It Pays to Make These 5 Curb Appeal Updates

This is the second installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2022, a month-long series featuring high-ROI home improvements on kitchens, curb appeal, bathrooms, and outdoor living spaces. Each week, we’re pulling from our vast library of informational content, vetted shopping guides, and connections to industry professionals to present primers on the top projects to take on this year.

First impressions can have a big impact on how potential buyers view a property. Enhancing a home’s facade with a variety of updates such as new windows, roofing, doors, and siding is a great way to boost both curb appeal and value in one fell swoop.

While the scope and cost of each of these upgrades can vary, one thing they all share in common is that they offer a high return on investment (ROI). In other words, when you go to sell your home, either now or in the future, you’ll be able to recoup a significant percentage of the money you put into it. In fact, according to the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, some exterior makeover projects could return more than 90 percent of the entire job cost at resale.

Whether you’re looking to increase property value with the intention of selling right away or still plan to live in your home for some time but want to give it a new look, considering the ROI can help you determine which projects to prioritize.

Read on to learn about the important comparisons, cost estimates, and potential return for five key exterior updates worth considering for your 2022 to-do list.

Garage Door

Replacing the garage door might seem like an expensive undertaking. However, when you consider its estimated 93 percent ROI, it can certainly be a worthwhile upgrade. New steel garage doors can enhance a home’s appearance, energy efficiency, and security. It’s no wonder, then, that home buyers take notice of this important exterior feature.

If you’re considering a garage door upgrade, consult the following guides and expert product recommendations to determine which type is best suited for your home and budget.

Considerations Before You Buy
Popular Types of Garage Doors
The Average Cost of Garage Door Replacement
The Best Garage Door Openers of 2022
How to Install a Garage Door Opener Yourself
Important Garage Door Maintenance

Front Door

Old entry doors aren’t as energy efficient as today’s modern options. Damaged or worn out seals can allow heated and cooled air to escape, which can increase utility bills. That means upgrading to a new steel door could benefit you financially even before planting a “For Sale” sign in the yard.

As the most budget-friendly project included in the Cost vs. Value report, replacing a front door requires less money upfront while still boasting about 64 percent ROI. After style and material selections, determining whether to hire a professional or DIY the installation is the next important step in completing this project.

How to Choose a New Front Door
Eye-Catching Front Door Options to Consider
The Average Cost of Door Installation
The Best Paint for Front Doors
How to Paint a Steel Entry Door
The Best Storm Doors of 2022
How to DIY Storm Door Installation

Windows

Outdated windows can also negatively impact a home’s energy efficiency, and some may even be safety hazards if they don’t operate properly. Window replacement can remedy these problems, making your daily life more comfortable and secure, which is also often a top priority for potential home buyers.

In addition to reducing heating and cooling costs, new insulated windows can improve soundproofing, make the exterior of a home more visually appealing, and recoup nearly 70 percent of the total project cost at resale. The resources that follow can help you finalize your plans for a high-ROI window replacement project.

Things to Know Before You Buy
Popular Types of Windows
The Average Cost of Window Replacement
The Best Window Brands of 2022
Vinyl vs. Aluminum Windows
Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Windows
The Best Window Replacement Companies of 2022

Siding

Siding does so much more than simply make a home look attractive. It protects the structure from harsh elements like strong winds, hail, UV rays, and extreme cold. Some types of siding perform better and last longer than others, but fiber cement and vinyl are two standouts highlighted in the Cost vs. Value report. Both are available in a myriad of styles and can be painted for a quick aesthetic update in the future. Plus, fiber cement and vinyl siding have the potential to recoup nearly 70 percent of the initial project cost.

For even more wow, installing stone veneer along the lower third of a home’s front facade can add visual interest as well as ROI to the tune of about 91 percent.

Popular Types of House Siding
10 Things to Know About Vinyl Siding
The Average Cost of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement Siding
All About Fiber Cement Siding
Things to Know Before Adding Stone Veneer
The Average Cost to Paint a House
How to Paint Vinyl Siding

Roof

The prospect of moving into a home and having to replace the roof right away can scare off potential buyers. Getting a new roof before listing your house could help you avoid these potential roadblocks and add value, to boot.

While not quite as high as some of the other exterior projects on this list, the ROI for a new roof is still quite substantial. Homeowners that opt for new asphalt-shingle or metal roofing can estimate a 60 percent and 55 percent return on investment, respectively. Use the advice below to determine if now is the time to replace your roof, and which option is best for your home.

Popular Types of Roofing to Consider
How Long Does a Roof Last?
The Average Cost of Roof Replacement
All About Asphalt Shingles
All About Metal Roofs
The Average Cost of a Metal Roof vs. Shingles
The Best Roofing Companies of 2022
The Average Cost of Solar Panels