Renovations

Deciding which Home Improvements or Home Renovations to do. Then do you do them yourself...or call in the professionals?

It's not difficult to become acclimatized to your surroundings. If you're looking at pictures with your married children and notice that the decor of your home was the same in their baby pictures as it is today, it may be time for a few home improvements or even a renovation project. If you're planning on selling your home in the foreseeable future, home makeovers, updates and renovations often are a great and affordable way to boost the value of your home.

When setting out to do home improvements and renovations aimed at improving the marketability of your home, you have to pick your battles wisely. It's always a great idea to call your Realtor and get an idea of what improvements will give you the best return in the current market. There are also things that you'll have to take into consideration. How much will the improvements cost, who will do them and how much will you be able to recoup from the increased value of your home?

Major renovations such as complete makeovers of kitchens, bathrooms and flooring will often require a professional, but there are many "do it yourself" projects such as painting and landscaping that can produce great returns on your investment.

The market experts at Royal LePage have identified the following improvements and renovation projects that will give you the best return:

*as provided by royallepage.ca

1. Freshen up: Adding a new coat of paint can freshen up a house and make the interior look like new, not to mention more spacious. For homeowners looking to sell quickly, neutral colours are recommended.

2. Floors galore: Today, hard surfaces are all the rage. If genuine hardwood exceeds budgets, laminate works well. Buyers like to see hard floors throughout, so if possible, be sure to lay down laminate in dining rooms and living rooms, and even in bathrooms and bedrooms. While a range of hardwood qualities, textures and colours exists, it's best to opt for a neutral wood colour to accommodate the widest possible array of tastes and décor.

3. Lighten up: Old or standard-grade light fixtures, electrical and light cover plates can easily date a house. To modernize and add distinct flair to the interior, consider installing new light fixtures. Remember to go green and use compact fluorescent light bulbs, where possible.

4. Pebble beach? Well, close: The old adage, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" is extremely true when it comes to selling a home. To increase curb appeal and entice buyers, ensure front lawns are tidy and gardening is minimal. While there is no need to go overboard and plant an expensive Japanese maple tree, adding some standard shrubs and flowers will make a home more inviting.

5. Stylishly steel: Similar to the issue with old light fixtures, knobs, fume hoods and backsplashes can make a kitchen seem outdated. Sleek, stainless steel hardware designs have the biggest and most positive impact on people looking to buy a home.

6. White picket fence?: Building a fence and a deck instantly boosts a home's appeal. Keeping kids and pets in the yard and nosy neighbours out, fences provide the back and side yards with a sense of privacy.

7. Occupied no more: A bathroom situated on the main floor is increasingly seen by homebuyers as an essential fixture in their next purchase. While many older houses were built with bathrooms only on the second floor, many homeowners are resorting to transforming closets or adding new rooms to accommodate two-piece powder rooms.

8. Exquisite ensuite: Today's homebuyer prefers bathrooms that have spa-style tubs and modern faucets. Granite and marble tiles are now readily available and can be purchased at relatively affordable prices.

9. Everything, and the kitchen sink: While prices can vary when renovating a kitchen, one thing is certain: kitchen makeovers bring one of the highest returns on investment. With homeowners spending more time in the kitchen than any other room, it's no surprise they want the best possible style and functionality. Stainless steel appliances, ceramic sinks and clean lines on cupboards rank as the more preferred finish options. Since kitchens and baths can be such a personal space, it's wise not to select a dramatic style or colour scheme, since your tastes may not be the same as the next owner's.

*The above excerpt is credited to royallepage.ca

For a comprehensive list and pricing of popular home improvements, please see our Remodeling Pricing Guide