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2. Hit the Deck

A deck is a double-bottom-line improvement. You can enjoy it now and it will add value to your home for years to come. Building a 16' x 20' pressure-treated wood deck with a simple pattern costs about $10,600. At resale, you'll get about $8,700 of that back, a recoup rate of about 82 percent.

A composite deck will cost more, about $15,000, and return less -- about 74 percent or around $11,000 -- but you won't have to seal it, the CVR shows. If you have a deck already, use bold plantings to emphasize features, or to distract the eye from flaws.

More Smart Home Updates:

1. Spruce up or replace your siding.
2. Add a deck.
3. Tweak your kitchen.
4. Repair or replace windows.
5. Overhaul your kitchen.
6. Strip the bathroom.
7. Find cash in the attic.
8. Earn bucks from the basement.
9. Add space to add value.
10. Add low-cost landscaping.