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Many people who contemplate a remodel wonder at some point: How much of the money I put in will I get out when I sell? And what about the cost in the first place -- am I paying too much?
A local remodeler forwarded me a link to some stats that can help to answer some of these questions, at least on a regional basis. Remodeling magazine has put together a comprehensive list of typical home renovation projects, what they cost, how much of that will be recouped and how each compares to the national average.
Projects in the Seattle-Tacoma area that return more than 100 percent of what's invested, along with the average cost, according to the magazine: minor kitchen remodel ($22,698), wood deck addition ($12,812), wood window replacement ($13,120), upscale window replacements in vinyl ($15,743) and wood ($19,608).
If you're all about the return when remodeling, you might want to think again about projects where less than 70 percent of the cost is recouped: a back-up power generator, a sunroom addition and a home office remodel.
One other point worth noting: All but one of the 29 projects listed brings a better return in the Seattle-Tacoma area than the national average.
Find the whole list of projects and stats here.
