With tax returns starting to go out, now is a great time to make some upgrades and add lasting value to your home. While many home improvement projects can increase value, it's important to consider the cost of the upgrade versus how much value it actually brings. Remodeling, an industry trade publication, provides an annual cost vs. value report detailing the average cost of various remodeling projects and the average value added at resale — even broken down by region, since not all home upgrades provide the same value across the country.

Garage Door

In the North East Central region — which includes Ohio and Michigan — the remodeling project that adds the most bang for your buck is replacing an older garage door with an updated model. This costs an average of $3,642 and resells for $3,465, returning an impressive 95% of the cost.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

The remodeling project with the second highest return on investment is adding a manufactured stone veneer to the exterior front of your home. This curb appeal-enhancing addition costs an average of $9,174 and returns $7,943 — or about 86% of the project cost — when selling your home.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Real estate website Zillow suggests that homes with living rooms painted a light taupe color, or bathrooms painted light blue or blue-grey, sell for $2,700 or more above comparable homes. A fresh coat of paint remains one of the most affordable and impactful upgrades any homeowner can make.

Natural Gas Appliances

For those who want to enjoy the benefits of their remodeling projects for years to come, upgrading outdated electrical appliances to energy-efficient natural gas is the way to go. Research from Consumer Affairs reports that converting to all gas appliances can save up to 30% on your energy bill. While the initial investment to convert older electric lines to natural gas can range between $250 and $700 for major appliances, natural gas appliances have longer lifespans, lower maintenance costs, and are more environmentally friendly. Investing in a smart thermostat alone can save you up to $180 a year in heating and cooling costs — and smart technology is incredibly attractive to younger home buyers.

Before you decide on a new home remodeling project this year, consider these top suggestions so that you receive the most cost savings. To get a jump start, join the many Ohioans who have already enrolled and made Kratos the hero of their homes. See our current rates for reliable and affordable natural gas and sign up today.