If you’re deciding on which remodeling projects to tackle first, it might be helpful to know which features will add the most value to your home.

When it comes to home improvement projects, most people immediately turn to remodeling the kitchen or bathrooms, but exterior home improvements pack a lot of punch. The majority of new homeowners don’t want to redo a roof, siding, or windows when they buy a house.

Perception is an unfortunate reality, and if the inside of your house is completely renovated, but the outside leaves much to be desired (including necessary repairs and replacement of big-ticket items like windows and a new roof), then passersby will likely assume that your entire house is in shambles.

If you have many home-renovation projects ahead of you, it’s best to start with the outside and work your way in.

Replace the Roof

A new roof probably isn’t the first thing that pops into a homeowner’s mind when it comes to home improvement projects that increase home value. However, new roofing gives homeowners the opportunity to reduce their cooling and heating costs, and that can add up.

A new roof can increase the resale value of a home by approximately $12,000. In addition, it is estimated that homeowners who opt for a new roof installation can expect to recover an average of nearly 63 percent of the installation cost through increased home value. This puts a new roof squarely in the lead of a bathroom remodel when it comes to return on investment.

Purchase New Windows

Another important home exterior project to consider is adding new windows. Purchasing new windows can make a major impact on both the aesthetics and energy efficiency of your home, as well as increasing the overall value.

When replacing the windows, it’s important to keep in mind that in order to get the most added value out of the new windows, you want to upgrade with at least the same materials, or even higher quality than your current windows. Choosing a less valuable window material could have the opposite effect, resulting in a loss of value while still costing a lot of money.

The good news is, purchasing new windows has a high return rate, and you can increase that return rate even more by choosing windows with a greater energy efficiency rating. It is estimated that an upscale vinyl window has a return of 73 percent while an upscale wood window replacement has a return of 70 percent. This means the return on new windows is quite a bit higher than the return on investment for other higher cost home renovations, including upscale kitchen remodels, which only offer an estimated 59 percent return.

Replacing the windows and the roof in your home are solid investments and offer a strong return for what you will spend, making both options two of the most valuable home improvement projects you can do. In order to get the best value for your money, it’s important to do your research on the window and roofing materials you select, as well as choosing the right professionals to do the installation. Both projects are significant investments, so take the time to find an established, trustworthy company you can count on, like Armorvue Home Exteriors. We’ve been installing windows and roofs in this area for over 75 years, and we’re proud to be part of this community. Our reputation is important, and our customer service and integrity speaks to that. Contact us today for a virtual appointment to discuss your exterior home improvement plans and learn about our high quality products, professional installation services, and warranty details.