Whole House Remodel ROI: What to Expect at Resale in Des Moines 2

Most homeowners assume expensive kitchen and bathroom remodels deliver the best returns. The data says otherwise. Eight of the top 10 ROI projects are exterior replacements. A $4,672 garage door returns more at resale than an $83,000 major kitchen remodel. This guide breaks down what each project actually returns in the Des Moines market.

TLDR: A garage door replacement returns 267.7% at resale. A major kitchen remodel returns only 50.9%. Curb appeal projects consistently outperform interior remodels. For Des Moines homes ($295,000-$385,000 depending on suburb), keep total remodel spending under 20-30% of home value to avoid over-improving.

You’re planning a whole house remodel and want to know where your money goes furthest. The answer might surprise you: the projects that feel most exciting (dream kitchens, spa bathrooms) often lose the most money at sale. Here’s what the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report reveals.

The ROI Reality: Not All Remodels Are Equal

The Zonda 2025 Cost vs. Value Report analyzed 28 remodeling projects nationally. The biggest finding: exterior replacement projects dominate the top performers.

Tip: “Exterior replacement projects remain the clear winners when it comes to adding resale value. Large interior remodels may be personally rewarding, but their appeal is often too subjective.” (Clay DeKorne, Zonda)

Tip: Before planning your remodel, separate “want” projects from “value” projects. They’re often different.

Tip: 46% of buyers are less willing to compromise on a home’s condition than in previous years. Move-in ready matters.

Projects That Return More Than They Cost

Project	Cost	Value at Sale	ROI
Garage door replacement	$4,672	$12,507	267.7%
Steel entry door	$2,435	$5,270	216.4%
Manufactured stone veneer	$11,702	$24,328	207.9%
Fiber-cement siding	$21,485	$24,420	113.7%
Minor kitchen remodel	$28,458	$32,141	112.9%

These five projects share common traits: they improve first impression, cost relatively little, and appeal to ALL buyers.

Tip: A minor kitchen (cabinet refacing, countertops, appliances) returns 112.9%. A major kitchen returns only 50.9%. Minor beats major every time for ROI.

Tip: Manufactured stone veneer on the lower third of a street-facing facade is the most cost-effective curb appeal upgrade.

For detailed pricing, see our kitchen remodeling costs in Central Iowa guide.

Mid-Range Projects (Good Returns, Not Great)

Project	Cost	Value at Sale	ROI
Vinyl siding	$17,950	$17,313	96.5%
Wood deck addition	$18,263	$17,323	94.9%
Composite deck addition	$25,096	$22,199	88.5%
Midrange bathroom remodel	$26,138	$20,915	80.0%
Vinyl window replacement	$22,073	$16,657	75.5%

Also in this tier: HVAC conversion (72.1%), basement remodel (71.0%, new for 2025), and asphalt roof (67.5%).

Tip: Think of mid-range ROI projects as defensive investments. They protect your home’s value rather than boost it.

Tip: A new roof doesn’t excite buyers, but a roof that needs replacing scares them away.

The basement remodel at 71.0% is particularly relevant for Iowa homes. For local costs, see our basement finishing costs in Des Moines guide and basement finishing ROI in Iowa.

Projects That Lose Money at Resale

Project	Cost	Value at Sale	ROI
Major kitchen (midrange)	$82,793	$42,130	50.9%
Upscale bathroom remodel	$81,612	$34,000	41.7%
Major kitchen (upscale)	$164,104	$58,561	35.7%
Primary suite (midrange)	$170,517	$55,097	32.3%
Primary suite (upscale)	$351,613	$63,136	18.0%

The pattern: the more expensive and personalized the project, the worse the ROI. Buyers pay for function, not your taste.

Tip: If selling within 5 years, stick to projects above 75% ROI. If staying 10+ years, ROI matters less.

Tip: The biggest ROI trap: spending $80K+ on a kitchen in a $300K house. Buyers won’t pay $380K in a $300K neighborhood.

Tip: Address inspection red flags (radon, electrical, foundation, water intrusion) during your remodel. They won’t add ROI, but they prevent buyers from walking away.

Des Moines Market Context

Location	Median Price	Practical Remodel Cap
Des Moines city	$200,000-$213,000	$30,000-$50,000
Ankeny	$324,000	$50,000-$80,000
West Des Moines	$316,000	$50,000-$80,000
Urbandale	~$385,000	$75,000-$120,000

Housing data reflects early 2026. Practical remodel caps are editorial estimates based on comparable sales.

Your home’s maximum sale price is determined by comparable sales, not by how much you spend. The ROI ceiling is higher in Urbandale ($385K) than Des Moines city proper ($200K).

Tip: Know your neighborhood’s price ceiling before setting your budget.

Tip: In Des Moines’s balanced market, move-in ready homes with recent updates sell faster and closer to asking price.

Illustrative Scenarios

All scenarios use national ROI data. Actual returns vary.

Ankeny strategic remodel: Family in $310K home, selling in 3-4 years. Spent $73K on garage door, entry door, stone veneer, minor kitchen, midrange bathroom. Estimated value added: $75,000-$85,000 (conservative Iowa estimate). Verdict: 80-100%+ ROI on every dollar.

Des Moines over-improvement: Homeowner in $215K home wants $164K upscale kitchen and $170K suite addition. Total spent: $334K. Value added: ~$114K. Net loss: ~$220K. Verdict: Massive over-improvement. Better to sell and buy a home that already has these features.

Urbandale curb appeal: Couple in $370K home, listing in 12 months. Spent $18,809 on garage door, entry door, stone veneer. Value added: ~$42K. Net gain: ~$23K. Verdict: Highest-ROI strategy possible.

West Des Moines lifestyle remodel: Family staying 15+ years. Spent $135K on major kitchen ($83K) and basement ($52K). Value added: ~$79K. Net loss: ~$56K. But 15 years of daily enjoyment at $3,700/year for the “loss.” Verdict: Lifestyle decision, not investment.

Johnston balanced approach: Family staying 7-10 years. Spent $76K on minor kitchen, midrange bathroom, vinyl windows. Value added: ~$70K. Verdict: Nearly break-even (91% overall ROI) while getting updated kitchen, bathroom, and windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the ROI on a whole house remodel? A: Home renovations return approximately 60%+ on average. Individual projects range from 18% (upscale suite) to 267.7% (garage door). Strategic planning targeting high-ROI projects achieves 75-100%+ overall.

Q: What projects have the best ROI? A: Garage door (267.7%), steel entry door (216.4%), manufactured stone veneer (207.9%), fiber-cement siding (113.7%), and minor kitchen (112.9%). Eight of the top 10 are exterior projects.

Q: Does a kitchen remodel increase home value? A: Minor kitchen returns 112.9% nationally, up to 88.5% in Des Moines. Major kitchen returns only 50.9%. A $28K minor remodel adds more at sale ($32K) than an $83K major remodel ($42K).

Q: What is the ROI on a bathroom remodel? A: Midrange bathroom returns 80.0%. Upscale bathroom returns only 41.7%. Stick to midrange for ROI.

Q: Is a basement remodel worth it? A: Basement remodeling returns 71.0% (new for 2025). Zonda called it “most consistent nationwide.” Particularly relevant in Iowa where nearly every home has a basement.

Q: How much should I spend relative to my home’s value? A: Keep total spending under 20-30% of home value. In Des Moines ($295K-$335K median), that’s $59,000-$100,000 for a whole house remodel.

Q: Do Iowa homes get the same ROI as national averages? A: Midwest ROI runs 10-20% below national averages. A minor kitchen returning 112.9% nationally returns approximately 88.5% in Des Moines.

Q: Do I need a registered contractor? A: Iowa requires registration (not licensing) for general contractors. Plumbers, electricians, and HVAC techs need separate state licenses.

Key Takeaways

Highest ROI Projects

Garage door, entry door, stone veneer all return 200%+
Minor kitchen beats major kitchen every time

Mid-Range Returns

Decks, siding, bathrooms return 75-95%
These protect value rather than boost it

Projects That Lose Money

Major kitchens: 50.9% ROI
Upscale suites: 18-32% ROI

Des Moines Context

Metro median: $295,000-$385,000 by suburb
Know your neighborhood’s price ceiling

Strategic Approach

Exterior first, then interior
Keep spending under 20-30% of home value

Lifestyle vs. Investment

Staying 10+ years: ROI matters less
Selling within 5 years: stick to 75%+ ROI projects

This blog provides general information. Consult qualified professionals before making major financial decisions.

Ready to Plan Your Remodel?

Busy Builders has helped over 1,000 Central Iowa homeowners make smart remodeling decisions since 2020. We provide honest ROI guidance and will tell you when a project doesn’t make financial sense.