Wondering which Exterior Remodeling Projects generate the Highest Return on Investment?

Zonda publishes the annual Cost vs. Value Report, which compares the average cost of remodeling projects to the average increase in resale value across markets throughout the U.S.

This is often considered the gold standard by:

• Realtors
• Appraisers
• Remodelers
• Homeowners
• Financial publications

Cost vs Value Report published by Zonda (formerly Hanley Woods)

Fortunately for our customers, of the fifteen Exterior projects included in the Zonda Cost vs Value analysis, eleven of the projects which generate the highest ROI are offered by Cobblestone Exteriors!

JAMES HARDIE FIBER CEMENT SIDING: A Smarter Investment in Your Home's Future

Your siding does more than define your home's appearance—it serves as its first line of defense. At Cobblestone Exteriors, we install premium fiber cement siding that combines architectural beauty with exceptional performance. As Chicago's only Hardie Alliance Preferred Contractor, our experienced team delivers expert craftsmanship and attention to detail on every project, creating exteriors that are as durable as they are beautiful.

Whether you're updating a classic Chicago bungalow or modernizing a contemporary home, fiber cement siding provides outstanding weather resistance, low maintenance, enhanced curb appeal, and lasting peace of mind. (113.7% ROI)

VINYL SIDING REPLACEMENT: Beautiful, Durable & Designed for Everyday Living

Today's premium vinyl siding offers homeowners an exceptional combination of style, performance, and value. Available in a wide variety of colors, profiles, and textures, vinyl siding provides long-lasting curb appeal with minimal maintenance—making it one of the most popular exterior upgrades for homes throughout the Chicago area.

At Cobblestone Exteriors, we offer three carefully selected vinyl siding systems, allowing us to match the right product to your home's style, performance needs, and budget. (96.5% ROI)

WOOD DECK ADDITION: Timeless Beauty, Naturally

There's nothing quite like the authentic warmth and character of a real wood deck. Rich in texture and crafted from natural materials, wood creates an inviting outdoor space that feels connected to the landscape and complements both traditional and contemporary homes. It can be stained or painted in virtually any color, allowing homeowners to refresh its appearance or adapt it to changing design preferences over time.

Wood decks are also an excellent value, offering a lower upfront investment while providing endless opportunities for customization. Whether you're envisioning a cozy backyard retreat or a spacious area for entertaining family and friends, a professionally built wood deck delivers classic beauty and lasting enjoyment. (94.9% ROI)

COMPOSITE DECK ADDITION: Built for Beauty. Designed for Easy Living.

If you love spending time outdoors but don't want to spend your weekends sanding, staining, or sealing a deck, composite decking is the ideal solution. Engineered for exceptional durability and minimal maintenance, composite decks offer the look of natural wood with long-lasting performance that stands up to Chicago's changing seasons.

At Cobblestone Exteriors, we design and build custom composite decks that combine style, comfort, and functionality—creating outdoor spaces your family will enjoy for years to come.

(88.5% ROI)

STEEL DOOR REPLACEMENT: Upgrade Your Home with a New Steel Entry Door

A professionally installed steel entry door delivers more than just a beautiful first impression—it provides enhanced security, improved energy efficiency, exceptional durability, and long-lasting performance. With today's wide selection of styles and finishes, you can elevate your home's curb appeal while enjoying comfort and peace of mind. It's one of the smartest investments you can make to protect your home and increase its value. (216.4% ROI)

MANUFACTURED STONE VENEER: Elevate Your Home's Exterior with Manufactured Stone Veneer

Manufactured stone veneer is one of the most impactful ways to transform your home's exterior. It delivers the rich, natural look of stone while remaining lightweight, durable, and more budget-friendly than full masonry. Whether you're highlighting an entryway, wrapping porch columns, or creating a stunning façade, professionally installed stone veneer adds lasting beauty, architectural interest, and value that homeowners can enjoy for years to come.

(207.9% ROI)

GRAND ENTRANCE/FIBERGLASS‍

A new Grand Entrance with Fiberglass Door and Sidelights creates an immediate upgrade to your home’s curb appeal, adding architectural presence, natural light, and a more polished first impression. Fiberglass offers the rich look of wood with greater durability, resisting dents, warping, moisture, and everyday wear—making it a beautiful and practical choice for Chicago homes.

With an estimated 91% return on investment, this project delivers both visual impact and long-term value. A new front door with two sidelights can improve energy efficiency, enhance security, and make the entryway feel brighter, more welcoming, and more refined—one of the smartest exterior upgrades homeowners can make.

WINDOW REPLACEMENT/VINYL

‍A vinyl window replacement is a smart, cost-effective way to improve your home’s appearance, comfort, and energy efficiency. Vinyl windows are durable, low maintenance, and resistant to moisture, peeling, and warping, making them a practical choice for Chicago homeowners who want reliable performance without constant upkeep.

With an estimated 82% return on investment, new vinyl windows can help reduce drafts, improve insulation, and make the home feel more comfortable year-round. They also provide a clean, updated look that enhances curb appeal while offering strong long-term value at a more accessible price point than many premium window materials.

WINDOW REPLACMENT/WOOD

‍A wood window replacement brings timeless beauty, warmth, and character to a home’s exterior and interior. Wood windows offer a high-end, architectural look with natural insulation benefits, making them especially well-suited for historic homes, classic Chicago architecture, and homeowners who want a more refined finish.

With an estimated 67.2% return on investment, new wood windows can enhance curb appeal, improve comfort, and help reduce drafts when professionally installed. They also offer strong design flexibility, with stain and paint options that allow homeowners to preserve the home’s character while upgrading performance and long-term value.

ROOFING REPLACEMENT/ASPHALT SHINGLES

‍A roofing replacement with asphalt shingles is one of the most important exterior upgrades a homeowner can make, protecting the entire home from weather, moisture, and long-term structural damage. Today’s asphalt shingles offer strong durability, attractive style options, and reliable performance, helping refresh the home’s appearance while providing essential protection year-round.

With an estimated 66.9% return on investment, a new asphalt shingle roof adds both practical and resale value. It can improve energy efficiency, increase buyer confidence, and give homeowners peace of mind knowing their home is protected by a clean, updated, professionally installed roofing system.

ROOFING REPLACEMENT/METAL ROOF

‍A metal roof replacement offers outstanding durability, long-term protection, and a clean, modern look that can elevate a home’s exterior. Metal roofing is designed to stand up to harsh weather, shed snow and rain efficiently, and resist cracking, warping, and deterioration better than many traditional roofing materials.

With an estimated 43.7% return on investment, a metal roof is often valued for its longevity and low maintenance. While the upfront investment is typically higher, homeowners benefit from a roofing system built to last for decades, improve energy efficiency, and provide lasting peace of mind.