5 Home Renovations with Major ROI: Best Home Improvement Return on Investment
Home renovations are exciting; you get to reimagine your space and enjoy the upgrades every day. But let’s be honest: they’re also an investment. Because of that, the smartest projects are the ones that make your home more comfortable now and deliver the best home improvement return on investment when it’s time to sell.
At Baker Home Exteriors, we’ve been working with homeowners in Raleigh, Asheville, Greensboro, and Charleston for more than 110 years. One thing we’ve learned: not every project pays off the same way. Some renovations give you an outsized return, while others are more about personal preference. If you’re looking for projects that deliver value on both fronts, here’s where to start.
Quick Answer
In the Carolinas, exterior upgrades lead the pack in terms of ROI. Roof replacements typically recoup 60–70% of their cost, while siding upgrades often return 80% or more.
Similarly, energy-efficient windows and doors add long-term savings and value, and steel entry doors can deliver up to 188% ROI nationwide. For lifestyle benefits, deck additions and trim or gutter upgrades also rank high, boosting both comfort and curb appeal.
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1. Roofing: Protect Your Home and Your Bottom Line
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the Carolina elements. Replacing an aging roof is one of the best home improvement return on investment projects, often recouping 60–70% of the cost when it’s time to sell. In storm-prone areas, it can even help with insurance rates.
Local Insight:
- In Raleigh and Greensboro, hail and summer storms make roof replacements a must-have for buyers.
- In Charleston, coastal weather means buyers look for wind- and salt-resistant materials.
- In Asheville, mountain homes need roofs that stand up to heavy rain and snow.
2. Siding: A Whole New Look (and Value to Match)
Few updates transform a home as dramatically as new siding, especially when you’re focused on getting the best home improvement return on investment for your budget. Whether it’s durable fiber cement or cost-effective vinyl, siding upgrades typically return 80% or more of your investment.
Local Insight:
- In Greensboro and Asheville, insulated siding is popular for energy efficiency.
- Raleigh suburbs are seeing a surge in fiber cement siding for its durability.
- Charleston buyers prize siding that can withstand humidity and salt air.
3. Windows & Doors: Efficiency Meets Resale
Energy-efficient windows and doors are one of the most practical investments you can make if you’re aiming for the best home improvement return on investment and lower utility costs. Replacement windows and doors often return 60–75% of their cost. A new steel entry door can recoup up to 188% of its cost nationwide—one of the best ROI projects out there.
Local Insight:
- Asheville homeowners see added value from windows that keep mountain views clear while boosting insulation.
- Raleigh and Greensboro buyers love energy-efficient windows that cut utility bills.
- Charleston homes benefit from hurricane-rated doors and windows.
4. Gutters & Trim: The Unsung Heroes of ROI
Gutters and trim can make or break your other investments. Properly installed gutters protect your foundation, siding, and landscaping from water damage. Trim ties your whole exterior together and shields edges from the elements.
Think of it as preventive ROI: these upgrades protect your biggest assets and help preserve the best home improvement return on investment from other exterior projects.
5. Deck Additions: Outdoor Living, Carolina Style
If you live in the Carolinas, you know how much time we spend outdoors. A deck addition isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an extension of your living space. Nationally, decks deliver a 68–83% return, depending on the material, but in our climate, the lifestyle value is even higher.
Local Insight:
- Greensboro homeowners often add covered or screened decks for year-round use.
- Raleigh families want more outdoor living space for entertaining.
- Asheville decks take advantage of mountain views.
- Charleston decks are perfect for evening breezes by the coast.
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Not ready for a full-scale renovation? Simple updates go a long way. Fresh paint, new shutters, or a bold front door color can completely change how your home feels—and how buyers see it. These smaller updates are budget-friendly and often deliver some of the highest “per-dollar” returns.
But if you are ready to start updating your home, one thing that can help you make the decision is to look at the cost of your renovation compared to the money you’ll get back. That’s why we’ve built this calculator so you can look at various home exterior upgrades and the expected return in your area. We’ve also made it easy for you to apply for financing, if that’s something you’re interested in.
Home Renovation ROI Calculator
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ROI by Project Type: Which Has the Best Home Improvement Return on Investment?
| Renovation Project | Avg. ROI % (National) | Carolina Buyer Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Replacement | 60–70% | Storm & hail resistance; coastal durability |
| Siding Replacement | 80%+ | Fresh curb appeal; fiber cement & vinyl are popular |
| Window Replacement | 60–75% | Energy efficiency, noise reduction |
| Steel Entry Door | Up to 188% | First impression boost + security |
| Deck Addition | 68–83% | Outdoor living space; lifestyle upgrade |
| Gutters & Trim | Preventive ROI | Protects foundation, siding, and landscaping |
| Small-Scale Updates | High impact, low cost | Paint, shutters, trim—budget-friendly curb appeal |
Local ROI Snapshots
| Market | Buyer Priorities | High-ROI Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | Storm-ready homes, modern curb appeal | Roof, siding, windows |
| Asheville | Energy efficiency, mountain views | Windows, decks, siding |
| Greensboro | Family-friendly exteriors, curb appeal | Roof, siding, trim |
| Charleston | Coastal durability, hurricane resistance | Roof, doors, siding |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best Home Improvement Return on Investment
Yes. A new roof in Raleigh typically returns 60–70% of its cost at resale, making it one of the best home improvement return on investment projects for homeowners in the Triangle.
Fiber cement siding is a top choice in North Carolina and South Carolina, offering 80%+ ROI. It’s durable against storms, resists humidity, and delivers a major curb appeal upgrade buyers love.
Yes. Replacement windows improve comfort, lower utility bills, and add resale appeal. In Greensboro, energy-efficient windows return 60–75% of cost, making them a smart upgrade for long-term value.
Nationally, a steel entry door offers one of the best returns—up to 188% of cost recouped. In Charleston, buyers also prioritize coastal durability, so storm-rated doors and windows are highly attractive.
Simple updates—like fresh paint, new shutters, or updated trim—can dramatically improve how buyers perceive your home. These low-cost projects often provide some of the highest “per-dollar” ROI.
Final Thoughts: Value Today, Value Tomorrow
Every homeowner wants to enjoy their space—and every homeowner wants to know their investment is safe. At Baker Home Exteriors, our team can help you visualize your dream home, hold samples of high-quality materials before you make a choice, then execute on your ideas in a way that pays off for years to come.
With over 110 years of history, Baker offers premium exterior services that only a century of experience can guarantee. So, if you’re ready to take the first step toward your dream home, click the button below to schedule a free estimate for your project; otherwise, take a moment to check out our Google reviews. We look forward to working with you!
