Every homeowner planning a remodel eventually asks the same question: will I get this money back when I sell? The best data on that question comes from the annual Cost vs. Value report published by Zonda. It compares what common projects cost with how much value they add at resale, based on estimates from real estate professionals across the country.
Here’s what the most recent report shows, what it means for North Georgia homeowners, and how to decide which project makes sense for you.
The projects that pay back the most
The 2025 report (the 38th edition) confirmed a long-running pattern: exterior projects deliver the highest return. Three projects more than doubled their cost in added resale value:
- Garage door replacement: about $4,672 on average, recouping 267.7%
- Steel entry door replacement: about $2,435, recouping 216.4%
- Manufactured stone veneer: about $11,702, recouping 207.9%
Fiber-cement siding (113.7%) and a minor kitchen remodel (112.9%) also returned more than they cost on average. A minor kitchen remodel averaged $28,458 and added $32,141 in value at resale.
Interactive · Payback explorer
How much of the cost comes back at resale?
Pick a project to see the national average cost, the value it added at resale and the share of the cost recouped, from the 2025 Cost vs. Value report.
National averages. Results in North Georgia vary with home value, neighborhood, materials and timing. Cost vs. Value® data courtesy of Zonda.
Why curb appeal wins
Buyers form an opinion before they reach the front door. A new garage door, entry door or siding changes the first photo on a listing and the first impression in person, and those projects are relatively affordable compared with the value buyers assign to them.
Why a minor kitchen remodel beats a major one
A minor kitchen remodel typically means refacing or painting cabinets, new countertops, a new sink and faucet, updated hardware and lighting, and new flooring, without moving walls or plumbing. It makes the kitchen look and feel new at a fraction of the cost of a full gut renovation. Major, high-end remodels often add a lot of value too, but they tend to recoup a smaller share of their cost.
Return isn’t the only reason to remodel
The report measures resale value, not quality of life. If you plan to stay in your home for years, a bathroom that works for your family, floors that hold up to kids and pets, or a roof that keeps you dry are worth far more than a percentage in a report. And the cheapest project is usually the repair you do before it becomes a bigger problem.
Getting the most from any project
- Fix the basics first. Roof, water intrusion, rot and failing paint drag down value more than any upgrade adds.
- Match the neighborhood. Finishes that fit the homes around you protect your investment.
- Choose durable materials. Quality that lasts reads as value to buyers and saves you money in the meantime.
- Hire a licensed, insured contractor. Unpermitted or poorly done work can cost you at inspection time.
Quick quiz · 4 questions
Which upgrade fits your goal?
Resale value is only one reason to remodel. Answer four questions to see where your money may work hardest.
When do you expect to sell?
What bothers you most about your home today?
Your budget for this project?
Which matters more?
Thinking about a project?
A.X. Home Pro handles kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, painting, carpentry and roofing across North Georgia. If you’d like an honest opinion about which project makes sense for your home and budget, request a free quote or see our recent work.
Sources
Figures are national averages from the 2025 report. Your home’s results will vary.
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