Remodeling Magazine has released its annual research for the “Cost vs Value Report 2009-2010.”  As Realtor Magazine rightfully sites, “Uncertainty and restraint are the order of the day in this economy, and that sense of caution is reflected in home owners’ return on their investment in remodeling projects…the majority of the 10 remodeling projects with the best return on investment nationally are a testament to pragmatism.”  The study gathers information by region, not state.  Texas is in the West South Central Region along with Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.  The six remodeling projects with over 80% recouped cost in the West South Central Region are:

#1 Adding an attic bedroom. 97.7% return.

#2 Remodeling the basement. 92.6 return. (This is not applicable to Houstonians.  Trust me.)

#3 Replacing siding with Fiber cement board. 86.4% return.

#4 Replacing siding with foam-backed vinyl 83.4% return.

#5 Minor Kitchen Remodel. 82.5% return. (And, in case you are wondering, a major kitchen remodel yields a 75.1% return.)

#6 Adding a wooden deck 81.1% return (And, in case you are wondering, adding a composite deck yields a 69.2% return).