Remodeling projects are either a necessity or a desirable upgrade, but do you know which ones yield the best return in terms of how much of the original cost of such work is realized in terms of the effect on property values?

To make this relationship more easy to understand Remodeling magazine publishes an annual "Cost vs. Value" report and their findings make interesting reading.

Here is a summary of the 2021 results for the Pacific region, which includes Arizona, showing percentage of cost recouped:

• Garage Door Replacement - 93.7%

• Manufactured Stone Veneer - 92.1%

• Siding Replacement/Vinyl - 73.5%

• Minor Kitchen Remodel/Midrange - 72.7%

• Siding Replacement/Fiber-Cement - 70.7%

• Window Replacement/Vinyl - 70%

• Window Replacement/Wood - 68.6%

• Deck Addition/Wood - 65.5%

• Deck Addition/Composite - 61.4%

• Roofing Replacement/Asphalt Shingles - 60.7%

• Roofing Replacement/Metal - 58.2%

• Bath Remodel/Midrange - 57.6%

• Bath Remodel/Universal Design - 55.8%

• Entry Door Replacement/Steel - 55.8%

• Major Kitchen Remodel/Midrange - 55%

• Grand Entrance/Fiberglass - 54.2%

• Bath Remodel/Upscale - 53.6%

• Master Suite Addition/Midrange - 52.6%

• Major Kitchen Remodel/Upscale - 52.3%

• Bathroom Addition/Upscale - 51.7%

• Bathroom Addition/Midrange - 50.7%

• Master Suite Addition/Upscale - 47.1%
  

(Click here to read the full report)

What immediately stands out here is that you can potentially recover at least half the cost of the remodel of almost all these projects at sale time, but in many cases it's considerably better than that.

A garage door replacement offers a fantastic return, not least because it can dramatically improved the curb appeal of your home. Stone veneer has a similar transformative effect and rates almost as highly.

Of course remodeling shouldn't only be seen as a way of adding value to the property. These projects can make significant quality of life enhancements, but it is comforting to think that they can all have an important effect on not only the value of your home, but the overall perception of the property among buyers.