Want a 30 percent return on a home improvement project? Replace your front door. Spend $1,000 on a steel door and you’ll get $1,290 back, according to Remodeling magazine’s most recent Cost vs. Value report. A steel door provides increased security and protection from extreme weather. And it can be stylish, with custom colors and double-paned windows. It’s also the only project that pays back more than you put in.

That’s an important calculation. A house is the largest financial asset for most Americans, and wise improvements can help boost its value over time, as well as quality of life. For those needing a quick sale, smaller, cheaper projects can help a home stand out.

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