodating a wheelchair and adding safety features like grab bars in convenient places.

A full update will cost you $16,393. You’ll see a $11,581 resale value, with a recoupment of 70.6 percent.

A midrange bathroom remodel will cost you $US19,134.

The resale value is $13,422, with a recoupment of 70.1 percent.

These numbers are based on remodelling an existing 5 x 7-foot bathroom with ceramic tile floor.

The remodel includes a new 30 x 60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4 x 4-inch ceramic tile surround and new single-lever shower control.

Other updates include a standard white toilet, solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink and a recessed medicine cabinet with light.

Replacing 10 existing 3 x 5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-lite wood windows will cost you $19,391 with a resale value of $13,468.

This project includes an interior finish of stained hardwood, an exterior finish of custom-colour aluminum cladding, and exterior trim to match what’s already there.

You’ll see a recoupment of 69.5 percent.