Did you know that the average homeowner in the US spends more than $300 billion a year on renovations and repairs? This is according to a study published by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Because of this huge figure, it is just right to think about whether home exterior remodeling is really worth it.

Experts say that if you plan to stay in your home for five years or more, invest what you can afford for the look and upgrades you want. However, things can be different if you want to remodel because you are putting your property for sale.

"If you’re remodeling for resale, we always suggest for the homeowner to first have a home inspection and be proactive to find issues," says Joanne Theunissen, CGP, CGR, 2018 chair of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers and owner of Howling Hammer Builders Inc. "The home inspector can identify issues that may come up later to bite you. You don’t want to put money into cosmetic fixes, then find out when you go to sell that you have major problem. Identify any structural issues first, then deal with cosmetic improvements."

Of course, not everybody is capable and willing to spend thousands on repairs and remodeling projects. This is why one of the most important questions to answer when considering a home upgrade is which parts of the house to focus on, rather than how much you should spend. Whether looking forward to selling your home or just upgrading your space, here are the best parts of the home that you should consider remodeling which can be really worth the price:

Front Yard

While not everybody won’t agree that first impressions last, it definitely matters—especially when it comes to your home. Reselling or not, your front yard is one of the worthiest to remodel because it greatly improves not only the value of your home, but also its aesthetic and overall appearance from the outside.

Common upgrades include landscaping, lawn care, replacing the garage door or front door, and cutting back shrubs — and those enhancements are worth it. Did you know that over 94 percent of realtors encourage sellers to improve their curb appeal before listing their homes? Experts forecast that homeowners will definitely earn back every penny they will spend on remodeling the outdoor space. Consider adding a new entry door or upgrading your outdoor living area.

Deck

Michael Beaudry, executive vice president for the North American Deck and Railing Association says that "Outdoor living is booming right now.” This has become a trend for the past years, and is expected to continue for the years to come. Beaudry says that it is definitely an investment.

If you spend $20,000 or $50,000 on a deck, you’re going to get it back. There’s no overstating the return you can expect.” Learn more about adding a deck to your home by visiting our Porches & Decks page.

Roofing

One-third of your home’s exterior is roofing. While it can be one of the most neglected parts of the house, it is easily one of the most important ones too. A good roof is synonymous with function and protection. Consider upgrading to a more durable and stylish option. Visit our roofing page to explore your options.

Moreover, the roof is also one of the worthiest parts of the home exterior to be remodeled. Realtors have suggested that homeowners add a new roof before selling, according to NAR’s 2017 Remodeling Impact Report. A new roof is a rare project that actually makes you money. It costs $7,500 with an ROI of $8,150.

"It’s one of those peace-of-mind improvements you can add to the house," Theunissen says. "People are afraid to buy a house when the roof is older."

Quality exterior paints

Paint does not only serve one’s eyes for aesthetics, it serves as the first layer of protection of the home from weather and other elements that can compromise its residents’ safety and comfort. Investing in high-quality paints and excellent application is also a worthy part of home remodeling and upgrade. It is arguably the easiest way to give your home a makeover, and at the same time, reinforcing the protection it gives to you and your family.

Upgrading the exterior part of your home is one of the best decisions you can make and obviously one of the worthiest too. It does not only increase the chances of your property to be sold faster, it also improves the quality of your stay in your home.

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