Information provided by Quicken Loans
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One of the smartest things you can do with your home's equity is to put it right back into your home. It's a clear win-win: You enjoy an improved living environment and enhance your home's value at the same time.

But not every project will increase the resale value of your home. It's best to stick with the ones that will give you the biggest return.

Here's how Remodeling Magazine rates top jobs in terms of one-year return on investment (ROI):


Project: Minor kitchen remodel
ROI: 88%
Average Price Tag: $8,655

Project: Second-story addition
ROI: 83%
Average Price Tag: $73,553

Project: Bathroom remodel
ROI: 81%
Average Price Tag: $9,135

Project: Bathroom addition
ROI: 81%
Average Price Tag: $13,918

Project: Family room addition
ROI: 75%
Average Price Tag: $30,960

Project: Major kitchen remodel
ROI: 71%
Average Price Tag: $31,090

Project: Deck
ROI: 55%
Average Price Tag: $8,022

Home Improvement Tips:
Don't over-improve. It's difficult to recover the investment in a home that is already more valuable than most others in the neighborhood.

Keep whimsy in check. Eclectic tastes likely won't appeal to mainstream homebuyers.

If you'd like to learn more about refinancing your mortgage, please visit Quicken Loans or call 800-251-9080 to speak to a refinance expert who can answer all your questions.