A handy guide to prioritize your home improvement ROI dollars and get the biggest bang for your buck.
Did you know that you can often get your money back when it comes to home renovation projects?
It’s not quite simple. No one’s writing you a check when the paint dries. However, some projects boost the resale value of your home as much as you pay for them. In other words, you can count on a significant ROI when it’s time to sell.
Every year, Remodeling Magazine and other media outlets report the average ROI for a given house project. We did a little research to create this roundup of specific projects with great ROIs. So if you’re feeling unsure where to prioritize your home improvement dollars, this should give you a few ideas.
Landscaping: 100%.
Good landscaping can dramatically increase your home’s curb appeal—and resale value. This is especially true in the COVID-19 era when people enjoyed their home’s outdoor spaces more. As a result, people are willing to pay more for a beautiful yard and garden.
By landscaping, we don’t mean elaborate topiaries and a ten-foot fountain. People simply want tidy layouts, clean lines, and a few unique features. Fire pits, benches, and charming paths are a few ideas. If you want to get a little fancier, you might spend $1000 on a wood-fired pizza oven. No matter what you do, expect to enjoy an excellent ROI. The dollars you invest in your home’s exterior are almost always well spent.
Garage door replacement: Close to 100%.
A new garage door usually costs between $3000 and $4000. You’re likely to recoup almost every dollar when you sell your house.
Minor kitchen remodel: 80 to 98.5%
There’s virtually no limit to how much you can spend on a kitchen remodel. From premium appliances to luxury tile, the price tag can vary dramatically. But a minor kitchen remodel usually refers to about $20,000 of work. This might include new cabinets, countertops, or appliances, plus cosmetic changes, such as fresh paint. The ROI varies based on the upgrades and the market, but you’re likely to realize over 80%.
It’s worth noting that even major kitchen renovations promise pretty good ROI, around 91%. This is especially true if you focus on increasing square footage. Home buyers are very interested in spacious kitchens. So if you can knock out a wall or otherwise increase the space, your ROI may be even higher.
Adding an outdoor space: 70 to 90%.
Investing in outdoor space, such as a deck, a patio, or a screen room, is pretty much always a good idea. Here in Texas, especially, we love our pergolas!
The ROI on outdoor space depends largely on the material you use. Wood decks, for example, often have a slightly higher ROI than composite decks. However, composite decks tend to last much longer, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Replacing your front door: 75%—possibly much more.
It may sound unbelievable, but your front door can have an absolutely massive impact on your home’s resale value. Studies show that a good door color can increase buyers’ perception of a home by over $6000. Given the fact that a good door usually costs less than $1000, you might see an incredible return on that investment.
That being said, it’s also worth noting that a poor color choice can drive down the perceived value of a home. You can’t just pick a wacky color and hope for the best. According to Apartment Therapy, your best options are slate blue, olive green, and black. And be sure to think about contrast. A dark gray house with a black door isn’t going to make much of an impression. But a pop of slate blue can add a lot of tasteful pizzazz.
Another way to boost your curb appeal: Replace that old paint with something fresh. Exterior coating is a great, long lasting option that can actually lower your utility bill.
Window replacement: 70 to 90%.
The clean lines and beautiful appearance of new windows can make a huge difference in your home’s aesthetic appeal. But ROI on new windows can vary, mostly based on the materials you choose. Vinyl windows tend to yield a slightly higher ROI than those made of wood. It’s also worth noting that consumers are becoming more and more interested in energy efficient windows. Going for the greener option is likely to make your home more attractive to future buyers.
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Whether you’re ready to sell or settling in for many years, you can be smart about your home improvements. Call the experts at Texas Home Improvement to talk about your ideas and get help making the best decision. We can match you with a great contractor and help you choose the right options for your home.
What Is Fascia?
Fascia is the long, straight board that runs along the edge of your roofline. It’s usually the part you see directly below the roof shingles and along the outer edge of the eaves.
Fascia serves a few important purposes.
First, it provides a finished edge for the roof. It also helps support the lower edge of the roofing system and provides a surface where gutters can be attached.
That last part is especially important. Your gutters rely on the fascia for support, and properly functioning gutters help direct rainwater away from your home and its foundation.
If your fascia becomes damaged or starts to rot, it can eventually affect the gutters and the areas around them.
Why Are Soffit and Fascia Important?
Soffit and Fascia work together to protect one of the more vulnerable areas of your home’s exterior.
They help:
- Provide attic ventilation
- Protect the roofline from weather and moisture
- Keep pests out of the eaves
- Protect exposed areas beneath the roof
- Provide support for gutter systems
- Create a finished appearance around the roofline
Because they’re exposed to the elements year after year, they can eventually develop problems.
Common Soffit and Fascia Problems
Rot and Water Damage
Water is one of the biggest concerns, particularly with wood materials.
Leaks, damaged roofing, clogged gutters, or poor drainage can allow moisture to reach the soffit and fascia. Over time, that moisture can lead to rot, mold, and deterioration.
Soft or crumbling wood is a good reason to have the area inspected.
Cracking and Warping
Exterior materials are constantly exposed to heat, cold, moisture, and UV rays. Over time, that exposure can cause some materials to crack, warp, or pull away from the home.
If you notice boards that are bowing, separating, or no longer sitting properly, they should be checked.
Pest Problems
Small openings in damaged soffit can give birds, insects, and other pests a way into the eaves or attic.
If you notice nests, insects, or signs of animals getting into the roofline, inspect the soffit and fascia for gaps or damage.
Gutter Problems
Because gutters are commonly attached to the fascia, damaged fascia can create problems with the gutter system.
If your gutters are pulling away from the house, sagging, or becoming difficult to secure, the condition of the fascia behind them is worth checking.
When Should You Repair or Replace Soffit and Fascia?
Not every damaged soffit or fascia needs a complete replacement. However, if you’re seeing any of these signs, it’s worth having the area inspected:
- Soft or rotting wood
- Cracks or holes
- Warping or separation
- Water stains or signs of moisture damage
- Pest entry points
- Gutters pulling away from the fascia
- Repeated repairs or repainting in the same areas
- Large sections of deteriorating material
It is important to understand why the damage happened in the first place.
Replacing a section of rotted fascia without addressing an ongoing water or drainage problem could leave you dealing with the same issue again.
What Materials Can Be Used for Soffit and Fascia?
Homeowners have several material options, including wood, aluminum, and fiber cement.
Wood
Wood has a traditional appearance and can work well with certain home styles. The downside is that it requires more maintenance and can be vulnerable to moisture, rot, insects, and weather exposure.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another low-maintenance option. It’s resistant to moisture and won’t rot, although it can dent and may eventually show signs of wear.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is another option for homeowners looking for a durable exterior material with lower maintenance needs than traditional wood.
James Hardie fiber cement is one option to consider for both siding and soffit/fascia.
Why Consider James Hardie for Siding, Soffit, and Fascia?
If you’re already replacing failing siding, it can make sense to inspect the soffit and fascia at the same time.
These areas all work together as part of your home’s exterior, so replacing damaged materials together can create a more consistent finished look and address multiple areas of deterioration at once.
James Hardie fiber cement is designed to handle moisture and weather exposure while requiring less maintenance than traditional wood. For Texas homeowners, that can be especially valuable given the heat, sun, storms, and changing weather conditions our homes experience.
Using James Hardie for siding and soffit/fascia can also give the exterior a more cohesive appearance instead of mixing several different materials along the same roofline.
Of course, the right material depends on the condition of your home, the source of the damage, your budget, and the look you’re trying to achieve.
What Should You Look for Around Your Roofline?
You don’t need to be a contractor to spot some of the common warning signs. Take a look around your roofline and keep an eye out for:
- Soft or crumbling material
- Cracks or holes
- Warping or sagging
- Peeling or deteriorating paint
- Water stains or discoloration
- Gaps around the soffit
- Signs of birds or insects
- Gutters pulling away from the fascia
- Areas that have required repeated repairs
If you notice several of these issues at once, it’s a good idea to have the area professionally inspected.
Final Thoughts
Soffit and fascia may not be the first things you notice about your home, but they serve important purposes.
They help protect the roofline, support gutters, provide attic ventilation, and keep moisture and pests out of vulnerable areas.
If you’re seeing rot, cracking, warping, water damage, or other deterioration, the right solution isn’t always to replace everything. Start by identifying the source of the problem and determining whether repair or replacement makes the most sense.
And if you’re already replacing your siding, take the opportunity to inspect your soffit and fascia as well.
For Texas homeowners looking for a durable fiber-cement exterior, James Hardie siding and soffit/fascia are options worth considering as part of a complete exterior replacement.
