If you’re looking to renovate your home, it’s important to know which house projects will add value to your home so you can receive the most return on your investment (ROI). Whether you’re selling your home in San Diego, CA and moving across the country, or simply want to make upgrades to enjoy for years to come, it’s crucial to question – “Will this home upgrade really pay off?”
Whatever your reasons are for beginning a home improvement project in San Diego, it’s key to compare your options and learn which projects will offer the highest return. It’s important to note that home improvement projects with the highest ROI vary between housing markets. What a potential homebuyer in Miami, FL desires will most likely differ from a homebuyer in Indianapolis, IN. And while you may want to upgrade your kitchen cabinets for a fresh new look, or turn your second bedroom into an art studio, the ROI may be too low to be worthwhile in the San Diego market.
If you want to help increase property value and get the highest ROI, here are the top 10 projects in San Diego, CA from the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, ranked by the highest percentage of ROI.
Top 10 best ROI home improvements in San Diego
1) Garage door replacement
Average cost: $4,049
Average resale value: $3,806
Average cost recouped: 94%
A garage door replacement not only offers homeowners more protection and security, but it also improves curb appeal, reduces maintenance, and enhances curb appeal. There is no doubt that it checks all the boxes as a wise investment. A garage door replacement is on the low end for project costs, averaging around $4,049, and provides a high return on investment. You’ll gain back around 94% of the cost, just slightly less than the regional average. This high return makes a garage door replacement the most valuable home improvement project in San Diego.
2) Manufactured stone veneer
Average cost: $11,111
Average resale value: $10,333
Average cost recouped: 93%
Manufactured stone veneer is incredibly versatile, giving homeowners style options, including rustic, modern, and more. And in San Diego, you may be able to recover about 93% of the costs of purchasing and installing manufactured stone veneer when it comes time to sell your home. The average cost of stone veneer is around $11,111 with a resale value of $10,333, on par with the average regional resale value.
3) Vinyl window replacement
Average cost: $20,739
Average resale value: $18,080
Average cost recouped: 87%
Vinyl windows are often less expensive than wood windows, and still offer excellent energy efficiency, low-maintenance upkeep, and enhanced curb appeal. In San Diego, new vinyl windows come with a hefty price tag of $20,739. However, this home improvement project makes it into the top three, with a resale value of $18,080 and 87% of the costs recouped.
4) Wood window replacement
Average cost: $24,468
Average resale value: $20,771
Average cost recouped: 85%
Made from solid wood with an added protective layer, wood window frames are one of the most popular choices for window replacements. They’re reliable, long-lasting and offer great insulation, making them a popular choice among homeowners. In San Diego, wood windows typically cost around $24,468 and yield an 85% return on investment, 8% higher than the regional average.
5) Vinyl siding replacement
Average cost: $19,982
Average resale value: $16,648
Average cost recouped: 83%
Vinyl siding not only protects you and your home against rain, wind, snow, sun, and extreme temperatures, but also adds a fresh appearance to your home. It’s a popular choice among homeowners looking for a siding option that is inexpensive, easy to maintain, and quick to install. Costing an average of $19,982 in San Diego, you’ll see an 83% return on your investment at an average resale value of $16,648.
6) Minor kitchen remodel
Average cost: $29,060
Average resale value: $23,653
Average cost recouped: 81%
Whether it’s refacing cabinets, adding new backsplash, or upgrading outdated lighting, remodeling a kitchen not only adds functionality and makes the space more pleasant to spend time in, it can also increase the value of your home. In San Diego, the average cost of a minor kitchen remodel is $29,060 with an 81% ROI, 3% higher than the average cost recouped for the region.
7) Fiberglass grand entrance
Average cost: $10,656
Average resale value: $8,588
Average cost recouped: 81%
The entryway to your home can provide a feeling of comfort, warmth, and security. At the same time, it can be bold, distinct, and beautiful. Style options are endless, like traditional, modern, and craftsman. High-quality fiberglass doors are exceptionally durable, warp and dent resistant, and withstand extreme weather. In San Diego, a fiberglass grand entrance typically costs around $10,656 and yields an 81% return on investment, 7% higher than the regional average.
8) Asphalt shingles roofing replacement
Average cost: $30,094
Average resale value: $24,245
Average cost recouped: 81%
It’s easy to overlook the roof when you’re considering what home improvement project to start in San Diego. Asphalt shingles are affordable, lightweight, and durable, with a new roof typically lasting 15-20 years. So if you’re thinking about selling your home and your roof is nearing the end of its durability, you might consider replacing it to appeal to more buyers. A new asphalt shingle roof costs an average of $30,094 in San Diego. You’ll see an 81% return at an average resale value of $8,588.
9) Wood deck addition
Average cost: $21,443
Average resale value: $16,643
Average cost recouped: 78%
One of the most popular home trends in today’s market is outdoor living. Adding a wood deck gives homeowners the opportunity to expand their living spaces while spending time outdoors and increasing their property value. In San Diego, CA, the average cost is $21,443 with an average resale of $16,643, meaning you may recoup 78% of the cost.
10) Composite deck addition
Average cost: $25,989
Average resale value: $20,034
Average cost recouped: 77%
A deck addition is key to enjoying your backyard all while offering additional entertainment space, enhancing curb appeal, and increasing home value. And sometimes, you can even use your outdoor space year-round. Composite decking is easy to care for, strong, cost-effective and beautiful. Composite decking has increased in popularity over the years and is among the top choices for decking materials. Costing an average of $25,989 in San Diego, you’ll see a 77% return on your investment at an average resale value of $20,034.
Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. This is not intended as a substitute for the services of a licensed and bonded home services professional.
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