How Illinois compares
Illinois is part of the East North Central U.S. Census division, which has the 2nd-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 divisions in Roots' valuation model. In practice that means an asphalt roof replacement that returns ~57% of its cost nationally typically returns ~52% for a Illinois home.
The same regional adjustment applies across the division (Illinois plus IN, MI, OH, WI). Nationwide, the spread for this project runs from ~47% in the West North Central division to ~67% in the Pacific division. See the national breakdown for every region.
The East North Central market
The Great Lakes states offer some of the most affordable metro housing in the country, with a large share of homes built in the postwar decades. Price appreciation is steadier than on the coasts, which means big-ticket renovations recover less of their cost, so practical, condition-focused improvements tend to hold up better here.
Freeze-thaw cycles and lake-effect weather make roof condition a standard inspection flashpoint in this region.
How other projects return in Illinois
| Project | Typical return in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Asphalt roof replacement (this page) | ~52% |
| Wood deck addition | ~75% |
| Bathroom remodel | ~67% |
| Basement remodel | ~65% |
| Window replacement | ~61% |
Return figures are typical resale-return estimates from Roots' home valuation model. Actual results vary by market, home, and workmanship, and shouldn't be relied on for lending, insurance, or tax decisions.
Sources: national baseline for this project calibrated against the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda); regional adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report.
Protect the value you add
Whatever the project returns on paper, condition decides what you actually get: in Roots' model the value of completed work fades as it ages, and a documented maintenance record helps a home sell closer to asking. If you're planning around resale value, start with upkeep. The free maintenance checklist generator builds a seasonal schedule for Illinois homes in about a minute.