Exterior Upgrades Lead 2025 ROI Rankings
The 38th annual Cost vs. Value study once again underscores that exterior projects dominate in delivering strong returns. This year’s comparison of 28 remodeling projects reveals that the top performers weren’t kitchens or baths—they were enhancements to a home’s outer face. Manufactured Stone Veneer (MSV) has a 208% return on investment.
Zonda, publisher of the report, points to today’s challenging resale market and widespread economic uncertainty as major drivers: many buyers are more selective, and only homes in excellent exterior condition fetch top dollar. “Long gone are the days when homebuyers would snap up homes regardless of condition,” Zonda observed. “The few homes that are moving in today’s market tend to be ones in solid condition with well-appointed exteriors, and they are moving at high prices. In this climate, a refreshed exterior façade can go a long way toward attracting buyers with the means to buy a house at top dollar.”
Manufactured Stone Veneer: A Standout ROI, Regionally and Nationwide
In the report’s methodology, manufactured stone veneer ROI is measured by replacing a 300-square-foot continuous band of vinyl siding (from the bottom third of a home’s street-facing façade) with manufactured stone veneer—complete with sills, corners, address blocks, water-resistive barrier, and architectural detailing (like outlining an entry archway and keystone, plus flats adjacent to the band).
Since its first appearance in the Cost vs. Value report in 2015—when it recouped about 92.2 % of its cost—the ROI for manufactured stone has climbed steadily. By 2023, it achieved 102.3 % ROI. In 2024, its ROI jumped dramatically to 153.2 %.
Regionally, MSV has delivered even stronger returns in certain markets:
- West South Central region: 242.5 %
- Pacific region: 231.7 %
In both of those regions, MSV provided the second-highest return among all remodeling categories. MSV also ranked in the top three in:
- Middle Atlantic: 200.7 %
- South Atlantic: 197.2 %
- East North Central: 190.6 %
One popular option among stone veneer systems is Pioneer Stone (such as Ashlar or Used Brick), which exemplifies the premium finishes homeowners expect.
Why Pioneer Stone & Cultured Stone Matter to You
By spotlighting these ROI trends, the Cost vs. Value report confirms what Pioneer Stone has long emphasized: investing in high-quality exterior finishes pays dividends both in curb appeal and in resale value. When a homeowner replaces inferior siding or entry doors with premium branded stone veneer like Pioneer Stone, the transformation isn’t only aesthetic—it’s an investment with measurable return.
If you’d like to discuss how Pioneer Stone’s systems including industry leading installation by J&N Install align with the report’s findings, or how to maximize ROI using manufactured stone veneer, we’d be happy to help.
References & Further Reading
- For the full Cost vs. Value data and methodology, see the report here.
- For additional commentary from Zonda about the importance of curb appeal in today’s market, see The 2024 Cost vs. Value Report published by Zonda (Zonda)
For expert installation of your investment of manufactured stone veneer, J&N Install is your exclusive turn-key solution when using Pioneer Stone. With decades of installation experience, we are your source for a true design solution. Contact us today to assist you in developing your manufactured stone veneer blueprint and make your design vision come to life.
Originally published on LinkedIn
