 2008-09 Cost vs. Value Report
Before embarking on any major remodeling project, check out Remodeling Magazines “Cost vs. Value Report”. The value gained when you sell your home, for most remodeling projects, is less than cost of doing the projects. If you are going live in your home for a few years before you plan to sell then by all means do your remodel and enjoy the added convenience and features of your remodeled home.
Home rehabbers who are considering a move in the not-too-distant future should focus mostly on exterior upgrades. That’s the message from REALTORS® who participated in Remodeling magazine’s 20th annual "Cost vs. Value Report", done in cooperation with REALTOR® Magazine.
REALTORS® in 65 markets were given construction specs and costs on 29 upscale and midrange projects and asked to estimate the percentage return at resale.
Of projects that saw national cost recovery rates of more than 80 percent in 2007, only one — a minor kitchen remodel, with 83 percent of cost recovered — was a strictly interior job. The others were an upscale siding replacement using fiber cement materials (88.1 percent), a wood deck addition (85.4 percent), midrange vinyl siding replacement (83.2 percent), and upscale vinyl and midrange wood window replacements (81 percent and 81.2 percent, respectively).
On most projects, the value of remodeling trended down in 2007 compared with 2006. No project exceeded an 88 percent return. The likely culprits for the year-to-year drop: rising remodeling costs and slowing home appreciation brought on by the lackluster housing market in many areas.
 Interior Home Improvement Projects
Interior home improvements include any repair, remodeling, construction or maintenance task from your attic down to your basement. In the content below, you’ll find home improvement project how-to guides that will help you renovate your floors and rooms, and repair, replace or install any household fixture. Check out the valuable information below from DoItYourself.com.
Kitchen remodeling will increase the design, function and resale value of a home. This section provides information about building kitchen cabinets, re-facing kitchen cabinets, selecting a kitchen cabinet style, selecting a kitchen countertop style, and planning a kitchen design that will look great and maximize the amount of available storage space.
 Bathroom Design and Remodeling
Remodeling the bathroom is a time when you can get creative in the designs and décor you select. The articles in this section provide tips on how to accessorize your bathroom, ways to enhance your bathroom’s décor, and what steps are crucial to the success of your bathroom remodeling project.
 Flooring
The flooring in your home is more than just a surface to walk on; it is an important part of the interior design and style of your home. Before selecting a new floor for your home, read through the articles below to learn what your flooring options are, what maintenance is involved with each flooring type, and how each type of floor is installed.
 Doors
The exterior doors of your home provide security; where as, the interior doors of your home serve a more aesthetic purpose. The following section provides information that will help you install a new door, repair a broken door, fit and secure a door frame, install new door hardware, and add on a storm or screen door
Windows are an important part of your home’s style and function. They contribute to the energy efficiency and décor of your home. The articles below will help you select and install new windows, repair or replace a broken window, and decorate your windows with stylish window treatments.
 Basements
Basements provide a great extension of the home, serving as a multi-purpose space that can be used for additional rooms and storage. You’ll find articles in this section that will help you properly insulate your basement, find and repair possible foundation cracks, remodel your basement into a finished room, and waterproof your basement from potential floods and other water hazards
Walls shape and distinguish the design of your home, both inside and out, as well as provide security. Below you’ll find information that will help you install drywall and paneling, repair wall cracks and holes, build and construct a new wall, and add decorative wall molding.
Ceilings do more than provide shelter; they can enhance the overall design and décor of a room. The articles in this section provide information on how to replace your old ceiling with a new tin ceiling, wood furring strip ceiling, suspended ceiling, or flush mount clip ceiling. With one of these new ceilings, you’ll drastically increase the interior design of your home.
Attics often are overlooked when it comes to home improvement projects; however, the attic can be a key component to making your home more energy efficient. This section provides the informational tools that will help you properly insulate and ventilate your attic, and how you can use your attic to maximize the storage space available in your home.
Energy efficient homes are composed of a network of elements working together to reduce the overall amount of energy consumption. This section will help you understand what makes a home more energy efficient, how to test your home’s energy efficiency level, why insulation and ventilation are key ingredients, and how you can start making your home more energy efficient.
 Exterior Home Improvement Projects
Exterior home improvements are a necessary part in maintaining a homes appearance as well as its resale value. This section provides informative articles about building materials, gutters and drainage, sidewalk and driveway maintenance, exterior additions and renovations, and roofing maintenance and repairs. Now, no exterior home improvement project is too difficult!
A deck is a wonderful extension to the exterior of your home, and provides a great place to relax and entertain guests. The content found in this section provides information about deck building, deck finishes, deck maintenance and deck materials. Start building your dream deck today!
Choosing the right building materials for your outdoor project is the first step to a successful do-it-yourself job. Whether you choose to use brick, pavers, concrete, cement, slate, stone or stucco, these articles provide information on their care and maintenance, installation and repair.
Siding comes in a wide variety of colors and materials, wood being among the more popular selections. Before picking what kind of siding to decorate your home with, read the articles in this section. You’ll learn about the different siding types, and how to install, repair and replace siding.
Roof repairs are often made after the damage has been done; however, if you keep up on routine roof maintenance you can avoid unnecessary damage altogether. Our roofing section tells you what roofing styles and materials are popular, how to winterize and waterproof your roof, how to apply new shingles, how to make minor roof repairs, and when it’s time to forgo the repairs yourself and call a professional roofer.
Driveways and sidewalks, when properly maintained, enhance the exterior appearance of your home. Whether you already have a paved driveway, or want to pave your driveway, the articles in this section can help. With the easy-to-follow guides, you’ll learn how to pave, repair and maintain your driveway, as well as how to design, build and maintain a beautiful concrete sidewalk.
Gutters are the exterior drainage system of your home. It is important to keep up maintenance on your gutters to prevent them from leading to serious damage in the future. The articles in this section provide information on how to install a gutter system, repair damaged gutters, and maintain and clean your gutters.
Sunrooms are an excellent home addition, providing a relaxing outdoor atmosphere - inside. Other great exterior additions that extend your storage space are sheds. This section provides information on how you can design, build and decorate a relaxing sunroom retreat, as well as how to build a shed to conveniently store away the items that don’t fit in your home.
Hot tubs, spas, and pools make great backyard features that provide fun-filled entertainment and relaxation. Check out the articles in this section to learn about what is involved and what it takes to buy, install and maintain a hot tub, pool, or even a sauna.
Garages are not only a place to store cars, but they are also a great place to store things and build a workshop. This section offers information on how to build a garage, install a garage door opener, build a garage firewall, and organize the contents within your garage.
Chimney maintenance ensures your chimney is safe and working properly. Stay hazard-free by reading the articles about how to clean your chimney, and how you can prevent excessive build-up from clinging to the walls of your chimney.
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