No matter how skilled the work or creative the plans, remodeling projects don't increase the value of a home enough to recoup the cost.

Labor and material costs have continued to rise substantially over the past couple of years, making almost every project more expensive.

But home prices are now falling in most cities.

In 2003, you could have expected to recoup 83 cents of every dollar you spent. That fell to 70 cents last year.

But some improvements do far better than average when it comes to recapturing your investment, according to the annual cost versus home value survey by Remodeling Magazine and the National Association of Realtors.

Upscale siding replacement costs $13,212 and adds $11,633 to a home's value, or 88.1% of the cost.

Adding a wooden deck costs $10,347 and adds $8,835 in value, 85.4% of the cost.

Check out our entire list of the 10 improvements that add the most value to a home.