Vinyl Siding, Manufactured Stone Are Top ROI Home Improvements

Before you start your next renovation, make a game plan to get the most out of your home improvements. Renovate smarter not harder by balancing aesthetic or functional upgrades with projects that have a high return on investment. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report presented by Zonda’s JLC and Remodeling magazine, exterior upgrades continue to deliver the strongest returns.

Eight of the top 10 remodeling projects with the highest return on investment are exterior projects. Replacing existing siding with vinyl siding and adding manufactured stone veneer remain top-ranked choices. Interior projects don’t always yield the same resale results as exterior updates — in other words, your curb appeal is still greater than your kitchen appeal.

Upgrading Home Exteriors with Manufactured Stone Veneer

A little goes a long way for maximizing your return on investment and curb appeal. The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report found that adding manufactured stone veneer has a national average ROI of 208%, with an average job cost of $11,702 and a resale value of $24,328. The sample project included replacing 300 square feet of vinyl siding from the bottom third of the street-facing side of a home with manufactured stone veneer as well as adding manufactured stone around the entry archway. The warm tone and earthy texture of stone veneer create a focal point that adds character to a home.

Explore the possibilities of stone veneer additions to your home with our Home Design Visualizer.

Ply Gem Manufactured Stone Veneer Styles

Ply Gem offers six unique styles of manufactured stone veneer, each available in a variety of color options.

• • Canyon Ledge mimics a natural canyon with a mix of stone texture and size that adds depth and comfort to a home’s facade.
  • Cascade Ledge blends ledge stones and cobble jumpers to create long, clean lines that pair well with any architectural style.
  • Cut Cobblestone combines old-world luxury with rugged mountainside in this chiseled-face cobblestone style.
  • Fieldstone is a mosaic-like stone featuring a diverse assortment of stone shapes and sizes, bringing a relaxed, natural ambience to a home’s exterior.
  • Manorstone has a smooth surface yet a rough appearance with a mix of stone shapes and sizes that fit well with both modern and traditional exteriors.
  • Shadow Ledgestone combines warm earth tones and uneven surfaces for an organic, rustic appearance.

Vinyl Siding: An Exterior Update that Lasts a Lifetime

Homebuyers form first impressions before stepping through the door. That’s why real estate agents recommend that homeowners looking to sell their homes make exterior updates a top priority. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing old vinyl siding delivers a 97% average return on investment — nearly recouping the full project cost (average job cost $17,950; resale value $17,313).

Whether you’re interested in classic lap, modern vertical, or charming shake and shingle, the Ply Gem Portfolio of Brands delivers products that combine premium exterior style with uncompromising performance — engineered for lasting beauty and protection that stands up to the elements.

• • Lap Siding: Tried-and-true lap siding is low maintenance and durable. The overlapping long, flat boards give a clean look while shedding water and preventing it from reaching the walls.
  • Vertical Siding: A unique alternative to lap siding, vertical siding dramatizes height and elevates the home exterior. Cover your home in vertical siding or add it as an accent on entryways, low porch walls, gables or dormers for a modern appeal.
  • Shake and Shingle Siding: Add instant comfort and character to your home with shake and shingle siding. This collection has the beautiful texture of natural wood without the maintenance.

Ply Gem siding is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty that covers you for as long as you live in and own your home. If you sell your home, the warranty is transferable, and the new owners are covered for 50 years from the date of the original installation.

Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal Pays Dividends

Homebuyers judge the book by its cover. Exterior home improvements like vinyl siding replacement and manufactured stone veneer additions not only transform your home’s curb appeal but also deliver real financial returns. As part of the Cornerstone Building Brands family, Ply Gem Brands and Solutions offer a complete portfolio of engineered exterior products — The Total Designed Exterior — crafted for enduring beauty, protection, and value.

Ready to explore your options? Find a pro to help you transform your home’s exterior and reap the rewards.