Real Estate Ask the Remodeler: Balance cost vs. value in home renovations Buyers and sellers should consider different factors when it comes to investing money into their properties. Most remodeling projects have a negative return on investment. Both are concerned about the same thing: Cost vs. value. For people who are putting their homes on the market, the main thing to consider is curb appeal. There are several well-respected construction industry publications that agree most remodeling projects have a negative return on investment.