Here’s some good news about investing in your home this year, especially if you have plans to upgrade the exterior.

In 2013, the top five remodeling projects that generate the biggest return on investment on average, nationwide, are: 1) Entry Door Replacement; 2) Fiber Cement Siding; 3) Wood Deck Addition; 4) Garage Door Replacement; and 5) Minor Kitchen Remodel.

Remodeling magazine just released its 26th annual Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report comparing construction costs for popular home improvement projects against the share of those costs recovered at resale. According to the report:

Garage door upgrades rank in the top 3 for ROI

Clopay Gallery Collection, Long Panel, ARCH2 Window with Grilles, Ultra-Grain finish

Coming in at no. 3 on the list of midrange exterior upgrades, the Cost vs. Value report suggests that homeowners who spend $1,496 on a new garage door can expect to get 75.7 percent of the cost back at resale. Investing in an upscale garage door replacement ($2,720) delivers an average return of 75.2 percent.

Clopay Coachman Collection, Design 12, SQ24 windows.

Entry door upgrades are still no. 1

White Clopay entry door with Clarion glass and Prairie Grilles.

The report also showed that spending $1,137 on a steel entry door netted an even higher return of 85.6 percent. An upscale fiberglass entry door (Entry doors) replacement ($2,753) generates an average ROI of 65.9 percent.

Clopay Arbor Grove Collection stained fiberglass entry door with Addison decorative glass, sidelites and transom.

View the complete study including data for various geographic regions.

Curb appeal gets buyers through the door

Garage door and entry door replacement projects rank high in the survey for two reasons: they are among the least expensive projects on the survey, and they impact a home’s curb appeal in a way that can affect a home’s resale value.

Clopay Model 44 Classic wood garage doors.

Even if you aren't planning to sell, it’s nice to know that in addition to improving the appearance and potential resale value of your home, these upgrades also increase its energy efficiency.

Replacing an older garage door with a new insulated model can reduce energy loss through the garage by up to 71%, according to a comparison study conducted by Clopay engineers. “Since attached garages share up to three common walls with the house, any hot or cold air that travels through the garage will ultimately affect living areas next to or above it,” says Mark Westerfield, P.E., Director of Product Development for Clopay.

Clopay Premium Series polyurethane insulated garage door with Trenton windows and Cherry Ultra-Grain finish; coordinating Clopay Arbor Grove Collection fiberglass entry door with Trenton decorative glass and Ultra-Grain finish.

A well-insulated garage door can help stabilize temperatures in the garage to reduce heat losses or gains. Depending on the specifics of the home, an energy efficient garage door can help keep an unheated garage 10 to 20 degrees warmer on a cold winter day.

Fiberglass front doors offer nearly five times the insulating value of a wood door, reducing energy loss and improving comfort year round.

Need another reason to consider upgrading your front door this year? Homeowners who install an ENERGY STAR qualified entry door on their primary residence before December 31, 2013 may qualify for up to a $500 tax credit.

Curious to see how a new garage door or entry door can transform your home in less than a day? Upload a picture of your house to Clopay’s Door Imagination System and try one on.