Remodeling Projects that Add Value to Your Home

Remodeling your home has many benefits. A home improvement project can modernize yourliving space, enhance your comfort level and add to the resell value of your home.


However, not all remodeling projects are equal when generating the greatest resell value for homeowners.

Zonda, a housing market research firm, recently released its annual Cost vs. Value Report, which tracks the value ratio over the cost for 23 common remodeling projects. The report’s authors note that there is more than one kind of value, such as increased accessibility or comfort. Still, this report focuses specifically on the value that leads to a higher sale price of an existing home. 



More than half of the 23 remodeling projects listed in the report are exterior replacement projects. Here is a sampling of the home renovation projects from the report that recoup more than half of their costs: 



Garage and Entry Door Replacement.

Curb appeal remains one of the most important aspects of attracting buyers to a home. One essential home exterior feature is a beautiful garage door. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, homeowners can recoup 193.9% of the garage door replacement cost. If you choose to replace your garage door, experts recommend focusing on function and design. A new garage door that complements your existing exterior style, such as craftsman or contemporary, is sure to be a head-turner.



In addition, a functional and stylish steel door is an easy way to draw the attention of home buyers to your home. So, it is no surprise that homeowners are likely to recoup a generous 188.1% of their investment. This type of upgrade not only adds value to your home, but it's also durable and engineered with material to withstand the outdoor elements.



Manufactured Stone Veneer.

An exterior refresh does not always mean a simple coat of paint or landscaping. Instead, homeowners should explore different types of eye-catching materials to draw buyers in. Stone in and around homes, from fireplaces to facades, is generally popular among home buyers. Manufactured stone veneer exhibits the look of natural stone and is available in various colors and sizes. Homeowners that tackle this remodeling project are estimated to recover 153.2% of their investment.



Minor Kitchen Remodel.

Sometimes, a major overhaul of a specific room is not necessary to reap the potential financial rewards. According to the report, homeowners who invest in a minor kitchen remodel are likely to recoup 96.1% of their investment. This type of remodeling is generally smaller and involves replacing dated materials and fixtures instead of knocking down walls or reconfiguring plumbing and electrical. 



Window Replacement.

Another eye-catching investment is upgrading to vinyl or wood windows. Homeowners investing in this project can expect to recoup 67.1% of the cost of a vinyl window replacement and 62.9% of a wood window replacement. Like other exterior upgrades, wood and vinyl windows offer various design options to complement your home. In addition, energy-efficient options are available, so you can realize savings before you sell your home with lower heating or cooling bills.



To learn more about remodeling projects that prove their value or to find a remodeler in our are, contact the HBA of Columbia.

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Major EPA Refrigerant Changes Take Effect in 2025

By Jami Clevenger • September 25, 2025
The heating and cooling industry is undergoing a significant transformation as new Environmental Protection Agency regulations take effect to combat climate change. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming refrigerant changes and how they may impact you. What's Changing? Beginning January 1, 2025, manufacturers can no longer produce new HVAC systems using R-410A refrigerant, the most common cooling agent in residential air conditioners and heat pumps. This phase-out is part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning away from high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, meaning it contributes significantly to climate change when released into the atmosphere. The new regulations require all refrigerants in new systems to have a GWP of 700 or less. The New Refrigerants Two environmentally friendly alternatives are replacing R-410A: R-454B (Opteon XL41 or Puron Advance): Provides up to a 78% reduction in global warming potential while maintaining similar cooling performance to R-410A. Most major manufacturers including Carrier, Trane, and Lennox have chosen this as their primary replacement. R-32: Offers up to 12% better efficiency than R-410A systems and has a GWP of approximately 675. Daikin and some other manufacturers have selected R-32 for certain applications. Impact on Homeowners If you have an existing system: You can continue using your current HVAC system without any immediate changes required. Existing equipment is not subject to EPA regulations and can continue to be used through equipment end-of-life. R-410A will remain available for servicing existing systems, though supplies may become more expensive over time. If you're buying a new system: Systems manufactured before January 1, 2025, can still be installed through December 31, 2025, giving consumers a one-year transition period. However, new EPA-compliant systems are expected to cost at least 20% more than current models due to advanced technology and manufacturing requirements. Safety Considerations The new refrigerants are classified as A2L, meaning they have low toxicity but are mildly flammable—much less so than propane or natural gas. New systems include advanced leak detection sensors that automatically shut off the unit and activate ventilation if a leak is detected. Benefits of the Transition Beyond environmental protection, the new refrigerants offer several advantages: Potential utility bill savings of 5-10% due to improved energy efficiency EPA estimates this transition will result in emissions reductions equivalent to up to 876 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from 2025 through 2050 Long-term cost savings through reduced energy consumption Planning Ahead While there's no immediate need to replace functioning systems, homeowners should consider their options carefully. If your current system is aging or inefficient, upgrading before 2025 might offer cost savings, while waiting allows you to invest in the latest environmentally friendly technology. HVAC contractors are receiving specialized training to safely handle the new refrigerants, ensuring professional installation and service continue without interruption. For more information about how these changes might affect your specific situation, consult with a qualified HVAC professional who can assess your current system and discuss your options.

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