Thinking about remodeling before you sell? Not every project pays you back. Some return more than they cost, and others recover only a fraction.
Every year, the Cost vs. Value Report from Zonda compares the average cost of common remodeling projects with how much value they keep at resale. Here is what the latest national numbers show.
Quick answer: In the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, the projects with the highest return were exterior updates: garage door replacement (267.7% of cost recouped), steel entry door replacement (216.4%), and manufactured stone veneer (207.9%). Large upscale projects, like an upscale primary suite addition (18%), recouped the least.
The Top Returns: Curb Appeal Wins
Project | Average job cost | Value at resale | Cost recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
Garage door replacement | $4,672 | $12,507 | 267.7% |
Steel entry door replacement | $2,435 | $5,270 | 216.4% |
Manufactured stone veneer | $11,702 | $24,328 | 207.9% |
Fiber-cement siding replacement | $21,485 | $24,420 | 113.7% |
Minor kitchen remodel (midrange) | $28,458 | $32,141 | 112.9% |
In the 2025 report, these five projects recouped more than 100% of their cost on average, meaning their estimated value at resale was higher than what they cost.
The top three are all exterior projects. They are also among the less expensive projects on the list.
The Middle of the Pack
Project | Average job cost | Value at resale | Cost recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
Backup power generator | $13,534 | $12,902 | 95.3% |
Wood deck addition | $18,263 | $17,323 | 94.9% |
Midrange bathroom remodel | $26,138 | $20,915 | 80% |
These projects did not fully pay for themselves at resale on average, but they recovered most of their cost.
The Lowest Returns: Big, Upscale Projects
Project | Average job cost | Value at resale | Cost recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
Major kitchen remodel (upscale) | $164,104 | $58,561 | 35.7% |
Solar power installation | $55,937 | $16,625 | 29.7% |
Primary suite addition (upscale) | $351,613 | $63,136 | 18% |
These projects may still be worth doing if you plan to stay and enjoy them. Just do not count on getting your money back when you sell.
How to Read These Numbers
- They are national averages. Your neighborhood, price range, and home may be very different. The report also publishes regional data, including for the West South Central region, which includes Texas.
- "Cost recouped" is an estimate. It compares a project's average cost with its estimated value at resale. It is not a guarantee for any single home.
- It is based on surveys. The report combines estimating data with surveys of real estate professionals.
What This Means If You Are Selling Soon
If you are listing in the next few months, a major remodel may not be the best use of your time and money. Start with the basics: repairs, a fresh look at your front entry, and a clean, well-kept exterior. (See What Repairs Are Worth Making Before You List and Home Staging Tips for the Fort Bend County Market.)
Source: Zonda, 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What home improvement has the best return when you sell? In the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, garage door replacement ranked first nationally, recouping 267.7% of its cost on average.
Does a kitchen remodel pay off? A midrange minor kitchen remodel recouped 112.9% of its cost on average nationally in the 2025 report. An upscale major kitchen remodel recouped 35.7%.
Do these numbers apply to my home? Not exactly. They are national averages, and the report also publishes regional data. Your home's location, price range, and condition all matter.
Planning Updates Before You Sell?
Before you spend money, talk with someone who knows what buyers in your neighborhood are paying for. Ryan Adamsand The Adams Group TX can help you decide which updates make sense for your home and your timeline. Call us at (832) 308-7633 or visit us at 5822 Sienna Parkway, Suite 500, Missouri City, TX 77459.
