Home Remodeling Downsized

San Diego home

Amid the recession, homeowners who hired contractors for home remodeling in recent months most often tackled small-scale jobs and replacements, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2009-10 Cost vs. Value report. The study compares national and regional remodeling costs for 33 popular remodeling projects.

Exterior replacement projects like doors and windows continue to recoup the most dollars at resale, which makes them attractive to homeowners looking to improve curb appeal. These projects are also among the least expensive to complete. Entry door replacements (steel), which recoup nearly 129 percent of their costs at resale, returned the most on investment. Other high-ranking cost-vs.-value projects were siding replacements, attic bedrooms and deck additions.

Projects that recouped the least were home-office remodels, sun rooms, upscale master suites, upscale garage additions and upscale bathroom additions.

Del Mar California real estate