Home renovations seem daunting but when you have a house or condo you want it to look great. You know about regular maintenance but you might also want to renovate that tired bathroom or dated kitchen, or replace those older windows or redo the basement to create more living space.

Six home renovations to increase your property value:

  • Revamp the Bathroom.Every year, the Appraisal Institute of Canada surveys its members and compiles a list of renovations that yield the best return on investment. Year after year, refurbished kitchens and bathrooms head the payback list. An old toilet that’s cracked or dirty or doesn’t work properly is a turn-off. Vanities should be eye-catching and practical. Good lighting boosts value. Better yet – add a window if you can, to get natural lighting. If you want to save some money consider reglazing the tub, rather than getting a new one. Bathroom upgrades can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $25,000 however you will recoup 75% to 100% of the initial cost.
  • Upgrade your Kitchen. This sits at the top of any home renovation list. It’s the heart of a home and the room where families spend most of their time. So where do you start? This is the renovation that can overstretch the budget because there is so much you can add. If you’re adding high-end upgrades such as stainless steel appliances make sure they’re not sitting on vinyl flooring or sitting against worn-out cupboards. Kitchen upgrades can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $75,000, however you will recoup 75% to 100% of the initial cost.
  • House needs a roof. This might not be the most exciting reno but it does have it perks. A dry house, for one. Curb appeal for another. Roofs aren’t cheap but they last a long time. A new roof can cost anywhere from $3,500 and higher, depending on the size, however you will recoup 80% of the initial cost.
  • Try a coat of paint. This is your best bet to increase the value of your home. Paint is one of the easiest and cheapest things you can do to freshen up your home and add zip to it. A paint job will cost from $100 up to $5,000 for a large house, however you will recoup 100% of the initial cost.
  • Finish the basement. A finished basement is very attractive to buyers. Not only does it increase floor space but it can be a place for the kids and/or a place to put extra stuff. Basement renovations can cost from $3,000 up to $50,000, depending on the size and what you add, however you will recoup 75% of the initial cost.
  • Go for new windows and doors. Doors and windows are the first impression visitors have of your home. You can boost curb appeal, improve efficiency and add value to your home by upgrading. New windows and doors will cost from $3000 up to $15,000, for a large house, however you will recoup 75% of the initial cost.

Once you decide you want that new kitchen the next question is how to pay for it. In today’s low interest market, your existing mortgage is the first place to look. Today, five-year variable rates are as lows as 2.4% and five-year fixed rates are as lows as 2.59%. A home equity line of credit may also work for you, depending on your personal situation.

Let’s talk home renovations – email me today.