Improving Home Value Through Strategic Exterior Renovations

Got an old house? Want to increase its value without tearing the entire place down?

Let's talk about your options.

The thing is. Exterior home design and improvement projects are killing it these days. While other projects lag far behind, they remain in the lead in terms of ROI.

But here's the thing.

They don't have to cost you a fortune or take months to complete. In fact, most exterior upgrades can be done in a matter of days.

No digging through construction trenches. No living in a sandstorm while a kitchen remodeling crew remakes your life.

In this article, we will share:

• Exterior Projects Dominate The ROI Ranks
• Top Exterior Home Improvement Projects That Pay for Themselves
• Why Small Details Matter More Than Most Assume
• Prioritising Your Renovation Budget

Exterior Upgrades Dominate The ROI Ranks Right Now

Look at the facts first. Zonda's 2024 Cost vs. Value report shows exterior home improvement projects are more valuable than larger, interior projects these days.

In fact, this has been happening for a while.

But what's more fun to know is that…

Four out of five top ROI projects are exterior. All four of them offer more than 90% ROI. This is huge in the construction business. Compared to interior renovations that have to break the 75% barrier.

Why? Curb appeal is the answer. The first impressions count more than most people tend to think. A house has to impress the people who will potentially buy it from the moment they drive up in the car.

This is where smart choices in exterior home design and improvement projects pay off the most. Even a simple detail like house numbers makes a difference. You should take time to browse high-quality modern house number options like those found at Modern House Numbers to see how small things change the whole house's feel.

Isn't that amazing?

Top Home Improvement Projects That Pay For Themselves

Now, let's talk about what pays for itself the most.

Garage Door Replacement

The thing is. The garage door replacement takes the top spot. A new garage door delivers an impressive 194% ROI.

Say what?

Yeah. It almost doubles your investment at the point of selling the home.

Think about the situation.

The garage door takes a lot of space on the front facade of your home. A worn-out and discoloured one drags down the entire view. The modern replacement solves the problem.

The average price is around $4,500. However, this project alone adds as much as $8,700 to your home's overall value. When you sell the house, you will see the cash.

Steel Entry Door Replacement

Your home's front door is the most important part of the home's exterior design. When you replace it with a steel entry door, you receive about 188% of your initial investment back, on average, nationally.

Why?

It is a way of making a first good impression, not to mention that steel entry doors are:

• Much more secure
• Energy-efficient
• Costing way less than other projects.

Steel entry doors are the first thing that people see when they enter your house. In the middle of the game, the prices hover around $2,300, on average.

But what you will receive from your investment is up to $4,400 in added value.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Adding stone veneer to part of the exterior wall of the house, increases its value by over 150% of the initial investment. It gives people the impression that their home is high-end and custom-made while not paying the price for a full-blown stone construction.

This is where you usually add stone veneer. Entryway and a lower part of the facade.

Small Details That Matter More Than Most Think

Okay. Here's the most unexpected piece of information about house improvement.

The small things matter more than most people would think. While large projects are in the headlines, little but impactful upgrades do a lot to the curb appeal too.

We are talking about the following elements:

• House numbers and address signage
• Exterior lighting fixtures
• Mailbox upgrades
• Porch and entry accessories
• Landscaping borders and edging

All of these little things create a strong, perfect looking look. Future buyers will surely notice it. That is, if all those little things match.

The reverse is also valid.

Mismatched and dated elements will downgrade even the most expensive of home improvements.

Prioritising Your Renovation Budget

Okay. You want to start doing those home improvement projects. But you are lost on where to begin.

We have the plan here for you.

1. Walk to the street and look at your home the way a future buyer would.
2. Take pictures from all angles.
3. Look at those pictures to see what makes a negative impact.

Done? Good. Let's move on.

Write everything that looks outdated, damaged and does not go with anything else on your list.

Be honest with yourself.

Got a list? Perfect.

Prioritise according to data. Garage doors, entry doors and siding replacements consistently bring the best results.

Do not skip the finishing touches. Those little details we mentioned previously may cost you a few hundred dollars but make a larger impact than the project that costs you several thousand dollars but is not seen from the street.

The way to go here is a combination of high-impact projects and smart, inexpensive ones.

You can buy a few hundred dollars' worth of good quality house numbers and new light fixtures to make your home stand out. The house becomes unrecognisable to most while not breaking the bank.

Mistakes To Avoid

Okay. Let's talk about what not to do.

• Do not over-improve your house for your neighbourhood. Try not to spend $50,000 on exterior upgrades if the neighbourhood is filled with $200,000 homes. There is a cap on the house values around you. Research comparable properties in your area to decide what works.
• Do not ignore maintenance. All the upgrades in the world will not help if you let the basics slide. Peeling paint, overgrown landscaping and dirty siding kill curb appeal like no one else. Fix the essential first before considering upgrades.
• Avoid choosing trendy options over timeless ones. Bold colours and unusual materials might work today but they may date fast and be unappealing to future owners. Stick with the classic one that have proven to work for decades.
• Do not skip permits. Some projects may need permits. Unpermitted work may give you a lot of problems when you decide to sell the home. Always check with local authorities on requirements before starting work.
• Do not go cheap on materials. Low-quality stuff ages quickly. The savings will disappear when you are forced to replace those materials in a few years.

 

Published 12/04/2025