Tips on getting most value for your next home project, part 1

#1 New Roof

If you find yourself sprinting for the buckets when it starts to sprinkle, getting a new roof should be your No. 1 to-do. Measuring rainfall from the indoors isn't cool.  

The cost: $7,500   The return: 109% at $8,150  

Considering it’s what’s between you and the elements, it’s a no-brainer.   Not sure if you need a new roof? Signs you might include:   Shingles are missing, curling up, or covered in moss. Gritty bits from the asphalt shingles are coming out the downspout. The sun’s shining through your attic. You notice stains on ceilings and walls. Your energy bill is sky high.

#2 Hardwood Floors

You flip on the TV to see that your fave home reno-ing duo is it at again, flipping a ranch that’s stuck in the ‘80s.   They make it to the living room, pull back the dingy carpet to reveal hardwood floors in great condition. They’re psyched — and for good reason.   Hardwood floors are a timeless classic. Refinishing is a no-brainer. Neither will you regret adding new hardwood floors if you have none.  

The cost to refinish: $2,500   The return: 100% at $2,500   The cost to buy new: $5,500   The return: 91% at $5,000   Related: Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors Yourself?  

#3 New Garage Door

No surprise that a garage door replacement project made it onto this #winning list — a new garage door provides a big boost for your home’s curb appeal at a relatively modest cost.  

The cost: $2,300 (for a two-door)   The return: 87% at $2,000  

There are options galore, too. A host of factory-finish colors, wood-look embossed steel, and glass window insets are just some of the possibilities that’ll give your doors bankable personality.