Don’t skimp on the curb appeal

Thinking about remodeling, with an eye toward an eventual sale? You may want to start with the outside of the house. Three of the four upgrades with the highest return of cost are exterior improvements, according to the 2007 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report released last week by the National Assn. of Realtors.

The annual report looked at the resale values compared with the construction costs of 29 mid-range and upscale projects in 60 real estate markets across the country.

Nationally, upscale siding replacement had the biggest percentage of recouped costs, at 88%. The other three highest-return projects: wood deck additions, wood window replacements, minor kitchen remodels.

The good news for California homeowners is that the Pacific region had some of the highest percentages of return on investment. Thirteen of the 29 projects, including bathroom remodel and window replacement, returned 90% or more of the project cost.

-- Ines Santos