Best ROI Home Exterior Renovations for Pacific Coastal Climates

With summer officially here, homeowners are spending more and more time outdoors. This often leads to seeing the home from a different angle, sparking the inspiration for an exterior renovation project. Ambitious as they may be, not all exterior renovation projects are created equal when it comes to ROI. This is especially true in the Bay Area, where exteriors must be able to thrive in the face of high sun exposure while also withstanding the salty Pacific air that whips around. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the most impactful exterior home renovations for Pacific Coast climates. 

Garage Door Replacement

Each year, a garage door replacement is one of the most lucrative renovations a homeowner can perform. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value report for 2024, a garage door replacement returned a staggering 250% of project costs via increased resale value in the Pacific region. A new garage door enhances curb appeal, boosts energy efficiency, and promotes safety--all features buyers are willing to pay a premium for. What’s more: a garage door replacement can be completed in as little as half a day with professional installation, making it one of the quickest means of increasing home value. 

Roof Upgrade

A new roof can make all of the difference in a California home. Not only will it eliminate roof leaks caused by wind and moisture, but it offers enhanced fire protection. This makes the home more insurable and, subsequently, more valuable. Some of the best materials for withstanding the Pacific Coast climate are composite asphalt shingles, metal, and slate. 

New Windows

New windows add value to a home in numerous ways. The improved optical clarity enhances natural light flow, making the home appear more vibrant and inviting. Quality window frames can also create a more airtight building envelope. This prevents unwanted air transfer in times of strong Pacific winds, thus improving energy efficiency. Some of the most modern windows with low-E coatings also help to control thermal transmission, making for a more comfortable interior that does not require as much HVAC usage. 

Enhanced Walkways

Traditional concrete walkways look stunning when new. However, they have some trouble handling stormwater runoff. Rapidly flowing water glides over the top of concrete and erodes the surrounding landscaping. In the event that the substrate erodes, the concrete walkway will crack or buckle. This is expensive and inconvenient to fix. As such, it is essential to position outdoor drainage grates around all concrete exterior surfaces. They will catch water runoff and direct it to a more desirable location. If a complete resurfacing of exterior walkways is necessary, it is worthwhile to consider permeable gravel options. They do a great job of mitigating runoff and provide an ongoing aesthetic boost to the exterior. 

Modernized Siding

Traditional siding, such as wood planks and brick, has difficulty in the salty air along the Pacific coast. The salt corrodes, leading to moisture absorption. Without the proper sealing, painting, and/or treatment, these types of rustic siding will quickly degrade. Engineered siding, such as fiber cement, is a more valuable material in the region. It is non-corrosive and does not break down in the face of moisture or incessant UV exposure, ensuring ongoing aesthetics with limited intervention required by the homeowner. 

Lawn Grading

California is a region known for earthquakes. This can lead to foundational damage in properties if the earthquake is strong enough. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that lawns are properly graded away from the home. This decreases the likelihood that back flowing moisture will pose a threat. When grading a lawn, it is also a good idea to consider foundation waterproofing. A hydrovac system can remove soil from the existing foundation walls. The waterproof membranes can then form an airtight seal that adds a layer of protection to the foundation. 

Transitional Areas

Homeowners are increasingly coveting spaces that blur the lines between the interior and exterior of the property. This is especially true in the Pacific Coast climate, where people want to leverage the beautiful weather as much as possible. Decks, patios, lanais, and other types of connected areas make the perfect setting for such transitional spaces. Help leverage the concept with sliding glass doors, stone accents, low-maintenance greenery, and 12x12 flooring tiles that run from the interior all the way outside. 

Pergolas

Sun management is an essential element to enjoying outdoor space. Without a little shade, even the most stunning exterior accents will sit idle. Completed in as little as a few hours, a pergola kit is a great way to provide shade and make outdoor areas more inviting. In addition to the functional shade, pergolas add an element of architectural intrigue that helps provide definition to exteriors. 

Increase Property Value Through Impactful Exterior Renovations

In order to achieve the best ROI, exterior renovations in the Bay Area must be well-suited to withstand the diverse conditions of the Pacific Coast climate. From a better-insulated garage door to a pergola over exterior hangouts, consider any of the exterior renovations listed above to achieve the most bang for your buck in the area. For more ideas on the most value-adding renovations for your Bay Area property, explore the resources and preferred partners at Legacy Real Estate for the leading insights in the region!

Author Bio

Max Shafer is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on real estate. He lives in Land O’ Lakes, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Max’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.