Planning your home remodeling in San Diego for 2025? Homeowners who plan to sell their property or improve their living space should consider home remodeling projects as a valuable investment opportunity. Based on recent data, home repair costs have already risen to about 40%, which is above 2019 levels. You also need to take into consideration that some projects are more valuable than others and some do not provide you with the same return on your investment.
The 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, compiled by Zonda‘s expert team, offers valuable insights to help homeowners delve deeper and achieve the best return on investment (ROI).

Curb Appeal is King
Exterior improvements represent the most effective way to increase your home value. Exterior upgrades rank among the top ten projects that deliver the highest return on investment according to Zonda’s research.
Why? Because first impressions matter. Great curb appeal makes a home more noticeable and stands out in the market, which in turn leads to increased buyer interest and potentially sells for a higher price.
Zonda’s chief editor, Clay DeKorne, mentions that exterior replacement projects deliver the greatest return on investment for homeowners who want to increase their property’s resale value. The current market conditions we have today, along with higher mortgage interest rates, and homeowners who possess substantial equity in their homes, make these projects highly attractive because they provide exceptional ROI.
Cost vs. Value: National Average for Home Remodeling Projects
Based on Zonda’s research, below are some of the home remodeling projects that are ranked by their highest return on investment to homeowners.

Top 3 Remodeling Projects with the Highest ROI
The report reveals that this year’s highest ROI-generating projects are the “unsexy” ones, which attract buyers more than they do grab headlines. The top three projects on the list generate more than 100% ROI according to the data.
- Garage Door Replacement: A new garage door generates an estimated 194% return on investment. The top-ranked project this year brings back nearly double the investment compared to previous years. A fresh garage door installation produces significant exterior design improvements, which increase property appeal to potential buyers.
- Steel Entry Door Replacement: 188% ROI. Replacing or installing a steel front door provides both security benefits and an improved visual look for your house. The simple installation produces a major return on investment, and it might be worth a try from your end.
- Manufactured Stone Veneer: 153% ROI. I’d say this is more prevalent on the East Coast, rather than in Southern California, where we see more of stucco and wood siding. Stone veneer installation for exterior home surfaces produces a luxurious and durable appearance that remains resilient in harsh weather. Homeowners find great value in this stylish upgrade, which also appeals to potential buyers.
Doors are a great place to start; it’s a small project but has a large impact.
“A new garage door or new entry door can make a pronounced difference,” says Todd Tomalak, principal of Zonda Advisory. “It could be the thing that makes one house stand out against all the others, making the home worth a higher price.”
The list of Zonda includes not only the glamorous upgrades but also some not-so-glamorous ones. The new roof, window replacement, and HVAC conversion were also included on Zonda’s list.
Key Takeaway
The data indicates that a luxurious kitchen remodel may not return as much value during resale. You don’t have to give up on a new kitchen, though! To maximize your return on investment, begin with exterior improvements and strategic interior updates.