These are home decorations with the highest return on investment.

In most parts of the United States, now is the best time to sell a home. According to the quarterly report released by the National Association of Realtors on August 12, the average selling price of existing single-family homes rose by 22.9% to US$357,900. With the exception of Springfield, Illinois, all 183 metropolitan areas in the United States have seen price increases. 

Regardless of the temperature of the real estate market, you can always do something to optimize the value of your home (and improve its beauty and comfort during your stay). Many home improvement projects can increase the value of your property and generate a high return on investment-or the ratio of the money invested to the cash you get back from the value of your home.

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In May, Zonda Media and Remodeling Magazine released the 34th annual cost and value report. The interactive report compiled a list of home improvement projects with the highest return on investment. Here are the top 10.

The average service life of a garage door is between 15 and 30 years, which means that if you live in an older house, it may be time for a replacement. The good news is that no matter how much you spend, you may increase the value of the house due to the functionality and aesthetics of the replacement door. If you want the latest look, consider using gray tones or natural wood for finishes.

Stone veneer is a lightweight man-made product that looks like natural stone. Modern home design tends to use stone finishes at the bottom third of the front facade of the house. According to a survey conducted by Pro Builder and the New Home Trends Institute in 2021, buyers prefer modern (79%), farmhouse (58%), and artisan (53%) home styles-all of these styles generally will Stone veneer is integrated into their design. Regardless of the age of your home, this element of curbing attractiveness is likely to pay off. 

The family spends a lot of time in the kitchen, and function and form are essential to ordinary buyers. It should be noted that deep rehabilitation can quickly become unaffordable and impractical. But smaller and targeted projects can usually provide a higher return on investment. Start by replacing old appliances with high-efficiency models. According to a 2019 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, ordinary buyers stated that they would pay an additional US$8,728 when buying a house to save US$1,000 in utility costs each year. Bonus: New cabinet hardware and new paint coating can brighten worn surfaces at a moderate price.

Fiber cement siding is a low-maintenance material that mimics the appearance of natural wood, but its synthetic material prevents warping over time. According to the interior design group Home Bunch, the most popular siding designs include vertical panels, slats and shingles-both styles benefit from the appearance and durability of fiber cement.

Vinyl windows are affordable and require little maintenance, making them a popular choice for renovations and upgrades. Although they are not as energy-efficient as wooden windows in cold weather, vinyl windows are still the most popular choice for homeowners. 

Vinyl siding offers some significant benefits: it has low maintenance costs and can withstand extreme weather. Even better, it can be painted and can be used for up to 40 years. If you plan to paint before selling, consider the exterior color options of Better Homes and Gardens to make your property listing stand out. 

Wooden windows are not as common as they used to be, but they still have a place in the renovation market. An old house with classic charm may benefit from a traditional wooden look, especially if you haven't made major changes to other places. However, keep in mind that wooden windows are usually more expensive than vinyl and may need to be painted or sealed to prevent rot.

As COVID-19 in 2020 narrows the opportunities for outdoor recreation, people have built decks. According to a study by Houzz, the deck increase in 2020 has increased by 14%. For interested buyers, adding a wooden deck is an attractive feature, and for you as a seller, this may be the cheapest material option with the highest return on investment. 

The first impression is crucial, and your front door is the first thing a potential buyer sees. Steel entrance doors provide safety and durability, and designers manufacture them in almost every style. Check out HomeAdvisor's list of popular door colors to make the most of your efforts. 

Laminate flooring is more expensive than wood, and a key reason is: durability. Unlike wood, which requires maintenance and sealing, composite materials are weather-resistant and stain-resistant. In other words, buyers may not care about the materials of newly installed decks like other home upgrades, so it is worth considering whether wooden decks are a more cost-effective option.

This is the best part of home decoration: everything can be negotiated. Whether it is material costs or labor, there is usually a way to save money for each project. Keep these strategies in mind as you move forward.

Most building materials are manufactured in China and sold in the United States through third-party suppliers—from large chains like Home Depot to local mom-and-pop hardware stores. These suppliers get discounted prices from manufacturers, and the fees they charge customers ultimately determine their profits. This is your chance to save: After deciding which product you want, copy the SKU number and search on the Internet to compare prices from competitors. If your favorite retailer is not the cheapest, consider calling them and asking if their prices match. 

In 2014, when I hired a construction company for a large project, I formed a friendship with Brian, the subcontractor carpenter, and completed the finishing touches. After finishing the work, Brian offered to undertake other projects at a 50% discount in his spare time. The network can save you thousands of dollars during the entire transformation process. If you don’t know any merchants, please seek first-hand advice through Facebook community groups or your local chamber of commerce.

Labor is usually the most expensive part of home decoration. Taking the DIY route can help you reduce costs and make greater profits when you sell. A few years ago, a general contractor offered $60,000 to remodel my kitchen. I don't believe that the renovation is worth such a large investment, so I took a free cabinet painting course at Home Depot and watched a video detailing how to lay the backsplash. Even after hiring Brian to complete some small carpentry work, the price of the DIY transformation was less than $9,500. Weigh your willingness to deal with the project and the money you will save. You might surprise yourself.