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Curb Appeal ROI Calculator
Curb appeal drives initial offers and showings — high ROI cosmetic improvement.
Total return
$5,100
Sale price lift
$11,000
Carrying cost saved
$2,100
How the math works
Price lift = home × lift %. Carrying saved = DOM reduction × carrying cost.
$550k × 2% = $11k price lift + 18 days × $117/day = $2,100 = $13,100 − $8k = $5,100 net.
How to Use
- Enter home value.
- Enter curb appeal investment.
- Enter expected sale lift %.
- Enter dom reduction %.
- Enter monthly carrying cost.
- Read total return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top curb appeal moves?
Power washing: $200–800, returns 5–10x in price perception. Front door paint: $150–400 + $50–150 hardware = high-ROI cosmetic. New garage door: $1,500–3,500 = 90–95% ROI per Remodeling Magazine. Landscape refresh: $2,500–8,000 = 100–150% ROI. Mailbox + house numbers: $200–800. Mulch + planting beds: $500–2,500. Walkway repair: $500–3,000. Lighting: $500–4,000. Total $5–15k typical full curb appeal program. Returns vary by initial condition.
How accurate is this estimate?
Material and labor estimates are accurate to ±15% with reasonable inputs but local market conditions vary. Major markets cost 30–60% more than rural. Labor rates regional (union vs non-union, prevailing wage). Material prices fluctuate with commodity cycles. Get 3 contractor bids for any work over $5k. This calculator is a sanity check, not a substitute for actual quotes.
DIY vs contractor?
DIY savings: 40–70% of contractor cost on labor. Realistic skill threshold: painting, basic plumbing, simple electrical, drywall, flooring. Pro required: structural, gas, complex electrical, HVAC, roofing (warranty + insurance), permits. Permitted work without license risks insurance and resale. Time: hobby DIYers 3–5x slower than pro. Tools and learning curve real.
Permit and code compliance?
Permits required for: structural changes, additions, electrical service changes, plumbing rough-in, HVAC replacement, roof replacement (varies), fence (varies). Cost: $50–2,000+ depending on scope. Skipping permit risks: stop work order, fines, forced removal, insurance denial, resale title issues. Always pull permit; cost is small relative to compliance friction.
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