When it comes to adding value to your home, a home office ranks last among the 19 mid-range projects analyzed in Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report. Converting a 12-by-12-foot bedroom into an office costs a national average of $27,963 and recoups about $12,000 at resale, for a 42.9% return on investment, according to the 2011-2012 report.Construction costs include custom cabinetry and work surface, wall-mounted storage, a wiring upgrade, and new floor and wall finishes. 

Regionally, returns varied only slightly, with the highest rate of return, 50.5%, in the far West, and the lowest, 32.4%, in the upper Midwest.

National average cost to convert an existing 12 x 12 room into a home office:

Job cost: $27,963
Resale value: $11,983
Cost recoup: 42.9%

Regional info:

New England

Middle Atlantic

South Atlantic

East South Central

West South Central

East North Central

West North Central

Mountain

Pacific