What Remodeling Projects Offer the Best Return on Investment?
According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the by National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), several exterior upgrades and living space improvements offer some of the strongest returns when it comes time to sell a home.
Some of the home improvement projects with the highest ROI are:
New steel front door: 100%
New fiberglass front door: 80%
New vinyl windows: 74%
New wood windows: 71%
Basement conversion to living area: 71%
Source: NARI, “Home Upgrades That Can Pay Off at Resale,” 2025 Remodeling Impact Report.
These upgrades focus on improving a home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency and usuable living space, all factors that buyers consistently value.
Let’s take a closer look at how these upgrades improve both everyday comfort and long-term home value.
Front Door Replacement: High ROI with Immediate Curb Appeal
Replacing your front door is a simple upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in both appearance and performance.
A new entry door can:
- Improve curb appeal instantly
- Enhance home security
- Increase energy efficiency
- Help reduce drafts during colder months
In Southeastern Wisconsin’s climate, a well-insulated steel or fiberglass door can help keep your home comfortable year-round by preventing heat loss in the winter and keeping air-conditioned air inside during the summer.
Vinyl and Wood Window Replacement: Energy Efficiency That Adds Value
Replacing older windows can make a noticeable difference in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and appearance. Aging or failing windows are often a hidden source of energy loss.
Older windows can lead to:
- Drafts and uneven indoor temperatures
- Higher heating and cooling costs
- Condensation and moisture concerns
- Interior fading from UV exposure
Modern replacement windows are designed to improve insulation and help maintain more consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year. Many homeowners also notice lower energy bills, reduced strain on their HVAC system, improved noise control, and increased curb appeal after upgrading their windows.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are a low-maintenance, energy-efficient option that create a tight air seal to help keep your home comfortable year-round while resisting rot and minimizing long-term upkeep.
Wood Windows
Wood windows offer a classic, highly customizable look with strong natural insulation. They can be painted or stained to match your home’s style, though they do require regular maintenance to protect against moisture and wear.
When windows begin to show signs of wear, such as drafts, difficulty opening, or visible deterioration, replacement can significantly improve comfort, efficiency, and long-term property value.
Basement Conversion to Living Area: Expanding Functional Space
Finishing your basement is a great way to add usuable living space to your home. For many Southeastern Wisconsin homeowners, the basement represents underutilized potential.
Converting it into finished living space can create:
- A family or media room
- Home office space
- Guest accommodations
- Workout or hobby areas
- Flexible, multi-purpose rooms
Basement remodeling also provides an opportunity to address insulation, moisture management, and overall energy performance, especially important in Wisconsin’s climate.
Unlike traditional wood-framed basement builds, our basement finishing system is designed with moisture-resistant materials that help resist mold and mildew. Insulated wall panels and durable finishes allow the space to stay warmer, drier, and more consistent year-round.
Finishing a basement with materials built specifically for below-grade environments can improve daily livability while supporting long-term durability and future resale appeal.
Upgrades That Bring the Most Joy
The happiness that comes from improving your home cannot be understated! The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report also ranked projects by “Joy Score,” since they realize that monetary return on investment isn’t the only way to measure the value of a home remodeling project!
On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most joy – some of the projects with the highest “Joy Score” are:
- New Roof: 10
- Basement Conversion to Living Area: 8.8
- New Front Door: 7.5
- New Siding: 7.3
These home improvement projects tend to improve everyday comfort, protect the home, and enhance curb appeal: benefits homeowners often notice right away.
How to Prioritize Remodeling Projects for the Best ROI
Resale value is important, but it shouldn’t be the only factor guiding your decisions.
The strongest remodeling investments typically balance return on investment, energy efficiency, comfort, durability, maintenance reduction, and overall homeowner satisfaction, along with your long-term goals for the home
Projects that improve everyday comfort, protect the home, and enhance curb appeal often deliver lasting value while also making the home more enjoyable to live in
If you’d like a deeper breakdown of how various improvements compare, including doors, windows, insulation, roofing, and basement remodeling, explore our guide on the ROI of Home Improvement Projects.
