Be smart about your remodel

Each year the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report is released, which polls Realtors from across the nation on their opinions about what will give homeowners the most bang for their buck when upgrading or remodeling their homes.

This year, curb appeal has beat out all other home improvement projects. The improvement estimated to yield the highest return, at 102.1 percent, is replacing your front door with a steel door.  Other improvements that will recover most of the cost include a new garage door, siding and upgrading to vinyl windows.

Interior improvements can also yield high returns, if not recovering the full cost of the project. The top two improvements a homeowner could make to their home are adding an attic bedroom and remodeling a basement.