Amid the recession, homeowners who hired contractors for home remodeling in the recent months most often tackled small scale jobs and replacements.

Exterior projects like doors and windows continue to recoup most resale dollars, which make it attractive to the homeowners looking to improve curb appeal. These projects are also the least expensive to complete. Entry door replacements (steel) can recoup nearly 129% of their cost at resale, returned most for the investment. Other high ranking cost vs value projects were siding replacements, attic bedrooms and deck additions.

Projects that recouped least were home office remodel, sunrooms, upscale master suites, upscale garage additions and upscale bathroom additions. Remodeling Magazine has poisted projects data for 80 US cities at  bit.ly/1nYd47