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If you’re wondering where to upgrade your home so it counts the most, it’s probably not where you’d think. I, for one, assumed it would be larger, more expensive projects like kitchen and bathroom remodeling. However, I was surprised to find that the home upgrade with the highest ROI didn’t involve any living spaces at all. In fact, it has more to do with where our cars live.

Home with three car garage and SUV parked in driveway
Debora Vandor via iStock

According to Zonda, the home upgrade with the highest return on your money is garage door replacement.

For 2024, the estimated ROI for garage door replacement is a whopping 194%. Moreover, the average job cost is less than $5,000. Compare that to a minor kitchen remodel at just over $27,000, and you have yourself a great starting point.

Here’s the full list of 10 home upgrades with the most ROI for 2024. As you might notice, projects four through 10 reflect negative ROI. This means you won’t likely get all of your money back for anything from installing manufactured stone veneer to siding replacement to bathroom remodels.

RankRemodeling ProjectJob CostValue at SaleCost Recouped
1Garage Door Replacement$4,513$8,751194%
2Entry Door Replacement | Steel$2,355$4,430188%
3Manufactured Stone Veneer$11,287$17,291153%
4Grand Entrance Upscale | Fiberglass$11,353$11,05497%
5Minor Kitchen Remodel$27,492$26,40696%
6Siding Replacement | Fiber-cement$20,619$18,23088%
7Deck Addition | Wood$17,615$14,59683%
8Siding Replacement | Vinyl$17,410$13,95780%
9Bathroom Remodel Mid-Range$25,251$18,61374%
10Deck Addition | Composite$24,206$16,49868%
Source: Zonda

Who knew the highest ROI home upgrade would be where your cars sleep, not you? After you’ve replaced your garage door and front entry door, really consider whether the other items truly need to be done. Also, you might try DIY versions over paying the full professional job price.