Which Remodeling Projects Provide the Best Return on Investment in Chicago?

Remodeling Report for Chicago 2024, Part 3

As the saying goes, kitchens and baths sell houses. According to the 2024 Zonda Cost vs Value Report, that’s more relevant than ever. The CVV report details the most common home renovation projects across the US ranked by return on investment (ROI) values. Minor kitchen remodels in the Chicago area in 2024 earned an average 94% ROI (a record-breaking 34% increase since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic home improvement craze in 2021) and mid-range bathroom remodels recouped an average 69%.¹

As per usual, the CVV report confirms that midrange upgrades have a much better return than upscale remodeling projects. Following is data² about ROI as well as average project costs in the Chicagoland area:

Kitchen Remodeling

Midrange Minor Kitchen Remodel

Updating a functional but dated 200 sq. ft. kitchen = 94% ROI

Average cost: $26,395

30 linear ft. of cabinet boxes remain in place, fronts are replaced as well as drawer fronts, including new hardware
Replace combo cooktop/oven range and slide-in fridge with new energy-efficient models
Install mid-priced sink and faucet
Replace laminate countertop and repaint trim
Add wall covering
Remove old floor and replace with resilient flooring (e.g., rigid or flexible core vinyl tile/planks; sheet vinyl; cork; linoleum tiles, planks or sheets)

Midrange Major Kitchen Remodel

Updating an outmoded 200 sq. ft. kitchen = 46% ROI

Average cost: $81,275

Install 30 linear ft. of semi-custom wood cabinets
Install a 3 x 5 ft. island
Install laminate countertops
Install double-tub stainless steel sink with standard single-lever faucet
Replace old appliances with energy-efficient range, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal
Install custom lighting
Remove old floor and replace with resilient flooring (e.g., rigid or flexible core vinyl tile/planks; sheet vinyl; cork; linoleum tiles, planks or sheets)
Paint walls, trim, ceiling

Upscale Major Kitchen Remodel

Updating a 200 sq. ft. kitchen = 37% ROI

Average cost: $156,555

Add 30 linear feet of custom white cabinets with built-in sliding shelves
Install stone countertops with ceramic or glass tile backsplash
Install undermount sink with designer faucets and water filtration system
Replace existing appliances with built-in refrigerator, commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood, wall oven, built-in microwave unit
Include low-voltage undercabinet light
Install tile or flooring that looks like wood

Upscale Bathroom remodel with a neo-angle shower with ceramic tile walls, body-spray fixtures, frameless glass enclosure, freestanding soaker tub with high-end faucets, stone countertops, tile ceramic floor and in-floor heating

Bathroom Remodeling

Midrange Bathroom Remodel

Updating an existing 5 x 7 ft. bathroom = 69% ROI

Average cost: $23,477

Replace existing tub with 30 x 60 in. porcelain-on-steel tub with ceramic tile surround and single-lever shower control
Replace fixtures with new standard white toilet
Replace existing vanity with solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink
Install recessed medicine cabinet with light
Replace floor with ceramic tile

Universal Bathroom Remodel

Updating an existing 5 x 7 ft. space to be accessible = 45% ROI

Average cost: $38,457

Wheelchair-accessible (zero threshold, 36 in. wide door)
Install flat-panel electrical switches at sitting level (36 to 42 inches above floor)
Replace toilet with comfort-height fixture featuring elongated bowl and bidet-type seat
Remove existing bathtub and install curbless, tiled, walk-in shower with adjustable showerhead, foldout seat, thermostatic mixing valve, and bi-directional glass door
Replace flooring with electric radiant heat beneath new luxury vinyl tile flooring
Install adaptive living vanity with easy-grasp handles and adjustable mirror
Install LED lights, infrared ceiling light, night light, and ultra-quiet vent fan with humidity-sensing controls
Install ceramic tiles on walls with two contrasting color stripes
Install nine towel bars that can support 250 pounds and reconfigure storage to be accessible from a seated position

Upscale Bathroom Remodel

Expanding an existing 35 sq. ft. bathroom to 100 sq. ft. = 45% ROI

Average cost: $74,403

Install 42 x 42 in. neo-angle shower with ceramic tile walls, body-spray fixtures, frameless glass enclosure
Add heated towel bars
Install freestanding soaker tub with high-end faucets and compartmentalized commode area with one-piece toilet
Install custom drawer base and wall cabinets
Install stone countertop with two sinks
Install ceramic tile floor and in-floor heating

Luxury wood deck addition with a built-in planter

Other Remodeling Projects Worth Considering

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, here are some additional common projects and their ROI³. If you are considering a home sale in the future, the hottest projects for maximizing your ROI are ones that will grab a buyer’s attention:

Wood deck addition = 74% ROI
- Average cost: $15,793
- Add a 16 x 20 ft. wood deck in a simple linear pattern with a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material
Composite deck addition = 53% ROI
- Average cost: $25,005
- Add a 16 x 20 ft. composite deck in a simple linear pattern with a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material
Fiber-cement siding replacement = 69% ROI
- Average cost: $23,166
- Replace 1,250 square feet of siding with new, fiber-cement siding, factory primed and painted. Include all trim using either fiber-cement boards or cellular PVC
Wood window replacement = 73% ROI
- Average cost: $25,173
- Replace 10 existing 3 x 5 ft. double-hung windows with insulated, Energy Star, Simulated Divided Lite (SDL) wood windows
Fiberglass grand entrance = 84% ROI
- Average cost: $11,357
- Remove existing 3-0/6-8 entry door and cut and reframe opening for a 12-36-12 entrance door with dual sidelights. Move double-gang electrical box with two switches

Remodeling with Get Dwell

Whether it’s a kitchen or bath remodel, deck addition or window and siding replacement, we’ve got you covered. We work with and recommend architects and designers to help you design the remodeling project of your dreams. We also have our own local kitchen and bath suppliers, tile, paint and wallpaper experts, and color and design analysts to help our clients make good decisions about design, style, quality and understand availability. This process helps each of our clients make excellent long-term choices so that if and when they sell their home, the investment pays off.

We can also help with many more home improvements and remodeling projects. Let us help you maximize your return on investment as you update and renovate your home. Schedule time to talk to a Get Dwell project manager here.