Submitted by: Bob Mikaelian

Abad economy along with falling home prices has caused some homeowners to rethink investing their money into the remodeling of their home. The question isn’t whether they should or shouldn’t but which remodeling project is going to give them the best return on their investment.

What has changed?

A lot, according to the 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value survey published by Hanley Wood. Remember only a few years ago when home values kept going up and equity loans were plentiful? At that time the common remodel was the extra bedroom or bath with the euro fixtures, the large addition to the house, a new kitchen with the fancy stove and other hi tech appliances, swimming pools, hot tubs and outside barbecues. It was a remodeling fest with some people over-improving their homes for the neighborhood they lived in. While some of that remodeling is still going, today the majority of remodeling projects are smaller and more cost-effective improvements. Since the peakremodeling year of 2005, exterior replacement projects have gone to the top of the chart. Front entry doors rank the highest in the return on investment along with siding and window replacement. Why? Because these types of improvements not only increase the curb appeal of the home but can also make your home more energy efficient while improving the decor inside the house.

An example of value added remodeling is the replacement of an existing window with a bay or bow style window. This will increase the size perception of a room inside while adding a new dimension outside the house. Replacing windows and installing new siding with some decorative window trim can make an old home look new again. For a small investment you can change the largest door in your house, the garage door. This door is usually facing the street and when changed has a big impact on the curb appeal of your home.

“Curb Appeal Is King” states Remodeling Magazine’s, Cost vs. Value article. Why are seven of the top 10 value-yielding projects in this year’s Cost vs. Value Report exterior projects?

The first reason is cost. In an economy where frugal is the word, each of the exterior replacement projects come in at less than $15,000. The project with the greatest return: A mid-price-entry door, cost on average less than $1200.00.

And then there’s what you get for that relatively low cost: appearance. Exterior improvements contribute to the overall look and feel of a building. “Curb appeal is king,” notes Strongsville, Ohio, Realtor Mike Pallendino. This is especially true in a market with more sellers than buyers. Pallendino says that sometimes when he pulls up to a house that has a less-than stellar exterior, clients ask him to just keep driving. “With the exterior updated,” he says, “the new owners can concentrate on other parts of making the house their home.”

We all have many options when it comes to investing our savings but I can’t think of a better place than our own home.

All of the exterior products mentioned above are available at Toms River Door & Window. We take great pride in providing our customers with certified full-time installers and quality products that will protect and add value to their homes. Recently, Toms River Door and Window placed first among hundreds of Sunrise Windows dealers around the USA, and won the 2009 Presidents Award for excellence in customer service, technical knowledge, installation and after the sale support above any other company.

Please stop by our Toms River showroom and pickup your free copy of the 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value survey. Help us celebrate our 40th year in business and get your home improvement project on the right track.