{"id":81401,"date":"2026-06-18T08:00:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T15:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=81401"},"modified":"2026-06-18T11:44:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T18:44:57","slug":"valuable-home-remodeling-projects-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/valuable-home-remodeling-projects-chicago\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Right Home Remodeling Project for Your Chicago Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on exterior durability to improve curb appeal and protect against harsh Chicago weather.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prioritize energy-efficient upgrades and moisture management to reduce long-term costs and protect the home structure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid pouring money into interior cosmetics while ignoring the home&#8217;s exterior condition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get sewer lines inspected, especially in older homes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding valuable home remodeling projects in Chicago<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/living-in\/IL\/Chicago\/6\/29470\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">live in Chicago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and are planning your next home improvement project, you\u2019ll likely want to choose one\u00a0 that adds value to your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/29470\/IL\/Chicago\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While many homeowners focus first on visual updates, valuable home remodeling projects can go beyond aesthetics.\u00a0 Because the city\u2019s climate brings extreme temperature swings, heavy moisture, snow, and humidity, the best upgrades are those that help protect your home while also improving its comfort, function, and appearance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focusing on exterior durability<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kaspars Melderis of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagorhinoshield.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rhino Shield<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of Chicagoland emphasizes, &#8220;In the Chicago market, first impressions dictate value,&#8221; Melderis explains. &#8220;High-quality exterior upgrades are one of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-improvement-projects-that-add-value\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">smartest investments a homeowner can make<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a strong ROI.&#8221; He notes that traditional paint frequently fails due to brutal freeze-thaw cycles and humidity, which can deter buyers seeking low-maintenance homes. Melderis advises homeowners to choose durable, weather-resistant exterior coatings to protect structural integrity. &#8220;The biggest mistake homeowners make is pouring money into interior cosmetics while neglecting a peeling or weathered exterior,&#8221; Melderis adds, &#8220;a stunning kitchen won&#8217;t close the deal if a buyer anticipates immediate, costly exterior maintenance the moment they pull into the driveway.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with exterior coatings,\u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/should-you-replace-your-roof-or-sell-as-is\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a new roof<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one of the most important investments for maintaining <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/what-is-my-home-worth\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">property value<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Chicago. In fact, according to the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report, roof replacements tend to rank among the top exterior projects for return on investment. Nationally, replacing an asphalt shingle roof adds an average of $15,247 to a home\u2019s resale value. And, given the harsh winters and frequent precipitation, a robust, professionally installed roof protects against water intrusion and ice dams, which are common causes of extensive interior damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt; Read: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/does-a-new-roof-increase-home-value\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>Does a New Roof Increase Home Value?<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prioritizing structural and energy efficiency<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lyle Jover, a licensed home inspector at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagohomeinspector.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago Home Inspect<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, recommends prioritizing the functional, less glamorous improvements. &#8220;I\u2019d recommend focusing on the boring stuff first,&#8221; Jover says. &#8220;Chicago weather is harsh and hard on homes.&#8221; He explains that moisture management and energy-efficiency upgrades often pay for themselves through energy savings and the prevention of future, costly repairs. Jover identifies specific priorities: attic insulation, double-pane windows, insulated garage doors, exterior doors, roofing, proper landscape grading, downspouts, flashing, and sump pumps. &#8220;Water is the biggest destroyer of homes,&#8221; he notes. Jover also stresses the necessity of sewer line inspections for older properties. &#8220;It\u2019s good to know its current state and if you need to allocate some budget for an upgrade or repair,&#8221; he says, cautioning that &#8220;sewage backups are lengthy to remediate&#8221; and expensive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle-focused renovations<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the structural and protective elements are sound, lifestyle-focused renovations can further enhance the property. A large<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/remodeling-a-kitchen\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> kitchen remodel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> adds significant functional value when it features high-quality materials and an efficient layout that maximizes space. Nationally, a kitchen remodel offers a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jlconline.com\/cost-vs-value\/2025\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50% to 113% Return on Investment (ROI)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending heavily on the scope of the project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many Chicago homeowners, a heated garage is another practical upgrade. It protects vehicles against freezing temperatures and serves as a year-round extension of the living space for projects or storage. Upgrading to energy-efficient, double-pane windows is essential for insulation in Chicago\u2019s climate. These windows significantly reduce heat loss during winter and help maintain cooling during humid summers, leading to lower utility bills and increased year-round comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently asked questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which room renovations offer the best return?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kitchen and bathroom updates generally provide high returns, but only if the home&#8217;s exterior and structural systems are already sound.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt;Read: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-improvement-projects-that-add-value\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>Home Improvement Projects That Add Value<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is energy efficiency worth the upfront cost?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. In Chicago, features like improved attic insulation and double-pane windows provide value through reduced utility bills and better home comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should I prioritize cosmetic or structural upgrades?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s recommended to prioritize structural and maintenance-focused upgrades. Neglecting these can lead to expensive damage that outweighs the benefits of any cosmetic improvements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How often should I inspect my sewer line?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you own an older home, an inspection is a vital preventive measure to avoid costly sewage backups and remediation projects.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you&#8217;re preparing to sell or planning for the future, the right renovations can make a significant difference in your home&#8217;s value. Explore the best home improvements for increasing property value in Chicago that attract local buyers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":809,"featured_media":81406,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2656],"tags":[34431,34403,35836],"coauthors":[36293],"class_list":["post-81401","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-insights","tag-chicago","tag-il","tag-rid29470"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Home Remodeling Projects That Add the Most Value in Chicago | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Narrowing down the right home improvement project for your Chicago homes can be difficult. 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