What remodeling project has the highest return on investment in the Madison area?

The value of a good remodeling project is undeniable, particularly in a hot real estate market like Madison. People wanting to sell their home often look for cost-effective improvements that will add to both the home’s curb appeal and value. And people in the process of building a home or remodeling look for the highest return on investment for each phase of a project.

But what are realistic prices for remodeling projects and which ones offer the highest value for return on investment? Each year a nationwide Cost vs Value report is published to compare costs and return on investment for various home remodeling projects. You can find the full report at Remodeling Magazine and below are the top four Madison area remodeling projects on the 2021 list:

Top 4 Madison remodeling projects according to the 2021 Cost vs Value Report

#1 – 98.0% Garage Door Replacement
#2 – 90.0% Manufactured Stone
#3 – 74.1% Minor Kitchen Remodel
#4 – 69.6% Entry Door Replacement

For 3 years running, adding manufactured stone veneer to a home has been a remodeling project for adding value in Madison. A look at recent new home communities, like the Madison Area Parade of Homes, shows that major home builders across the Midwest incorporate some form of thin veneer such as natural stone, natural clay brick, or manufactured stone into most new home exteriors and interiors. But it isn’t just home builders including stone – adding a local natural element like stone veneer can be a great way to spruce up an older home.

Manufactured stone veneer in Madison has a return value of 90.0%. For every dollar invested in a stone veneer project, $0.90 of value is added to a home for resale purposes.

What is manufactured stone veneer?

Manufactured stone is part of a category of products called ‘thin veneers’ that are used to accent home exterior designs and interior spaces. You can think of stone veneer sort of like thick tile – it isn’t a structural component of a wall. The result is the look and character feel of a solid stone area.

 

Manufactured stone veneer is made from concrete and designed to imitate the colors, shapes and sizes of natural stone. With veneer, it’s easy to improve the look of a stone fireplace or wall at a fraction of the cost of real natural stone. Manufactured concrete stone veneer is a popular value solution for the budget-conscious home remodel, providing both a wide variety of styles and color ranges that can be consistently produced to achieve the look of real, natural stone.

 

What other types of veneer are popular for remodeling projects in Wisconsin?

In addition to manufactured stone and because of our proximity to stone quarries, we have more natural stone or natural clay brick options than most areas for thin veneer. Natural stone and brick are popular in projects such as fireplace surrounds, interior accent walls and home exteriors to lend the true design feature of a real brick or stone wall.

Five remodeling ideas for using stone or brick veneer

1. Replace some of the exterior siding around the bottom of a home with a stone veneer, giving the appearance of a stone foundation.
2. Turn your front door into a grand entryway by adding a stone veneer surround.
3. For covered porches, add a stone wrapped base to existing columns or pillars.
4. Use stone veneer to cover outdoor fireplaces and cabinets in outdoor kitchens
5. Add a thin veneer like brick or stone to interior walls for unique craftsman design features
6. Update a fireplace surround with a new custom concrete mantel and thin veneer surround.

To summarize, remodeling can be a great way to imprint your unique style on your home and beautify your existing home environment. Some home improvement remodeling projects might also increase your home’s resale value. An important element for anyone looking to remodel a home or landscape a yard is to always keep in mind creating something that works for your needs, whether you are looking for top-notch luxury design and unique style at any cost, or seeking more budget-conscious renovation improvements.

ABOUT UNITED BRICK AND FIREPLACE

Our family-owned business has been serving the Madison community since 1973 for fireplaces, brick, block, stoves, and outdoor stone needs. We work with homeowners, builders, architects, masons, and general contractors to supply the best products in each industry. As the largest fireplace installer in Madison, we have the expertise and product offering for nearly every situation including unique architectural designs for homes and commercial settings. Contact us for more information or visit one of our showrooms today!