Table of Contents
These return on investment numbers are based on the high-ROI exterior upgrades 2025 Zonda/JLC Cost vs. Value Report, New England regional dataset. The report is always one year behind, so we are looking at the best values from the previous year.
The best high-ROI exterior upgrades for 2026 in New England, according to the Zonda/JLC 2025 Cost vs. Value Report’s NE regional dataset, are steel entry doors (216% ROI), James Hardie fiber cement siding (114% ROI), vinyl siding (97% ROI), grand fiberglass entry doors (85% ROI), and vinyl windows (76% ROI). Below, we break down each project’s cost, ROI, and what makes each one work for MA, NH & ME homeowners.
Coastal Windows & Exteriors is helping homeowners love their homes again with 50% off installation and financing up to 20 years, plus free inspections, free estimates, and a complimentary 3-D model of your home. We’re focused on protecting what matters most, from roofing that guards against leaks and winter damage, to siding that defends against the elements, windows that reduce drafts and energy loss, and doors that improve security and insulation. It all gives homeowners confidence, comfort, and year-round protection. Peace of mind, comfort, and security all season long. Love your home.
What is the average cost of vinyl siding installation?
Vinyl siding installation averages about $18,000 nationally, though your final price depends on your home.
Is it worth getting replacement windows?
Most New England homeowners find that replacement windows are usually worth it for comfort, energy savings, and a strong resale return.
What Are the Highest-ROI Exterior Upgrades in 2026?
High-ROI exterior upgrades are home improvement projects that return the largest share of their cost in added resale value. For New England in 2026, the top five are steel entry doors (216%), James Hardie fiber cement siding (114%), vinyl siding (97%), grand fiberglass entry doors (85%), and vinyl windows (76%), based on the Zonda/JLC Cost vs. Value Report’s NE regional dataset.
High-ROI Exterior Upgrades at a Glance
Looking for the best home upgrades that offer exceptional return on investment? Enhancing your home’s exterior improves curb appeal and can boost property value. Here’s how the top projects rank:
- Steel Entry Doors, 216% ROI, $2,547 NE average
- Manufactured Stone Veneer, 208% ROI, $11,702 average
- James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding, 114% ROI, $21,500 NE average
- Vinyl Siding, 97% ROI, $18,000 NE average
- Grand Fiberglass Entry Door, 85% ROI, $11,953 NE average
- Vinyl Windows, 76% ROI, $21,922 average
- Asphalt Roof, 68% ROI, $35,701 NE average
- Metal Roof, 50% ROI, $56,282 NE average
These are the exterior upgrades that pay back the most when it’s time to sell your New England home.
Top Home Improvement Investments in 2026
- 216%: Steel Entry Doors
- 208%: Manufactured Stone Veneer
- 114%: Fiber Cement Siding
- 97%: Vinyl Siding
- 85%: Grand Fiberglass Entry Door
- 76%: Vinyl Windows
- 68%: Asphalt Roof
- 50%: Metal Roofing
Worst Home Improvement Investments in 2026
- 46%: Backyard Patio
- 42%: Bath Remodel (Upscale)
- 41%: Accessory Dwelling Unit
- 36%: Bathroom Addition (Upscale)
- 36%: Major Kitchen Remodel (Upscale)
- 32%: Primary Suite Addition (Midrange)
- 30%: Solar Power Installation
- 18%: Primary Suite Addition (Upscale)
Steel Entry Doors | 216% ROI
Steel entry doors are the star of the show for the 2025 Cost vs. Value report. Coming in at the top, a new steel entry door gives you an eye-popping 216% return on investment, the highest among all high-ROI exterior upgrades. These doors are one of New England’s smartest exterior upgrades, delivering durability, energy efficiency, and style in a single investment.
Homeowners are making the switch to steel doors for several compelling reasons:
- Built tough to withstand extreme weather, including high winds, heavy rains, and blistering sun.
- Provides superior security and peace of mind thanks to reinforced cores and impact-resistant construction.
- Offers exceptional energy efficiency with foam-filled insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce utility bills.
- Low-maintenance and long-lasting, since steel doors resist warping, rotting, and cracking, unlike wood.
- Available in a wide variety of styles and colors to match homes of every era, from Colonial and Cape Cod to Modern Farmhouse and Craftsman.
- Delivers a high return on investment, often recouping over 100% of its cost in increased home value and curb appeal.
- Backed by long-term warranty options and built from recyclable materials, a smart choice for sustainability-focused homeowners.
At $2,547 New England and 216% ROI, this is the lowest-cost, highest-return project on the list. Get an entry door installation quote from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Manufactured Stone Veneer | 208%
Manufactured stone veneer brings the beauty of real stone to your home without the weight, hassle, or time-consuming installation. At a 208% ROI on an average $11,702 project, it ranks second among 2026 high-ROI exterior upgrades, right behind steel entry doors. New England homeowners love this upgrade for its realism and modern-day advantages:
- Evolve Stone is recognized as one of the most realistic stone veneers available, adding texture and depth to any exterior or interior wall.
- Installs up to 10X faster than traditional stone, using common tools and simple face-nailing techniques.
- Won’t trap moisture like other products, helping protect the structural integrity of your home.
- Durable enough to resist breakage during shipping and install, yet light enough for one-person handling.
- No need for grade beams, engineered tie-backs, or heavy staging, making the job quicker and easier.
- Installs under standard vinyl siding guidelines, a flexible upgrade for both accent areas and full facades.
With a 208% return, stone veneer is one of the few projects that pays back more than double its cost at resale. Request a free siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Fiber Cement Siding | 114% (NE)
Install a new house siding that’s durable, long-lasting, and the most beneficial for return on investment. It’s possible with fiber cement siding like James Hardie.
James Hardie is one of New England’s most popular siding options, made from some natural components, including sand and cellulose fibers. Beyond its strong return on investment, homeowners are upgrading to Hardie® for reasons such as:
- Serves as a suit of armor against hurricanes, rain storms, strong winds, extreme heat, UV rays, humidity, snow, hail, freezing temperatures, and more.
- Hardie® complements architectures of all types, including Contemporary, Cape Cod, Ranch, Cottage, and Mid-Century Modern.
- Low-maintenance exterior, perfect for those with a high curb appeal standard.
- ColorPlus® Technology finishes offer superior UV resistance to protect against fading.
- Hardie® is made to last, with a 30-year non-prorated limited warranty, and ColorPlus Technology® finishes have color warranties that offer 15 years of protection.
- Made with renewable resources.
What Composite Materials Have the Best ROI for Property Upgrades?
Fiber cement is the composite material with the best ROI for property upgrades in New England, returning 114% at resale. This engineered composite of sand and cellulose fibers outperforms most single-material claddings on durability and resale value, which is why it ranks among the strongest high-ROI exterior upgrades for coastal MA, NH & ME homes facing salt air and freeze-thaw cycles.
As a James Hardie Elite Preferred installer, Coastal Windows & Exteriors carries James Hardie products with over 30 colors and numerous profiles, including the popular Statement Collection. We’ve completed projects from Beverly, MA to York, ME. Get a James Hardie installation quote from a CWE Elite Preferred installer.
How Much Does Fiber Cement Siding Cost Compared to Vinyl?
Fiber cement siding costs $21,500 in New England, and vinyl averages $18,000. That’s about a $3,500 gap between two of the strongest resale investments you can make. Both deliver standout returns, with fiber cement hitting 114% ROI and vinyl close behind at 97%.
What New England homeowners need to know:
- Initial Price Gap: Fiber cement runs about $21,500 versus vinyl’s $18,000 in New England. That’s about 19% more upfront, but both rank among the highest-ROI exterior upgrades you’ll find.
- Resale Returns That Stand Out: At 114% ROI, fiber cement edges past vinyl’s 97%, though either one is a win when it’s time to sell your Massachusetts home.
Coastal Performance: Fiber cement withstands New England’s extreme temperature swings, salt air, and moisture better than vinyl for long-term performance.
Vinyl Siding | 97% (NE)
Another impressive home upgrade for return on investment is vinyl siding. Keep in mind that not all vinyl siding is created equal. There are varying ranges of quality, which affect the siding’s appearance and performance.
Key indicators of quality vinyl siding include durability, energy efficiency, UV resistance, and consistent color throughout. Quality vinyl siding installation can bring you benefits such as:
- No maintenance expenses for sanding or staining.
- Eliminates the need for repainting wood siding, which can cost up to $12,000.
- Homeowners repaint wood siding every five years, raising the lifetime cost of maintaining wood siding.
- ChromaTrue technology helps keep vinyl’s colors looking fresh for many years.
- Installing insulated vinyl siding and house wrap can improve a home’s air tightness by an average of 25%.
- Complements almost all New England home styles.
We have over two dozen color options and many profiles, such as vinyl cedar shakes and scallops. As trusted vinyl siding contractor experts, our siding installation can improve home performance and resale value. Vinyl siding upgrades remain one of the most reliable high-ROI exterior upgrades for boosting curb appeal on a budget.
How Does New Siding Increase Home Value? (NE Regional Data)
New siding increases home value by returning a large share of its cost at resale and cutting the ongoing expenses buyers worry about. In New England, vinyl siding returns 97% of its cost and fiber cement returns 114%, based on the 2025 Zonda/JLC NE regional dataset.
- Strong Resale Returns: Vinyl returns 97% and fiber cement 114%, both near the top of the curb appeal improvements buyers reward.
- No More Repaint Cycle: New siding eliminates wood repainting that can cost up to $12,000 every five to seven years.
- Energy Savings: Insulated siding improves a home’s air tightness by an average of 25%, trimming heating and cooling costs.
- Color That Sells: About 65% of homeowners prefer neutral siding colors like white, off-white, gray, and light blue and brown, and 49% of design experts recommend whites to sell a home.
Quality siding is one of the surest ways to increase home value with siding before listing. Compare vinyl siding options with Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Grand Fiberglass Entry Door | 85%: Curb Appeal That Pays Back
Fiberglass front doors are in the spotlight with an 85% return on investment. New entry doors are a smaller-scale upgrade compared to new siding, yet they make a statement on New England homes, protecting your family and even increasing home value.
Experience strong value and return on investment with doors that offer:
- A polyurethane foam core that brings excellent insulation, helping reduce heat transfer indoors and out.
- Minimal upkeep with resistance to warping, rotting, and rusting. Unlike wooden doors, fiberglass doors do not need regular painting or staining, saving homeowners time and money.
- High resistance to the elements, including harsh New England winters, with the ability to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations.
- A huge assortment of colors, including any color from the Sherwin-Williams catalog.
- Improved home security with Impact-Shield and a 20-gauge kick plate for storm protection and burglary deterrence.
- Foam-filled cores that lower energy bills.
Enjoy ProVia fiberglass entry door installation in your New England home from Coastal Windows & Exteriors. Among high-ROI exterior upgrades, a fiberglass grand entry door is the move when curb appeal and a premium statement matter most. Get a door estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Vinyl Windows | 76% ROI
Full-home window replacement runs about $21,922, with a 76% ROI. That’s one of the strongest returns in exterior remodeling, and a big reason Massachusetts homeowners keep this project at the top of their upgrade list.
What New England homeowners need to know:
- Return on Investment: That 76% ROI makes window replacement one of the smartest moves for boosting resale value and catching buyers’ attention.
- Energy Savings: Swapping single-pane for triple-pane windows can save over $500 a year on energy bills. If you’ve lived through a New England winter, you know how much that comfort matters.
- Insulation Performance: Triple-pane windows hit U-values of 0.20 to 0.30, and double-pane lands at 0.30 to 0.45.
- Noise Reduction: Double-pane cuts outside noise by 30 to 35%, and triple-pane pushes that to 40 to 50%, a serious quality-of-life upgrade if you live near a busy road.
Do New Windows Increase Home Value?
Yes, new windows increase home value with a 76% ROI nationwide, and they cut energy costs at the same time. New windows rank among the most valuable exterior home upgrades for New England homeowners, including those in Norfolk County, MA, where buyers reward energy efficiency and curb appeal.
Energy-efficient replacement windows are one of the high-ROI exterior upgrades that keep paying back through lower utility bills long after the sale. See if new windows make sense for your home.
Asphalt Roof | 68%: Durable Roofing Upgrades for ROI
Crafted from high-quality materials, asphalt roofs offer a lot for your investment. GAF asphalt shingles endure extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow, rain, and wind, keeping your home protected year-round. With a 68% ROI, asphalt roofing is one of the most dependable high-ROI exterior upgrades for protecting property value.
These shingles have advanced coatings that resist fading and algae growth, holding their fresh appearance over time. As an energy-efficient roofing system, it gives you a comfortable home without the stress of leaks or mold growth.
With new asphalt roof installation from a GAF Master Elite installer, you can enjoy:
- Durable Shingles: The first line of defense against rain, snow, and wind to keep your home safe and secure.
- Energy Efficiency: Lifetime shingles help maintain consistent attic temperatures, reducing strain on your HVAC system.
- Roof Deck Protection: An additional layer that seals the home’s envelope and prevents water infiltration.
- Proper Ventilation: Adequate roof ventilation keeps the attic close to outdoor temperatures, reducing HVAC workload and preventing ice dams in winter.
- Balanced Airflow: Intake and outtake vents support proper air circulation, preventing attic overheating in summer and maintaining roof integrity in winter.
As the only woman-owned GAF Master Elite contractor in the U.S., Coastal Windows & Exteriors supports veterans through our Roof for Heroes program. At $35,701 New England and 68% ROI, a new asphalt roof protects both your home and your resale value. Get a roofing estimate from a GAF Master Elite installer.
Metal Roofing | 50%: Are Metal Roofs More Energy Efficient Than Shingles?
Yes, metal roofs are more energy efficient than asphalt shingles. Metal reflects solar heat instead of absorbing it, which keeps your home cooler in summer and cuts cooling costs, and asphalt shingles tend to hold heat. Metal roofing carries a 50% ROI and a 50-year-or-more lifespan, making it a long-term play for homeowners who plan to stay.
Made from high-quality materials, metal roofs withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow, rain, and wind. When you work with a local roofing contractor specializing in metal roofing, you’ll enjoy these benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: Metal roofing reflects solar heat, keeping your home cooler in summer and reducing cooling costs.
- Long Lifespan: Metal roofs can last 50 years or more, a cost-effective and reliable roofing solution.
- Low Maintenance: Metal resists fading, rust, and corrosion, holding its appearance with minimal upkeep.
- Fire Resistance: Metal roofing is non-combustible and provides superior fire protection.
- Eco-Friendly: Often made from recycled materials, metal roofs are recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
- Lightweight: Lighter than many other roofing materials, reducing the load on your home’s structure.
Coastal Windows & Exteriors brings GAF Master Elite expertise to every metal roof project and supports veterans through our Roof for Heroes program. Get a metal roofing estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Free Estimate: Maximize Your Home's Value with High-ROI Exterior Upgrades
When you want to improve your home’s value, performance, and beauty, count on Coastal Windows & Exteriors. We offer exterior remodeling services across all four categories, bringing you the best high-ROI exterior upgrades with strong customer feedback. As an award-winning exterior remodeling company, see our great Google reviews with a 4.8-star rating. Expect great service with customer satisfaction as our top priority.
Coastal Windows & Exteriors is the only New England contractor offering all four exterior remodeling services (windows, siding, roofing, and doors) with dual Master Elite certifications, GAF Master Elite and James Hardie Elite Preferred. Woman-owned and serving 730+ towns across MA, NH & ME, we’ve completed 7,000+ installations across the tri-state region. Get your free 3D home model with Hover technology and a free estimate today.
Frequently Asked Questions About High-ROI Exterior Upgrades
How much do replacement windows cost?
Replacement windows average about $21,922 for a full-home project nationally, though your total depends on several factors.
How do I get a siding replacement estimate?
Request a siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors by booking online or calling, then we schedule a quick site visit. Save $250 by booking your siding estimate online!
How much does metal roofing cost installed for New England homes?
Metal roofing averages about $56,282 installed in New England, more upfront than asphalt but built to last.
How much does it cost to replace a shingle roof?
Asphalt shingle roof replacement averages about $35,701 in New England, though your total depends on the roof.
How long does a metal roof last?
A metal roof can last 70 years or more with True Nature metal roofing. It’s an investment you can make that’s truly once in your lifetime!
How much does James Hardie siding installation cost?
James Hardie fiber cement siding averages about $21,500 installed nationally, though your price depends on your home.
Is Hardie board cheaper than siding?
No, Hardie board costs more than vinyl siding upfront, but it delivers a higher resale return.
Is fiber cement siding expensive?
Fiber cement costs more upfront than vinyl, but its strong resale return makes it a smart value.
