Have you been researching exterior renovations? If so, you know there’s a lot to sift through—from material choices, aesthetic preferences, and whether or not you should even get the work done in the first place.
With that latter question in mind—if you should even have the remodels done at all—we put together Exterior Renovation ROIs in 2026. The goal of this article is to help you determine—based on ROI and a few other important factors—which home renovations are right for you.
So whether you’re buying, selling, or are simply looking to fortify your home for the long-term, this one’s for you. Give it a quick scan to see how your prospective renovations add up… and whether or not this is the right time to invest in them.
By the end, you’ll be feeling more confident in your choice to move forward or hold off for the time being. And if you do decide to investigate further, be sure to give our trusty sales reps a call…
Because we’re ready to help you make the best decision for your home and your bottom line.
Let’s break it down.
ROIs on Exterior Remodeling Projects: The Basics
Home renovation ROIs are not always what they seem.
That’s because, traditionally, ROI calculations only considered two numbers.
- The upfront cost of a project
- The added value at the time of resale
While this simple equation makes perfect sense for an owner looking to sell their home in the next year, it doesn’t paint the full picture for a homeowner interested in staying in their home long-term.
Therefore, take the numbers outlined below (sourced from Zonda’s 2025 Journal of Light Construction Cost vs Value Report) as part of the larger picture—especially if you’ll be staying in your home for the next 5–10 years.
Be sure to consider:
- Value added at resale
- Savings on monthly utilities
- Prevented costs (water & pest damage, HVAC replacements, etc.)
- Non-financial lifestyle ROIs (greater living space, natural light, etc.)
These benefits—while certainly felt by the person living in the home—are also attractive to prospective buyers.
With that being said, let’s dive into the specifics of the most common exterior renovations: siding replacements, roof replacements, deck additions, and new windows, doors, and gutters.
Siding Replacement Expected ROI
Replacing your home’s siding is a major investment. However, it’s also a necessary one at times. The good news is that new siding installation comes with a healthy ROI—not to mention plenty of benefits for longer-term residents.
Below you’ll find the financial breakdown of common siding types in our area. These numbers are based on an average 1,250 sq ft exterior.
Fiber Cement:
- Avg cost: $20,619
- Value added: $18,230
- ROI: 88.4–114%
Vinyl Siding:
- Avg cost: $17,410
- Value added: $13,957
- ROI: 80.2–96%
Stone Veneer
- Avg cost: $11,702
- Value added: $24,328
- ROI: 208%
Additionally, please note that engineered hardwood, though very popular, is not a siding type analyzed in JLC’s Cost vs Value Report. That said, it is widely recognized to have an ROI of around 70–80%.
This makes engineered hardwood a lower ROI material than fiber cement and vinyl. (Buyers see fiber cement as the most durable, and the lower installation costs of vinyl help ROI.) However, it is still a fantastic product for those staying in their home.
With these figures in mind, we will say that new siding does increase buyers’ confidence. So, while you may not recoup your entire costs (but certainly can… and then some), fresh siding can potentially move your home more quickly if you’re planning to sell.
For those of you planning to stay in your home for the next 10+ years, new siding has many benefits, including…
- Lowering monthly bills
- Greatly reduces necessary maintenance
- Prevents repairs from water, rot, impact, and pests
Finally, if you’re buying a home, worn-out siding is something to bring up when negotiating a price. You will need to replace the siding sooner, rather than later (or deal with more headaches than it’s worth), so this should be reflected in the final price.
Stucco Remediation Expected ROI
Homeowners in Southeastern, PA, are all too aware of the issues associated with stucco exteriors. Due to a period of poor installation practices in our area (which you can read more about here), many homeowners are having to completely replace (i.e., remediate) their original stucco system.
Unfortunately, due to wide variations in stucco remediation costs (between $30K–$100K for a 2,500 sq ft space), exact ROIs are difficult to predict. This makes contacting a trusted stucco remediation expert your best bet for determining if the costs are worth it.
It is worth noting that a failing stucco system can have serious long-term negative effects if you are planning to stay in your home. And if you’re buying, older stucco jobs can have major costs associated with them—so be sure to know the signs of wearing stucco, get a complete exterior inspection, and be sure to bring that information into pricing negotiations.
Roof Replacement Expected ROI
As a necessary part of home ownership, roof replacements should not be made with ROI being the main priority. Because the fact is, without a reliable roof over your head, water damage is going to wreak havoc on both your interior and wallet.
That said, new roofs do return a mid-range ROI. On a 3,000 sq ft roof surface, ROIs upon resale sit comfortably in the 60–75% range (depending on material type and current market demands).
It’s worth noting that if you’re looking to sell your home, a failing roof can be a dealbreaker for prospective buyers. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to replace your roof before listing your home if it’s nearing the end of its life.
If you’re staying in your home, replacing old systems is no longer optional—it’s a must. Well, unless you want much higher repair bills (and the associated headaches) in the years to come.
If you’re a buyer, roof condition is akin to siding. Take into consideration the age of the roof when negotiating a price. Sooner or later, it will need to be replaced, and whether you’re ready to make that investment today or in ten years can be a major determining factor.
Deck Additions Expected ROI
One of the higher resale value boosters, a new deck is a fantastic way to increase home value, both if you’re looking to sell and in terms of lifestyle improvements in the immediate future.
Here’s the breakdown of national averages for a 16 ft x 20 ft deck (320 sq ft), including railing, stairs, and a built-in bench.
Wooden Deck
Composite Deck
- Avg cost: $24,206
- Value added: $16,498
- ROI: 68.2%
With an ROI as high as 95% on wooden decks, additional outdoor living space makes great sense if you’re considering selling your home. However, be sure to stick with a wood deck, as the initial installation costs of composites can be between 30–50% higher.
That being said, composites are often the best long-term investment if you are staying in your home. They last longer, are lower-maintenance, weather-resistant, and don’t require the upkeep costs of keeping wood in healthy condition.
And if you’re buying? Enjoy both. A deck is a fantastic way to boost your non-financial lifestyle ROI. But know that wooden decks are higher maintenance to keep them in a functional, safe condition—and be sure to budget accordingly.
New Garage Door Expected ROI
Interestingly, one of the highest ROI exterior projects you can invest in is a new garage door.
Here are the numbers:
- Avg cost: $4,672
- Value added: $12,507
- ROI: 268%
So if resale is your goal, it’s hard to go wrong with a replacement garage door.
And for that matter…
Front Door Replacement Expected ROI
Home buyers must love new doors. Because like a new garage door, an updated steel entryway door is a fantastic investment—paying for itself twice over!
- Avg cost: $2,435
- Value added: $5,270
- ROI: 216%
Window Replacement Expected ROI
Sitting comfortably in the ROI mid-range are window replacements.
Here’s the breakdown for 10 new 3 x 5 ft replacement windows.
Vinyl Windows
Wood Windows
In terms of whether new windows are right for you, consider the following:
If you’re selling soon, it’s wise to replace visibly outdated windows. This is mainly as a means of reducing buyer objections.
If you’re staying in your home long-term, windows are a fantastic way to save on energy bills, improve comfort, and lower noise pollution.
However, consider first the lifestyle upgrades, rather than the ROI. Because while monthly HVAC savings can be significant (saving $126–$465 annually by replacing single pane with double-pane windows), these savings may not cover your total costs in ten years.
And if you’re buying a home with older windows? Use this as a negotiating point for lowering the buying price of the home.
Gutters and Downspouts Expected ROI
On the lower end of the resale ROI are gutters. However, don’t be fooled: They may be just the thing your home needs to help protect your finances long-term.
Here’s the breakdown for 150-200 linear feet of aluminum gutters:
- Avg costs: $2,000–$3,000
- ROI: 50–60% at resale
While gutters may not make the most sense if you’re looking to sell quickly, they provide major structural protection by redirecting water away from the foundation. And on the lower end of the cost spectrum, they are an affordable way to protect your home from more major concerns.
ROI Comparisons Across Common Exterior Renovations
As you’ve learned, most exterior renovations produce a healthy ROI. And it makes sense. Your home’s exterior protects your framing, foundation, drywall, and ceilings from major structural damage.
When considering strictly resale ROI, the projects with the highest returns in 2025 are:
- Stone veneers (208%)
- Fiber cement siding (88.4–114%)
- Garage and entryway doors (216-268%)
- Wooden decks (up to 95%)
Following that, your mid-range ROIs include projects like:
- Installing new vinyl siding (80.2–96%)
- Roofing replacements (60–75%)
And on the low end (but still providing strong functional value for current residents), we have:
- Windows (63–76%)
- Gutters (50–60%)
With these ROIs in mind, your best projects if selling soon are siding replacements, deck additions, roof replacements (only if visibly aging), and replacing entryway doors.
If you aren’t selling—and will instead be living in your home long-term—the following upgrades made the most sense.
- Installing energy-efficient windows
- Replacing aging roofing systems (with modern materials backed by extended warranties)
- Investing in siding upgrades (fiber cement, vinyl, engineered hardwood)
Have Additional Questions? Reach Out to a Professional Exterior Contractor Today!
If you’re buying, selling, or want to upgrade your forever home, our exterior contractors are ready to help.
By reaching out today, you’ll get all your questions answered and on the calendar for a free on-site visit and quote on your exterior renovations. Our crews have specialists in roofing, siding, stucco remediation, windows, doors, decking, gutters, and more, and are ready to walk you through every step of getting your dream home.
So whatever your exterior needs in southeastern, PA, we’ve got you covered—and hope to hear from you before you’ve sprung a leak.
Reach out for your free quote today—and get the most out of your home, whether you're selling next week or in it for the long-haul.
Smucker Exteriors knows how important your home is—and our crews have been keeping Pennsylvania homeowners comfortable, safe, and dry for over 25 years. All of our installations come backed by a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty. If you’re in Lancaster, Chester, or Berks counties, give us a call today.
