Every homeowner wants to know which home improvements actually pay off. The newly released 2025 Cost vs Value Report from Zonda Media & Journal of Light Construction offers clear answers and good news for Utah homeowners. Curb-appeal and energy-efficiency projects deliver the strongest resale value.
2025 ROI Snapshot: Where the Value Really Is
According to the 2025 report (JLC Cost vs Value Report) comparing average job costs with resale returns across 119 markets:
- Garage door replacement → Job Cost $4,672 | Resale Value $12,507 | 268% ROI
- Entry door replacement (steel) → Job Cost $2,435 | Resale Value $5,270 | 216% ROI
- Vinyl window replacement → 76% ROI
- Wood window replacement → 70% ROI
- Bathroom remodel (upscale) → 42% ROI
That means small-to-mid-budget, exterior-focused projects such as exterior door or garage door replacements often double or triple the homeowner’s investment, and updates such as window replacements or bathroom shower/vanity can result in an ROI around 40-80%!
What This Means for Utah Homeowners
In a market where home prices are still high and energy costs continue to rise, value-oriented improvements aren’t just about resale; they’re about comfort, performance, and efficiency right now. Utah’s freeze-thaw climate and strong housing demand make high-ROI upgrades especially rewarding.
Jones Paint & Glass, founded in 1938 and serving Utah families for 85 years, offers many of the exact services leading the national ROI charts. Let’s see how each one contributes to your home’s beauty and bottom line.
1. Garage Doors: Utah’s Top ROI Champion
Average ROI: 268%
Replacing your garage door remains the single best home-improvement investment you can make. A stylish, insulated door instantly refreshes curb appeal and signals care to potential buyers. JPG offers high-quality brands like Clopay, Wayne Dalton, C.H.I., and Martin Door, paired with professional installation to ensure quiet, reliable operation year-round.
Customer insight: Whether your door faces harsh canyon winds or heavy snowdrifts, a durable new garage door not only boosts aesthetics but protects your vehicles and belongings with better insulation and security.
Smart tip: Add a LiftMaster smart opener for app-based control and extra buyer appeal.
2. Entry Doors: First Impressions That Pay Off
Average ROI: 216%
Your front door is your home’s handshake and the first thing a buyer (or visitor) sees. Replacing a dated or weathered door with a steel or fiberglass entry system adds both style and security.
Jones Paint & Glass carries energy-efficient exterior doors with multi-point locks, decorative glass options, and custom colors to complement your home’s architecture.
Customer insight: A new door instantly modernizes a home’s façade and often pays for itself within the year if you plan to sell.
3. Replacement Windows: Efficiency That Saves and Sells
Average ROI: 70–76% + energy savings
Even if windows don’t top the ROI list like doors, they remain one of the most powerful long-term upgrades a Utah homeowner can make. Vinyl windows recoup about 76% of their cost, but the real return comes from energy efficiency and comfort.
Jones Paint & Glass recently expanded with a Provo-based window manufacturing plant, specializing in vinyl windows built for Utah’s unique climate. These windows help lower HVAC bills, reduce outside noise, and protect interior furnishings from UV damage.
Customer insight: Energy Star–rated windows can cut annual energy costs by $200–$400 in cold regions like northern Utah — that’s an ongoing ROI long after installation.
Smart tip: Pair new windows with updated paint colors to accentuate frames and boost curb appeal.
4. Paint & Color Upgrades: Affordable Transformation
While paint isn’t listed as a stand-alone ROI category in the report, design professionals agree that a fresh color palette is one of the cheapest ways to increase perceived home value. National studies show interior painting often recoups 100% or more of its cost when paired with other updates.
Jones Paint & Glass offers premium Benjamin Moore and PPG paints, with expert color consultations to help you choose tones that reflect Utah’s bright, sun-filled light.
Customer insight: Whether you’re preparing to sell or hosting for the holidays, fresh paint instantly feels like a “new home” for a fraction of the cost of major renovations.
5. Bathroom Glass & Mirror Upgrades: Small Touches, Big Impact
Buyers notice the details — especially in the bathroom. JPG specializes in custom frameless shower glass, decorative mirrors, and polished hardware that turn standard spaces into luxurious retreats. These touches elevate your home’s finish level and can help it stand out in a competitive market.
Customer insight: An updated bathroom is one of the most requested features among buyers, suggesting quality and care throughout the home.
The Utah Advantage: Why ROI Is Even Higher Here
Utah’s housing market has consistently outperformed national averages for appreciation and demand. In fast-growing counties like Utah County and Washington County, even small cosmetic upgrades can add tens of thousands to a listing price. And because buyers value move-in-ready properties, fresh paint, modern glass, and new windows or doors can help homes sell faster and for more.
Climate benefit: Energy-efficient windows and insulated doors also help homeowners handle Utah’s cold winters and hot summers with less energy waste — a selling point for eco-conscious buyers.
Planning Your Next Upgrade: A Step-by-Step Approach
- Start with curb appeal. Garage and entry doors offer the biggest bang for your buck.
- Prioritize energy efficiency. Upgrade windows and weather seal doors for comfort and utility savings.
- Add finishing touches. Paint, mirrors, and shower glass add visual impact for relatively low cost.
- Work with a local expert. Jones Paint & Glass brings 85 years of Utah expertise — ensuring your project is done right the first time.
- Think long-term. Choose durable products and professional installation so ROI compounds over time instead of eroding with repairs.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Cost vs Value Report makes it clear: you don’t need a massive remodel to get big returns. By focusing on the services Jones Paint & Glass already excels at — garage doors, entry doors, energy-efficient windows, premium paint, and custom glass features — Utah homeowners can add immediate curb appeal, reduce energy costs, and protect long-term value.
Ready to see your ROI grow? Visit www.jonespg.com to schedule your free consultation or stop by a local showroom in Provo, Payson, St. George, or Vernal to explore products that fit your home and budget.
About the Author
Mikelle Despain has been providing design tips and inspiration for Jones Paint & Glass for over 10 years. She is a regular guest on the KSL Home Radio Show and Podcast with Heather Osmond where she shares color trends, design ideas, and information about paint and glass products. With a background in journalism and passion for interior design, she enjoys the opportunity to share the latest trends with Utah and beyond.
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