The five worst remodeling projects, on a "cost return" basis:
- Roof replacement - Roofs are necessary. So, sorry to tell you that they don't nearly pay back what you put into them. Think of it: any potential buyers for your house will assume that your house has a normal, functional roof. It's just a "given."
- Sunroom addition - Why did you respond to that infomercial? Can you remember why anymore? Sunrooms are often built as a misguided alternative to building a house addition. Don't do it.
- Home office addition - A perennial money-loser, though if a legitimate home office it may make back some costs in the form of tax deductions.
- Deck addition - Decks are fun, but do not enchance your house value at all. Zero, zippo.
- Window replacement - You'll get some money back with replacement windows. But when you consider the staggering cost of replacements, you'll see just how long it takes to recoup that cost.

