If you're planning to make any significant home improvements it would be wise to know what to expect as a return on the money invested once you sell your home. Often the decision to remodel your home is based on necessity. Perhaps your family is expanding and you need to create more space or your kitchen is in need of an upgrade. The longer you plan to stay in your home, the more time you'll have to enjoy your improvements and the less concerned you will be with your return. Whether you're planning to make improvements for long term enjoyment or thinking more short term and simply want to add resale value, knowing the highest return may help you make some often difficult decisions. 
 

Ask most people what they believe makes the top of the list for the best valued home improvements and you'll usually hear remodeling your kitchen and updating or adding a new bath. While these remain high on the list, you may be surprised to know they share the top with some other perhaps less obvious contenders. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2007 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, in Seattle the top five improvements you can make for the highest rate of return are: 1) adding a wood deck 2) minor kitchen remodel 3) window replacement 4) siding replacement and 5) attic bedroom remodel. These numbers will vary depending on your neighborhood and how closely your project matches the report's project description. Click here for details.

 
Wood deck: If you don't already have a deck or patio, adding a mid-range, wood deck is a relatively easy improvement to make. If you plan to stay in the home long term you may want to consider spending a bit more and using low maintenance composite materials. According to the building standards in the Cost vs. Value report you could potentially recoup 108% of the cost to build a mid-range wood deck and 98.4% for an upscale composite deck. That's not a bad return for all the enjoyment you and your family will gain from this improvement.

 
Minor kitchen remodel: This would be considered more of a facelift for an older kitchen that is functional but needs some cosmetic updates. It includes replacing cabinet and drawer fronts and hardware, countertops, sink and faucet, flooring and painting the walls and trim. It also includes replacing older, inefficient appliances with new energy conserving models. Being careful to stay within a modest budget this type of remodel could yield a 103.5% return.
 
Window replacement: What you will save on your winter heating bill may be reason enough to replace older, dated windows. That reason combined with the potential return on your investment makes this improvement hard to ignore. When looking at the broad spectrum available it seems whatever fits your budget would be a wise investment from upscale insulated wood windows at a 103.4% return to less expensive insulated vinyl windows at a potential return of 98.5%.
 
Siding replacement: Not only does replacing siding add up to good value, it can significantly increase curb appeal by improving the look of your home. Fiber-cement siding is the leader in the pack with an average return of 100.9% on your investment. However, the style of your home and those in your neighborhood should be carefully considered when selecting the type of siding materials you plan to use. For instance, replacing traditional wood siding with vinyl may actually detract from the home's value.
 
Attic bedroom remodel: Not everyone has the style of home conducive to this type of improvement. If you're fortunate to have unfinished attic space you can convert to a bedroom with bath you will not only enjoy the reclaimed space but in time you may recoup most of your cost at a potential 98% return on your investment. Keep in mind this is not a small project. In addition to the interior finish work, it will also entail adding windows, insulation, heating and air, electrical and plumbing.