--- title: "Whole House Remodel ROI: What To Expect In Des Moines" description: "Most homeowners assume expensive kitchen and bathroom remodels deliver the best returns. The data says otherwise. Eight of the top 10 ROI ..." url: "https://busybuildersiowa.com/whole-house-remodel-roi-in-des-moines/" --- Busy Builders # Whole House Remodel ROI: What to Expect at Resale in Des Moines - [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/) - [March 20, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/2026/03/20/) - 9:42 am 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](https://busybuildersiowa.com/des-moines/) ($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](https://zondahome.com/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](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/remodeling-impact) 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% ©2025 Zonda Media, 2025 Cost vs. Value Report. Complete data at costvsvalue.com. National averages; Iowa returns may be 10-20% lower. 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](https://busybuildersiowa.com/kitchen-remodeling-costs-in-central-iowa-2025-guide/) 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% ©2025 Zonda Media, 2025 Cost vs. Value Report. Complete data at costvsvalue.com 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](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-costs-des-moines-2026/) guide and [basement finishing ROI in Iowa](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-roi-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% ©2025 Zonda Media, 2025 Cost vs. Value Report. These projects may still be worthwhile for personal enjoyment if staying long-term. 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](https://busybuildersiowa.com/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](https://busybuildersiowa.com/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](https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/contractors)?** 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. - Free consultation to discuss your goals - Transparent estimates with ROI context - Experience with both high-ROI curb appeal and full interior remodels Call: [844-435-9800](tel:844-435-9800) Website: [https://busybuildersiowa.com/](https://busybuildersiowa.com/) We serve Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, Urbandale, and all Central Iowa communities. --- **Busy Builders | Full-Service Construction and Remodeling | Serving Central Iowa Since 2020** **Local service:** [Home remodeling in Des Moines, Iowa](https://busybuildersiowa.com/locations/home-remodeling-des-moines-ia/). [PrevPreviousModern Deck Design Ideas for Des Moines Homes (2026 Trends)](https://busybuildersiowa.com/modern-deck-design-ideas-for-des-moines-homes/) [NextWhen to Replace vs Repair Your Deck in Des MoinesNext](https://busybuildersiowa.com/when-to-replace-vs-repair-your-deck/) #### Table of Contents [August 3, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/wet-bar-costs-in-an-iowa-basement/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/) ### [Wet Bar Costs in an Iowa Basement: Plumbing, Permits, and the Slab-Cut Question](https://busybuildersiowa.com/wet-bar-costs-in-an-iowa-basement/) A wet bar turns a basement into a real gathering space, but the sink that makes it “wet” is also what makes it cost two to three times more... [July 17, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-mistakes-to-avoid-iowa/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/) ### [Basement Finishing Mistakes Iowa Homeowners Should Avoid](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-mistakes-to-avoid-iowa/) The expensive basement mistakes happen in the steps people skip on the way to picking flooring. This guide covers the errors we see most across Central Iowa basements, what... [July 17, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-timeline-des-moines/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/) ### [Basement Finishing Timeline in Des Moines: What to Expect](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-timeline-des-moines/) Most finished basements in the Des Moines metro take 6 to 10 weeks of construction, plus 2 to 4 weeks of design and permitting before the first saw runs.... [July 17, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/diy-vs-professional-basement-finishing-iowa/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/) ### [DIY vs Professional Basement Finishing in Iowa](https://busybuildersiowa.com/diy-vs-professional-basement-finishing-iowa/) Finishing a basement yourself can save real money, and it can also cost you more than hiring it out on day one. This guide breaks down which parts of... [July 17, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-ventilation-finished-iowa-basements/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/) ### [Basement Ventilation for Finished Iowa Basements](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-ventilation-finished-iowa-basements/) Finishing a basement changes how air moves through your whole house. Iowa basements deal with radon, humidity, and tight winter construction that traps stale air below grade. This guide... [July 15, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-costs-more-you-think-iowa/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/) ### [Why Basement Finishing Costs More Than You Think in Iowa](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-costs-more-you-think-iowa/) Finishing a basement is one of the best ways to add living space without changing your home’s footprint. It is also one of the easiest projects to underestimate. 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