Exterior Renovation ROI: Investment Levels from $500 Weekend Projects to $15K Makeovers

A contractor's ranking of curb appeal investments by visual impact and return on investment.

Not all curb appeal spending is equal. Some improvements photograph well but don't add perceived value from the street. Others cost very little but change the entire feel of a home's exterior. Here's my ranking by actual impact.

Contractor Tips

• Front door paint is the single highest-ROI curb appeal improvement available. $40 in paint and an afternoon of work.
• House numbers that are visible, large, and properly lit are free perceived value and required for emergency services.
• Pressure washing concrete, siding, and brick is transformative for $50–$200 in rental cost and dramatically improves any property's appearance.