9. Siding replacement -- foam-backed vinyl
Spending $11,139 on this project would mean an average of 83.1 percent recouped later, assuming it involves replacing 1,250 square feet of existing siding with new foam-backed vinyl siding, including factory trim at all openings and corners.

Homeowners in these metro areas could expect to recoup at least 100 percent of the project cost.

7 cities that can expect to recoup costs:

• Knoxville, Tenn. • Albany, N.Y. • Providence, R.I. • Los Angeles • Baltimore • New Orleans • Miami

10. Upscale window replacement -- wood
For a $16,910 project involving replacing 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-lite wood windows, with a stained hardwood interior finish and an exterior finish of custom-color aluminum cladding, 82.5 percent could be recouped at resale.

Homeowners can expect to see 100 percent or more could be recouped in these six cities.

6 cities that can expect to recoup costs:

• Knoxville, Tenn. • Albany, N.Y. • Albuquerque, N.M. • Los Angeles • San Francisco • Miami

"The bottom line on windows is that they are very expensive," Bennett says. "They are issues of comfort and aesthetics, not ROI." Different projects to improve the weather tightness of a house, such as insulation, he adds, would result in a better return on investment.

As for what to avoid if resale value is top of mind, home office remodels and sunroom additions recoup the lowest percentage of cost with a national average of 63.4 percent and 66.3 percent recouped, respectively. While not all of the above projects would increase the quality of life for a current homeowner, those with an eye toward resale would do well to make project choices accordingly.

* All data is copyright 2006 Hanley Wood, LLC and reproduced by permission

Melissa Ezarik is a Connecticut-based freelance writer.