One clear trend stands out in Zonda’s newly released 2025 Cost vs. Value Report: exterior updates consistently deliver the highest ROI in home renovation projects. That’s good news for builders, remodelers and designers looking to guide clients toward projects that maximize both investment and curb appeal.
Westlake Royal Building Products, a leader in innovative exterior and interior building solutions, analyzed the report to highlight the renovation projects with the strongest returns and to show how professionals can achieve them using Westlake Royal’s versatile product portfolio.
Upgrade with Manufactured Stone Veneer
- Upgrading an exterior with manufactured stone veneer (MSV) delivers a 208% ROI in 2025, up from 153% in 2024.
- In a tough housing market, MSV delivers aesthetic appeal and financial value.
- Aligning with natural and textured home trends, MSV options like Versetta Stone, Cultured Stone, Dutch Quality Stone and StoneCraft can replicate the look of natural stone, adding comfort, character and beauty, while offering durability.
Install New Vinyl Siding
- Replacing existing siding with new vinyl siding offers a 97% ROI in 2025, up from 80% in 2024.
- New siding is a long-term way to boost curb appeal compared to just repainting.
- The Royal and Exterior Portfolio vinyl siding lines offer the look of natural wood with low maintenance and strength. Both feature Chromatix color protection to prevent fading and withstand hurricane-force winds up to 170 mph. Westlake Royal also added two bold new shades—Eclipse for Royal and Almost Midnight for Exterior Portfolio—meeting growing preference for modern, dark-colored exteriors.
Add Composite Decking
- Adding a composite deck yields an 89% ROI.
- A composite deck extends outdoor living while adding lasting value.
- Composite decking, such as Zuri Premium Decking, is low-maintenance and resists cracking, warping and weather damage—reducing homeowner upkeep and builder callbacks.
Replace with Vinyl Windows
- A vinyl window replacement brings a 67.1% ROI.
- Replacing drafty or outdated windows with modern models is one of the most effective ways to enhance a home’s energy efficiency and elevate its design.
- A PVC option like the Legacy Collection’s 250 Series, which is now available in a trending black frame, is a versatile window system that combines durability and thermal performance with easy installation.
Consider a Minor Kitchen Remodel
- According to Zonda, one exception to the exterior projects trend is the minor kitchen remodel, which typically sees a 113% ROI.
- Many homebuyers prefer kitchens that they can live with until a full renovation is feasible for their “dream kitchens.”
- Update cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring and finishes for a refreshed kitchen look. Even small, cost-effective upgrades, like decorative trim and mouldings, can add visual interest. Royal PVC Trim & Mouldings are versatile yet durable, low-maintenance and easy to install, making them a smart choice for builders and remodelers.
About Westlake Royal Building Products
Westlake Royal Building Products USA Inc., a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design, and production of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including Siding and Accessories, Trim and Mouldings, Roofing, Stone, Windows and Outdoor Living. Westlake Royal Building Products manufactures high quality, low maintenance products to meet the specifications and needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors, while providing stunning curb appeal with an unmatched array of colors, styles, and accessories.
For more information, please visit WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.
