Key Takeaways:Zonda Media’s 2025 Cost vs. Value report details the home improvement projects with the greatest return on investment (ROI). Some of the most notable updates for 2025 include: Exterior projects increase in value. Overall, exterior upgrades and renovations remained the best return on investment, with the top projects massively increasing their ROI. Read More🞃 Garage and entry doors reign supreme. The 2025 report saw door replacements continue to surge in value. Read More🞃 The minor kitchen remodel is still the best interior project. Kitchen and bathroom remodels offer strong return on value, making up nearly 1/5 of the top 25 projects. Read More🞃 Basement remodels enter at number 11. A new addition to the top 25 projects, basement remodels may be here to stay—especially in Chicago. Read More🞃 Backup power generators enter the top 10. Generators emerge as a sound investment to help quell worries of weather events and to power work from home spaces. Read More🞃 |
The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report
Whether you want to increase your home’s value, its energy efficiency, or just add more comfort, there are plenty of reasons to remodel or renovate your home. But before you set out making upgrades, it’s important to consider the project’s cost vs. its value.
Compiled by Zonda Media, the Cost vs. Value Report provides data for 150 metro areas across the United States. The cost data was derived from an econometric model that used data from existing home sales and values, as well as local gross domestic product (GDP), among other factors. The resale value data for each project was aggregated from estimates provided by an online survey that Zonda sent to over 6,000 realtors.
We took a look at the 2025 Cost vs Value Report for Chicago.
Jump to the Top 25 Projects by ROI for Chicago 🞃
Exterior Replacement Projects Reign Supreme
Two words: Curb appeal. For the last 3 decades, exterior replacement projects have provided a higher return on investment than interior discretionary remodels. For the second year in a row, 8 out of the top 10 projects with the highest percent of cost recovered in Chicago were exterior projects. Not only do many of these projects improve curb appeal, but they can also improve a home’s energy efficiency.
Specific exterior projects to focus on are manufactured stone veneers which kept their spot in the top 3 projects for ROI, and fiber-cement siding replacements which climbed six spots in ROI. Composite and wood deck additions also rose in ROI from 2024.
Garage and Entry Door Replacements Recoup the Most Value
In another repeat from 2024, garage and entry door replacements were the top home improvement projects for return on investment in Chicago in 2025. These two also saw a massive increase in ROI, with garage door replacements nearly doubling from 153.3% in to 302.9%, and entry door replacements rising from 195.9% to 226.2% ROI!
So what’s the appeal of these projects? In short, door replacements are one of the easiest and cheapest projects to undertake, with both garage door replacements and steel entry door replacements coming in at less than $5,000. These projects can keep your house and garage better insulated while also increasing its curb appeal. Plus, when you install exterior doors that meet Energy Star requirements, you may be eligible to receive up to $500 in tax credits. These investments are cheap to make, and are only growing stronger in ROI.
Minor Kitchen Remodels Offer the Best Value Recouped for Interior Projects
Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects make up nearly 1/5 of the top 25 projects by ROI for Chicago. These projects offer a strong return on investment and are one of the first things homebuyers mention after viewing a home.
Often seen as the most important room in the house, the minor kitchen remodel (midrange) is the 6th best project for value recouped in Chicago. It provides a greater ROI than larger discretionary remodels.
Basement Remodels Build Value from the Ground Up
This year’s report features several new projects, including basement remodels. With basements being common in the Chicago area and many homeowners choosing to stay in their homes longer, more people are using their home’s equity to reimagine these spaces—often turning them into home offices, guest suites, family rooms, workout areas, or entertainment spaces.
Backup Generators Offer Peace of Mind and Great Return on Investment
Also entering the list for the first time, backup power generators debuted at number 9 for ROI in Chicago in 2025, allowing homeowners to recoup an impressive 90.3% of their investment. While slightly more popular in hurricane-prone regions, Chicago homeowners have good reason to consider backup power as well, particularly given the area’s severe storms, winter outages, and increasing reliance on remote work and smart home technology.
Top 25 Projects by ROI for Chicago
| Project | Job Cost | Resale Value | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage Door Replacement | $4,308 | $13,048 | 302.9% |
| Entry Door Replacement | Steel | $2,342 | $5,298 | 226.2% |
| Manufactured Stone Veneer | $10,939 | $22,735 | 207.8% |
| Siding Replacement | Fiber-Cement | $24,642 | $25,838 | 104.9% |
| Deck Addition | Wood | $18,519 | $18,229 | 98.4% |
| Minor Kitchen Remodel | Midrange | $27,187 | $25,669 | 94.4% |
| Deck Addition | Composite | $24,337 | $22,242 | 91.4% |
| Grand Entrance | Fiberglass | $11,770 | $10,707 | 91% |
| Backup Power Generator | $13,120 | $11,852 | 90.3% |
| Window Replacement | Vinyl | $21,941 | $17,992 | 82% |
| Basement Remodel | $49,576 | $39,680 | 80% |
| Siding Replacement | Vinyl | $19,868 | $15,607 | 78.6% |
| Window Replacement | Wood | $25,674 | $17,243 | 67.2% |
| Roofing Replacement | Asphalt Shingles | $28,454 | $19,022 | 66.9% |
| Bath Remodel | Midrange | $24,072 | $15,985 | 66.4% |
| HVAC Conversion | Electrification | $18,657 | $12,257 | 65.7% |
| Bath Remodel | Universal Design | $38,963 | $23,809 | 61.1% |
| Backyard Patio | $48,625 | $23,607 | 48.5% |
| Bathroom Addition | Midrange | $56,165 | $27,006 | 48.1% |
| Major Kitchen Remodel | Midrange | $84,237 | $37,256 | 44.2% |
| Roofing Replacement | Metal | $46,332 | $20,247 | 43.7% |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | $158,226 | $60,763 | 38.4% |
| Bath Remodel | Upscale | $76,524 | $26,201 | 34.2% |
| Bathroom Addition | Upscale | $103,464 | $31,791 | 30.7% |
| Major Kitchen Remodel | Upscale | $161,499 | $49,399 | 30.6% |
Tap Into Your Home’s Equity To Fund Renovations
Starting a renovation or home improvement project is a big undertaking, so let us help you figure out the funding. We offer several different types of home equity loans that allow you to pay for home improvements by utilizing your home’s equity. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a variable rate home equity loan that offers access to a line of credit to draw on when you need it.
If you want to be protected from a rising rate environment, consider a fixed-rate Conventional Equity Loan. With a fixed-rate Conventional Equity Loan, you’ll enjoy the security of one low fixed rate and payment with a variety of terms available.
Make Your House a Home
While a project’s cost vs. value is important to consider when remodeling or renovating your home, it’s just one of many considerations. At the end of the day, being comfortable in your living space is as good a reason as any to tackle that next project.
See if one of our low-rate home equity loans, cash-out refinance, or personal loans can help make your dream design a reality. Fill out this form to schedule a free consultation with one of our Residential Lending Specialists, or call 1-800-323-2611.
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