Here’s the truth. Your home is more than four walls and a roof. It’s your biggest investment, the place of countless memories, and, for many, their future nest egg. That said, while it’s important to enjoy your time at home today, you’re also wise to consider the future.
In this article, Smucker Exteriors lays out the more common exterior renovations we complete for homeowners—as well as how those upgrades affect the value of a home when it comes time to sell.
By giving this one a quick read, you’ll learn which projects give you the most bang for your buck, which improve day-to-day living (rather than increasing home value), and which might not be the best choice when you’re getting ready to sell.
Let’s dive in.
Does Home Renovation Matter When You’re Getting Ready to Sell?
The simple answer is yes. And here’s why:
Buyers notice.
The fact is, a well-maintained home sells faster and for a higher price. Why? Because well-kept homes are more visually attractive, lead to fewer inspection issues, and imply the house was better cared for all along.
With that, let’s take a look at the best renovation projects for boosting home resale value.
How Does New Siding Installation Affect Resale Value?
While completely updating your siding does come with a high upfront bill, it’s also an investment that nearly pays for itself.
In fact, depending on the siding you choose, you can recoup as much as 67-95% of your initial investment through savings on monthly bills, by preventing water and pest damage, and enjoying a healthy boost in resale value (around 7%) based on curb appeal alone.
Should You Replace Your Roof Before Selling Your House?
While it may not seem particularly glamorous, a roof replacement is one of the smartest investments you can make before listing a home. The reason is simple: roof condition is one of the first things buyers (and inspectors) notice when considering a property.
So if your roof is nearing the end of its life, a roof replacement eliminates major buyer objections—and can often justify a higher asking price.
Is It Worth Upgrading Windows Before Listing a Home?
When homeowners (and buyers) think “new windows,” the next logical thought for many is energy efficient—as well it should be.
Updating old windows saves homeowners hundreds of dollars each year on utility bills. And across multiple studies, it’s been shown that home buyers are willing to pay 10% more for a home with recently updated windows (or $35K on a $350K listing).
So whether you’ll be in your home a few more years or are ready to sell now, new windows are an investment that is well worth it at nearly any time.
Do Outdoor Living Spaces Really Add Value?
Outdoor living amenities are one of the hottest trends in modern home design. And a well-designed outdoor space—backyard patio designs with built-in seating, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens—has the perceived effect of adding another room to your house.
What’s more? Even a simple deck replacement can have an ROI of 44-80%—so enjoy the summer months while you’re here… and the attraction to buyers later.
Which Outdoor Renovations Offer the Best Long-Term Payoff?
If you plan to stay in your home for a while, focus your budget on renovations that protect your home's structural integrity.
Things like energy-efficient windows, durable siding, and a dependable roof all reduce maintenance headaches while keeping repair bills to a minimum and improving daily life.
Not to mention, these three upgrades are also the best bang for your buck when you’re ready to list your home on the market.
Which Home Renovations Offer the Lowest ROI On Resale?
If your goal is a high ROI on resale, stick with the basics: roof, siding, windows, and entryway doors.
Upgrades like pools (which are expensive to maintain), family room and bathroom additions, as well as upscale remodels on kitchens, in-home theatres, etc., offer the lowest ROI.
That said, if your budget and lifestyle allow for such amenities, by all means go for it. Just know they won’t produce a significant spike in market value if you decide to move.
What Is the Best Strategy for Homeowners Looking to Sell Down the Line?
If you know you’ll move one day—just not quite yet—think long-term about your renovations.
At Smucker Exteriors, our team suggests a phased approach, as follows:
- Start With the Essentials: Handle repairs, roof leaks, or aging siding first. This will save you some major headaches—and growing repair bills—as time goes on.
- Move to Efficiency: Upgrade windows and insulation to improve comfort while lowering monthly HVAC bills. (Bonus: this helps your HVAC system last longer.)
- Finish with Curb Appeal: With the most important work out of the way, move to lifestyle touches like a new deck, stylish patio, or modern fixtures to help your home stand out.
What Else Should I Consider Before Renovating My Home’s Exterior?
Beyond deciding to upgrade your home—as well as which projects you’ll tackle first—you then need to decide on something even more important.
At Smucker Exteriors, we understand that finding the right contractor can be risky. So to help you feel a bit more at ease, we want to let you in on a little secret.
Our goal is the be the preferred exterior contractor in southeastern, PA—the reason you can count on:
- Hand-picked crews trained beyond best practices
- Top-tier materials and manufacturers’ warranties
- A commitment to exceeding industry standards of excellence
So give us a call for your free consultation and estimate today. Because the crews at Smucker Exteriors know how important your home is. It needs to be safe, comfortable, and kept at the highest market value. And sometimes, that means updating old work.
And after 20 years, we’re still happy to help Pennsylvania homeowners live in (and sell) a home they’re proud of.
