3 Home Improvements with High ROI

Savvy homeowners can realize a high return on a home improvement project without spending a lot of money. The key is to know where to allocate the available funds for home improvements.

Updating a home’s appearance with natural wood features is one way to get a lot of impact without breaking the bank. People like wood for multiple reasons: it’s flexible, easily painted or stained to match personal tastes, looks natural, and often has a warm, welcoming look.

These three home improvement ideas, when executed well, should return at least 90% of the money spent. Although there’s no guarantee, each of these updates adds value and character to a home, whether the intent is to sell or simply to enjoy the new appearance. Even better news is that each update is relatively quick and easy.

A New Wood-Clad Garage Door

Replacing a perfectly functional automatic garage door may not seem cost-effective, but the benefits are obvious in terms of updating the architecture or boosting curb appeal. Wood cladding mimics the look of traditional carriage-house doors. The style lends a country ambiance or can be adapted to a sleek and modern design. Either way, the warmth of wood on a large exterior expanse of space adds visual drama and interest. Paint or stain the door to complement the home’s design style, and enjoy the results.

A New Wood Entry Door

It all starts with the door. Traditional entry doors are made of wood, but more modern ones are now composite or metal materials. If your home’s entry doesn’t evoke an emotional reaction, it might be time to opt for something more welcoming. Wood works well with particular home design styles, from the simple cottage to a traditional Tudor or a contemporary midcentury home. Research door and sidelight combinations to update the look while keeping the function of storm-resistant doors. Wood doors can still have modern features like an integrated window and iron grill. If there’s room, double doors make an elegant statement. Just stay true to the home’s style and know that realtors and appraisers will recognize the value of your upgrade.

An Outdoor Wood Deck

Outdoor spaces have become increasingly important for family enjoyment and entertainment in recent years, and are a top home improvement project. Adding extra living space through a wood deck is limited only by creativity, inclination, and budget. Functional decks include built-in bench seating and beams overhead for shade structures. Be it multi-level and encompassing a large part of the backyard, sited amidst the trees off a home’s second story, or forming an intriguing entry courtyard, decking will return high value for the money spent.

Natural wood requires routine maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape. Lower the maintenance burden by choosing a wood that will weather naturally to a muted grey sheen. Even though wood substitutes are readily available, it’s hard to truly replace the benefits of natural wood in look, price, and installation. Adding exterior wood features can make the investment worthwhile for home improvement projects.

Updated January 2024