Insights from Zonda’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report
Each year, Zonda’s Cost vs. Value Report highlights which remodeling projects give homeowners the best return on their investment. And once again, Curb Appeal is king — especially here in Chicago, where exterior upgrades outperform the national average.
Whether you’re planning for resale or simply want your home to look and live better, here’s where Chicago homeowners are seeing the greatest value gains this year:
Curb Appeal Projects Lead the Pack
Chicago homeowners are getting even higher returns on exterior improvements than the rest of the country.
- Garage door replacement: 303% of cost recouped (vs. 268% nationally)
- Steel entry door replacement: 226% recouped (vs. 216% nationally)
- Manufactured stone veneer: more than 208% recouped nationally and across Chicago neighborhoods
First impressions matter — especially in a market where curb appeal drives buyer confidence. These smaller projects continue to deliver the biggest bang for your buck.
First impressions matter — especially in a market where curb appeal drives buyer confidence.
Siding & Exterior Refreshes
Durable, low-maintenance siding continues to show excellent ROI in Chicago’s freeze-thaw climate.
Fiber cement siding (Hardie board): 105% cost recouped in Chicago
- Hardie board is the #1 siding brand in North America
- Excellent, warranted products engineered to protect against damage from fire, extreme weather and pests
- For years, our clients have chosen Hardie board over any other siding, and everyone has loved their finished product
We see it every day: homeowners who refresh their exteriors enjoy lower maintenance, better energy efficiency and stronger resale appeal.
Bathrooms Boost Value
Bathroom remodels continue to climb in value every year. Well-designed upgrades — even smaller ones — are outperforming expectations.
- Mid-range remodels are showing some of the highest interior returns
- Upscale remodels with thoughtful design and finishes are trending upward
- Bathrooms are now rivaling kitchens for resale appeal in Chicago
We love these projects — design-forward bathrooms combine comfort, beauty and value in one of the most personal spaces in your home. The spa aesthetic is the biggest trend in bathrooms today.
Invest in Outdoor Living
Chicago homeowners are investing in outdoor living — and the payback is nearly full value.
- Wood deck addition: 98% recouped
- Composite deck addition: 91% recouped
Whether it’s a deck, pergola or screened porch, outdoor living has become a year-round extension of the home — and new buyers love it.
Back on the List: Backup Generators
Back on the list this year — and showing surprising strength — are backup generators, with 90% of cost recouped. Reliable power adds both comfort and confidence for Chicago homeowners, which is a growing priority after recent weather events.
Our Takeaways
- In Chicago, smarter, well thought out projects outperform more expensive, larger ones
- Thoughtful design, quality materials, and strong curb appeal create real financial value, not just a cosmetic upgrade
- Minor remodels and refresh projects yield higher returns than major overhauls
- Homes that are well cared for, well designed, and built to last hold their value compared to others
In Chicago, smarter, well thought out projects outperform more expensive, larger ones.
Ready to Talk About Your Next Project?
If you’re thinking about a bathroom refresh, new Hardie board siding, or an outdoor living addition, let’s discuss how to make your investment work smarter — and deliver results that last.