If you’re a homeowner in Rochester Hills, Troy, Auburn Hills, or anywhere in Oakland County, you’ve probably wondered: “If I replace my roof or add solar panels, will I actually get my money back when I sell?”
The answer is in the data — and it’s good news for most of the projects you’re already considering.
Every year, the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (published by Zonda Media) compares the average cost of common home improvement projects against how much value they add at resale. We pulled the Detroit-area numbers so you don’t have to dig through the data yourself.
Here’s what it means for homeowners in our area.
The Projects With the Best Return on Investment in Detroit
Garage Door Replacement — 214.6% ROI
This is the single best-returning project in the entire report for the Detroit metro area. A new garage door costs around $4,527 and adds an estimated $9,714 in resale value. That’s more than double your money. If your garage door is dated, this is a no-brainer.
Steel Entry Door Replacement — 186.2% ROI
A new steel entry door runs about $2,389 and returns roughly $4,449. Simple, affordable, and one of the highest-impact curb appeal upgrades you can make.
Manufactured Stone Veneer — 151.3% ROI
Replacing a section of your vinyl siding with stone veneer costs around $11,128 and adds approximately $16,837 in value. This is a fantastic option if you want to dramatically improve your home’s street appeal without a full siding replacement.
Roofing: What’s the Real ROI?
This one surprises people. Roofing replacements don’t return 100% of cost at resale — but that’s not the full picture.
| Project | Cost (Detroit) | Resale Value | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingle Roof | $33,692 | $22,832 | 67.8% |
| Metal Roof | $57,107 | $29,692 | 52.0% |
So why replace your roof if you don’t get full value back?
Because a failing roof isn’t optional. A deteriorating roof leads to leaks, mold, structural damage, and failed home inspections — all of which cost far more in the long run. Buyers will either negotiate down aggressively or walk away entirely when they see a roof in poor condition.
Think of a roof replacement less like a remodel and more like a necessary investment in your home’s integrity. It protects everything underneath it.
Not sure if your roof needs attention? Schedule a free inspection →
Siding: Fiber Cement Outperforms Vinyl
If you’re considering new siding, fiber cement is the smarter long-term choice for Oakland County homeowners.
| Project | Cost (Detroit) | Resale Value | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Siding | $18,179 | $12,216 | 67.2% |
| Fiber Cement Siding | $22,292 | $16,457 | 73.8% |
Fiber cement holds up better against Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles, requires less maintenance, and adds more resale value. The upfront cost is slightly higher, but the durability and return make it worth it for most homeowners.
What About Solar?
Solar panels are a longer-term play. The report shows a 25.5% cost recouped at resale for Detroit — but that number doesn’t tell the whole story.
The real value of solar comes from monthly energy savings, not just resale. An 8kW system producing ~12,000 kWh annually can significantly offset your utility bills year after year. For homeowners planning to stay in their home for 5–10+ years, solar often makes excellent financial sense.
Pair your solar installation with a new roof, and you protect both investments at the same time — which is exactly the kind of project we specialize in.
Curious if solar makes sense for your home? Get a free assessment →
Our Quick Recommendations for Oakland County Homeowners
Do this first if you’re selling soon:
- Garage door replacement
- Steel entry door
- Manufactured stone veneer accent
- Asphalt shingle roof (if yours is aging)
Do this if you’re staying long-term:
- Solar + roof combination
- Fiber cement siding
- Any project that protects your home’s structure
Don’t skip a roof inspection: Even if you’re not planning to sell, Oakland County winters are hard on roofs. A free inspection costs you nothing and could save you thousands.
We Serve Rochester Hills and All of Oakland County
We’re a local roofing, solar, siding, and gutters company based right here in Rochester Hills. We know Oakland County weather, we know the neighborhoods, and we know what adds value to homes in this market.
Our services include:
- Roof repair & replacement
- Solar panel installation
- Siding replacement (vinyl & fiber cement)
- Gutter installation & repair
- Free inspections
Ready to find out what your home needs? Book Your Free Inspection → No pressure. No obligation. Just an honest assessment from a local team.
Data sourced from the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report. ©2025 Zonda Media, a Delaware corporation. Complete data available at www.costvsvalue.com.
