News & Articles
Remodeling's Payoff
The annual report compares construction costs with resale values in 58 markets.

The „Cost vs. Value Report,‰ published each year in conjunction with Remodeling magazine, gives you a city-by-city guide on what various home projects will pay back at resale. This year‚s report features data for five more markets than last year* and a new project˜a mid-range home office remodel.
This article was published on: 12/01/2005

FEATURE: 2005 COST vs. VALUE REPORT

Remodeling's Payoff

Minor Kitchen Remodel
Project Description: In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers. Replace wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops. Install midpriced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and replace existing flooring with resilient flooring.

Midrange Major Kitchen Remodel
Project Description: Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with design and installation of a functional layout of 30 linear feet of semicustom-grade wood cabinets, including a 3-by-5-foot island, laminate countertops, and standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Include energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system; built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal; and custom lighting. Add resilient flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.

Upscale Major Kitchen Remodel
Project Description: Update outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of top-of-the-line custom cherry cabinets with built-in sliding shelves and other interior accessories. Include stone countertops with imported ceramic or glass tile backsplash; built-in refrigerator, cooktop, and 36-inch commercial grade range and vent hood; and built-in warming drawer, trash compactor, and combination microwave and convection oven. Install high-end undermount sink with designer faucets and built-in water filtration system. Add general and task lighting, including low-voltage under-cabinet lights. Install cork flooring with cherry trim.

FEATURE: 2005 COST vs. VALUE REPORT

Remodeling's Payoff

Midrange Bathroom Remodel
Project Description: Update an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom that‚s at least 25 years old. Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4-by-4 ceramic tile surround, new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control, standard white toilet, solid surface vanity counter with integral double sink, recessed medicine cabinet with light, ceramic tile floor, and vinyl wallpaper.

Upscale Bathroom Remodel
Project Description: Expand an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom to 9 by 9 feet within existing house footprint. Add another window, bringing total glazing area to 30 square feet. Relocate and replace tub with custom 4-by-6-foot dual shower with top-of-line fittings and full-body-wash shower wall, tile, glass block surround, and glass door. Relocate and replace toilet. Add bidet. Add medium-range stone tops in custom vanity cabinet with twin designer undermount sinks and polished nickel faucets. Add linen/towel storage closet. Include ceramic tile floor, papered walls, and hardwood trim. Add general and spot lighting and a humidistat-controlled exhaust fan.