The 2019 COST VS VALUE REPORT is here!!​ 

​Remodeling Magazine compares average costs for 22 remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in 136 U.S. markets. 

​We've broken out the numbers by Mid-Atlantic regional averages and then by our closest local market data, which is Allentown PA. 

Here are our picks for the best home improvement projects to increase property value in 2019.

We've included: the average percentage recouped at resale, both in the regional market and closest local market. Plus, any thoughts we have for local home improvement projects. 

There you have it folks! If you are planning home improvements for 2019, crunch the numbers and get the most out of your hard earned money! 

View the full report here: ​https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/

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Remodeling Magazine has published their annual home improvements cost vs. value report!

There aren't a lot of surprises this year so we'll just highlight some home improvements that should be on the minds of home owners in our area, starting with their top suggestion for our Mid-Atlantic Region.

#1 Best Home Improvement ROI for 2018
Manufactured Stone Veneer: Home owners are looking at an almost 94% return on investment with this home improvement. 
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Our suggestion: Be open minded about stone types. The big box stores can often be more expensive than independently owned retailers and certain types of stone veneers can require more labor costs than others. Visit our siding page for stone veneer ideas. 

#2 - Garage Door Replacements (90,6% ROI)
#3 - Entry Door Replacements (steel) (78.4% ROI) 

Our suggestion: These two home improvements are both minor projects but they also give a big boost to the look and feel of your home. Replace both doors at the same time with complimentary styles for maximum curb appeal. 

#4 - Deck Addition (wood) (74.1% ROI)

Our suggestion: Decks and/or patios are necessary features for homes in the Poconos. Most homes will have one or both, or need one or both to maximize the home's functional space.
Wood decks are again outperforming composite decking this year and with a sizable cost difference it is easy to see why.  
If you have a deck now, inspect it regularly. Every single year older decks fail in the Poconos because they were not built to reflect current codes, or, they have not been properly maintained.
If you need help with ideas for new decks/patios, or with understanding the lifespan of your current deck, visit our decks page. 

#20 - Backyard Patio (43.9% ROI)

Our suggestion:  The write up they give for this project makes it a major home improvement project with a good amount of maintenance and a high price tag ($56.067). For most home owners in our area, this specific project as described is going to be a financially out of reach home improvement. 
We would likely suggest a backyard patio design that is similar in size (20'x20') but with less expensive features, at least initially. Our well thought out designs are beautiful projects on their own, but also leave plenty of opportunity for additional upgrades. Visit our landscaping page for great patio ideas. 

To learn more about the entire list of home improvement projects, visit this link: ​http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2018/middle-atlantic/

Landscaping with gravel is simple, clean, beautiful, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

Gravel can be used for large and small landscaping projects. It lends itself well to driveways, walkways, and foundation skirts, as well as decorative borders for trees, shrubs, and fencing.

A variety of gravel types, colors and sizes can be used to create visually interesting areas that are also low maintenance and have extensively long lifespans.

This type of landscaping is very approachable as a DIY project, but it is also an affordable option to have done by a hired Home Improvement Contractor.  

The ease of upgrading these projects creates a win-win for home owners since the original material investment is almost never lost. Plain gravel can be easily upgraded with paving stones, brick, concrete, more gravel types, and more decorative pebbles and stones to create a more sophisticated look.

Few home improvements are as timeless and worthwhile as gravel landscaping.

Visit our Pinterest Landscaping board for an amazing variety of landscaping ideas from around the web!

I don't know who to credit the image below to, but, it is a perfect example of the versatility of gravel landscaping.
​I found it on Pinterest.

Home improvement cost vs value report for 2017.
​Here is a list of some of the best home improvement ​ investments you can make, and the percentage of costs recouped at resale, for projects in 2017. 

Manufactured stone veneer, additional benefits: durable, pest resistant, fire proof, water resistant, a wide variety of choices. Visit my siding page for inspiration!

Basement remodel, additional benefits: additional living space, healthier home, better insulation, higher resale value, pest control, radon mitigation. Visit my basements page for inspiration!

Backyard patio, tick resistant, surface water management, outdoor living space, curb appeal, lower outdoor maintenance. Visit my landscaping page for inspiration!

Benefits of adding an addition: higher resale value, additional living space, design aesthetics, cheaper than moving, enjoyment factor. Visit my foundation page to learn about how I can help you get started!

For the full list of top national home improvement projects for 2017 go to:
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2017/