A panel of RE/MAX sales associates from across the country put together a list of the most common home renovations they think will add value to homes in 2019. Here is the list, along with some advice from a couple of the most trusted designers:
First impressions. Exteriors are quite literally the first thing people see when they arrive at your home, RE/MAX agents remind. Fresh landscaping, new exterior paint, cleaning and/or painting the siding, or upgrading the outside doors are all good places to start. Outdoor space renovations and covered porches are also high up on the list of must-haves.
Utility upgrade. The less ‘sexy’ upgrades are sometimes the most important, according to RE/MAX agents. Home-buyers are increasingly concerned with things like the life of the furnace and hot water tank. It’s also important that utilities are highly efficient.
Basement suites. Whether it’s to bring in supplemental income or to enjoy themselves, secondary suites or in-law suites are becoming a priority for homebuyers. Basements are typically a big money renovation. Inexpensive ways to increase the value of your basement include focusing on liveable spaces and leaving spaces like the furnace and laundry rooms alone – at least for now.
Kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchen renovations are always a good place to start to add value to your home, RE/MAX agents advise. Removing walls to create open floor plans in older homes and adding an extra bathroom also go a long way. Handmade tiles are trending in both kitchens and bathrooms, Installing basic rectangular and square tiles in interesting ways – such as vertically – is a budget-friendly trick. The all-white kitchen is still very popular but a moodier look, which you can achieve with coloured cabinets in darker tones like navy or a rich green – is also popular!
Upgrade countertops to a material like quartz or marble and in a small kitchen, take it up the wall as a backsplash for a seamless look. Forgoing hardware is also trending and removes the stress of coordinating metals. Make a small bathroom feel larger with a floating vanity. Replace a dated mirror with a round or rectangular one.
Flooring. Forget dark and grey woods. Lighter, blonder woods are trending. They give you that light, airy Scandinavian feel everyone wants. You can do that in a hardwood or an engineered wood if you have a tighter budget. Patterned tiles in a small space like a mudroom or powder room make a bold statement without breaking the budget. Even more affordable are DIY linoleum tiles.
Details. Painting the inside of the home can help with a sale but pay attention to details. Shortcuts – such as neglecting the inside of closets – won’t help in the long run, RE/MAX agents note. A nice white paint goes a long way in brightening a space and instantly updating it and is easy to decorate around.
Surviving a renovation – Big or small, a renovation can be stressful. DIY experts offers these survival tips:
Know your limit; DIY within it. Never sacrifice safety. Just because you’ve seen a YouTube video on how to rewire the basement doesn’t mean you should do it. Hire a professional when needed.
Hire a designer. Even if you have a flair for design and know exactly what you want, a designer who keeps everything organized and plays bad cop with the contractor and trades if necessary can ultimately save you time and maybe even your sanity.
Love they neighbour. A lot. Your renovation could involve tradespeople coming and going for days or weeks. Give your neighbours a heads up so they’re prepared for the inevitable disruption
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