What's the payback for remodeling? If you are considering a home renovation, you might want to put your $$ where they will count the most. Every year, Remodeling Magazine comes out with a report of the construction costs and resale values for 25 common remodeling projects in 60 US Markets. After reading the report for the Chicago area, I can share with you that the first & best return on any renovation is replacing the vinyl siding. The percent recovered is over 100 % of cost, with replacements windows coming in second, and followed by kitchen remodels in third position. You can see from this that curb appeal is critical and also that the kitchen is the most important room in the house. If any of you are considering any other type of renovation and would like some of the facts, contact me for any available details.