PROJECT

COST

VALUE
ADDED

COMMENTS

Kitchen

Low:
High:

$15,000
$20,000-up

80 to 110%

Cost includes new cabinets and countertops and re-wiring; structural changes, relocated plumbing, custom cabinetry, and top-of-the line appliances.

Bathroom

Low:
High:

$7,500
$10,000

80 to 115%

Cost includes new fixtures and fittings, tile floors and walls; structural changes, and relocated plumbing.  High-end materials and fixtures raise the cost.  Note:  adding a second bath can yield more than 100% resale value.

Room Addition

Low:
High:

$30,000
$40,000

50 to 110%

Depends on type of room; a family room or new master suite (don’t forget to include cost of bath) will add much more vale to a home than a private office or fourth bedroom.

Converting an attic, basement or garage to living space

Low:
High:

$10,000
$15,000-up

25 to 40%

Cost assumes no structural changes and no new plumbing; value added depends on size of house (smaller house, more value) and type of space created (family room or bedroom, more value than a gameroom or exercise area).

Adding a deck

Low:
High:

$5,000
$10,000-up

40 to 60%

The warmer the climate, the more value added; size of deck, complexity of design, and added amenities (spa, trelliswork) influence cost.

Re-painted exterior

Low:
High:

$1,200
$1,500-up

40 to 60%

Assumes old exterior was worn and repainting was done immediately prior to putting house on market:  a new coat of paint probably adds the “best profit” to selling an older home.

In-ground swimming pool

Low:

$20,000

20 to 40%

Cost assumes an average-size pool (16’ x 32’) in a rectangular shape; value added depends on desirability to future owner (banks usually do not include pools in mortgage appraisals).