Looking for renovations to increase home value? Whether you want to renovate to sell or improve your space for personal use, it pays to invest in renovations that add value to your home.
At Hasler Homes, we’ve completed luxury home renovations in North Vancouver (and the surrounding areas) for over a decade. Therefore, we know what adds value! Below, our custom home builders share their recommendations for the top renovations to increase home value, including simple upgrades you can do yourself.
Ready to add value to your home? Here are the best renovations to increase home value.
Content Quick Links:
Top Renovations to Increase Home Value
BONUS: Often Overlooked Renovations
What Renovations Are Worth Doing? An ROI Comparison
How to Maximize Home Value
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Top 10 Renovations to Increase Home Value
Below is a list of the best renovations to increase home value. These recommended renos can offer a significant return on investment (ROI).
To make it easier to explore renovation suggestions within your budget, we’ve organized the list into two sections – professional renovations (these will require the help of a local home builder) and easy DIY upgrades.
Please Note: The return on investment figures below are estimates only. ROI can vary significantly, depending on your location, local real estate market, and the quality of your renovations (i.e., quality of craftsmanship and building materials).
Have a reno in mind but don’t see it on the list below? Talk to our team! We can provide personalized advice and help you decide if your renovation concept will add value to your home.
Professional Renovations to Increase Home Value
1. Upgrade the Kitchen
Renovating your kitchen is a great way to increase home value and market appeal (if you intend to sell). In fact, according to RE/MAX, investing in kitchen upgrades can provide a return on investment (ROI) of up to 100%! In other words, for every dollar you spend on a kitchen renovation, you could increase the value of your home by the same amount.
Our Kitchen Renovation Tips for Maximum ROI
- Use an open floor plan.
- Include an island with plug-ins and built-in storage.
- Ensure there is enough counter space for easy meal prep.
- Keep the décor basic.
- Use neutral tiling for backsplashes.
- Choose a stunning, high-quality countertop in neutral tones.
2. Renovate the Bathroom(s)
Did you know that well-appointed bathrooms are one of the top things real estate buyers look for in a home? In fact, a study conducted by RE/MAX found that bathroom renovations are one of the three top renovations to increase home value in Vancouver. Homeowners who invest in a high-quality, luxury bathroom reno can expect a return of about 62% to 100%.
Our Bathroom Renovation Tips for Maximum ROI
- Focus on incorporating luxury bathroom features like a frameless glass shower, high-quality countertops, and a beautiful backsplash.
- Use calm, soothing colours, like whites, grays, and other neutrals.
- Consider installing a floating vanity to help make the bathroom look larger.
Want to build your dream bathroom? Check out these must-have bathroom features.
3. Finish the Basement
An unfinished basement offers so much potential – anything is possible, from adding a media room or extra washroom to a home office or even a rental suite. Best of all, finishing your basement is one of the best renovations to increase home value, with an average return on investment of 75% or more.
Why does a basement renovation increase home value? Real estate buyers consider the usable square footage of a home. Thus, if your basement is unfinished, potential buyers may not view it as “usable” – and could even see it as an additional cost they’ll have to cover. On the other hand, a finished basement is viewed as useable, increasing home value and market appeal.
Our Basement Renovation Tips for Maximum ROI
- Before focusing on the design, ensure your basement is properly insulated and protected against moisture.
- Keep the basement design basic so that future owners can design this area to match their tastes.
- If you’re renovating your basement and have the ceiling unfinished, consider adding soundproofing while you have access.
4. Redo the Roof
Your roof is one of the most visible parts of your home and dramatically impacts curb appeal. An old, worn-out roof is a significant deterrent for potential buyers who might take one look at it and worry about having to tackle the project on their own. Thus, replacing your roof can result in a return on your investment of up to 75%, making this one of the best renovations to increase home value!
Our Roof Renovation Tips for Maximum ROI
- If you need to replace your roof, consider a metal roof. A metal roof can last 40 to 80 years, requires little maintenance, and provides energy savings and better protection from our West Coast weather.
5. Update Your Garage (Interior and/or Exterior)
When considering renovations to increase home value, don’t overlook the garage! Your garage offers a lot of additional square feet and can do much more than just house vehicles. In addition to upgrading your garage’s interior, consider the exterior. For instance, replacing (or painting) your garage door can enhance curb appeal, offering a return on investment of up to 90%.
Our Garage Renovation Tips for Maximum ROI
- Add additional storage and clever storage spaces – the garage is a great place to install hooks and shelving to hold household items or sports equipment. Not only will this make your life easier, but it will also help you organize and declutter your entire home!
- Consider creating a separate space in the garage to support a hobby.
6. Improve Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency has become an increasingly popular aspect for homeowners in recent years. In addition to creating a more sustainable future and helping you reduce your carbon footprint, energy-efficient renovations can save homeowners money in the long run. Even if you don’t want to install solar panels, there are many other ways to improve the efficiency of your home. In fact, even with minor energy upgrades, you can see a return on investment ranging from 50% to 75%.
Our Energy Efficiency Renovation Tips for Maximum ROI
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Some of the best energy efficiency home upgrades that add value include:
- Replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones
- Installing long-lasting LED lighting
- Upgrading your HVAC system to a high-efficiency model
- Installing a high-efficiency heat pump that’s designed to save on utility costs
- Improving your building envelope
7. Build a Covered Outdoor Living Space
With so much natural beauty in our backyards, outdoor living spaces in the lower mainland are ideal (and highly sought-after). While some home builders recommend a simple deck, we know from experience that, here in Vancouver, part of your outdoor area should be covered. Without a covered space, our wet coastal weather and the hot sun will leave your deck or patio abandoned for much of the year. Plus, with a covered outdoor living space, you can leave your BBQ, patio furniture, cushions and decor out all year round for easy entertaining! A well-designed and built outdoor living space is one of the best renovations to increase home value and can result in an average return on your investment of 80% or more.
Our Outdoor Living Space Renovation Tips for Maximum ROI
- Want an outdoor cooking area? Consider building it near the door to make it easier to BBQ and cook outside all year round.
- Choosing top-of-the-line options for every inch of your patio isn’t necessary, but durability matters! Be sure to use high-quality wood and decking materials and an experienced home builder, like Hasler Homes, to guarantee your deck will stand the test of time.
8. Replace Old Flooring
It might seem simple, but replacing old flooring can increase home value significantly. In fact, installing new flooring can have a return on investment of 100% to 150%!
Our Flooring Renovation Tips for Maximum ROI
- While quality flooring materials are recommended, the real key is quality installation. With the help of a professional installer, even more cost-effective flooring material will look great and provide a higher ROI.
- Carpet is rarely a good idea. While you might prefer carpet, most buyers don’t.
DIY Upgrades and Easy Renovations to Increase Home Value
9. Put on a Fresh Coat of Paint
Adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls is a cost-effective and simple way to add value to your home. In fact, painting is one of the best easy renovations to increase home value, with an average return on investment of around 60% to 70% or more. Best of all, you can do it yourself! With an eye for colour and some elbow grease, you can cover up blemishes and refresh your home’s interior to add value and increase buyer appeal.
PRO TIP: A DIY paint job will do the trick, but consider hiring a professional painter for maximum ROI.
10. Make Landscaping Improvements
Landscaping improvements are another easy way to increase home value. Even minor upgrades to your yard can result in a return on investment of up to 50% to 65% or more!
PRO TIP: Be mindful of the other homes in your area when making outdoor improvements. For the best ROI, complete landscaping changes that fit well in your neighbourhood. Some of the best upgrades you can make include repairing dead spots on your lawn, adding additional foliage, etc.
BONUS: Often Overlooked Renovations That Boost Resale Value
While many people stick to common renovations to increase home value, there are several other upgrades that are worth doing. Here are a few often-overlooked renovations that will help you add value to your home.
Move the Laundry Room to the Main Level
Moving the laundry room involves a significant renovation due to plumbing and electrical changes. However, this renovation is well worth it – not only for your ease of use but also to increase home value and market appeal (whether for now or in the future).
PRO TIP: Consider upgrading your laundry room to a multi-functional space. For example, a dog wash can be handy if you have pets or a mud room if space allows.
Clever Storage Spaces
Everyone can benefit from additional storage space, including individuals, couples, young families, and empty nesters. Thus, a renovation that adds more storage can increase home value.
Some popular, high-ROI storage renovations to increase home value include:
- Mudrooms
- Walk-in closets
- Built-in cabinets and bookcases (this is a great way to keep your home looking and feeling tidy without sacrificing valuable floor space)
The key is to create an organized, clutter-free home!
PRO TIP: For the best (and most attractive) storage solutions and optimal ROI, hire an interior designer. At Hasler Homes, we work with the best designers in the industry. So, if you’re looking for recommendations, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Declutter Your Home
One of the easiest but most commonly overlooked ways to increase your home is to declutter! In fact, the Appraisal Institute of Canada lists decluttering as one of the top five renovations with the highest return on investment.
You can declutter your home by adding extra storage space or, more simply, by tidying up and removing unneeded items.
GENERAL RENOVATION TIP: when completing renovations to increase home value, be sure to keep receipts and make notes about the work done. This will help you convey the details, value and quality of your renovations to future buyers.
What Renovations Are Worth Doing? An ROI Comparison
So, what renovations are worth doing if you want to increase the value of your home?
Here’s a simple table that compares the average return on investment for various renovations to help you decide what home renovations will add the most value.
| Renovation | Average Return on Investment (ROI)* |
| Kitchen | 75% – 100% |
| Bathroom | 62% – 100% |
| Basement | 75% – 100% |
| Roof | 75% |
| Garage | 80% – 90% |
| Energy Efficiency | 50% – 75% |
| Outdoor Living Space | 80%+ |
| Flooring | 100% – 150% |
| Painting | 60% – 70%+ |
| Landscaping | 50% – 65% |
*Important to Note: these ROI figures are estimates only. Your return on investment may vary, depending on location, local real estate market, and the quality of your renovations.
Maximize Your Home’s Value with Professional Renovations By Hasler Homes
Whether you’re completing home renovations for your benefit or to increase the value of your home before selling, hiring a professional to complete the work will undoubtedly provide the highest return on your investment.
An experienced renovation company, like Hasler Homes, will help you design, plan and complete your renovation, ensuring quality craftsmanship and ideal building materials (that fall within your budget). Best of all, when you renovate with the help of Hasler Homes, you can rest assured that your upgrades are built to last!
Ready to renovate? Contact Hasler Homes today for a Free Renovation Consultation.
FAQs About Renovations to Increase Home Value
Below are some of the most common questions about renovations to increase home value. Don’t see your question(s) answered below? Let us know – we’d be happy to help!
What renovations increase home value the most in Vancouver?
Wondering what home renovations add the most value? The top four renovations that increase home value the most in Vancouver are:
- Kitchen renovations
- Bathroom renovations
- Basement renovations (especially if you add a rental suite)
- New flooring
Please remember that the quality of the renovation can play a significant role in your return on investment. Therefore, be sure to invest in quality craftsmanship and building materials for the highest ROI.
What should be renovated before selling a house?
To maximize resale value before selling a home, consider renovating your kitchen, bathroom(s) and/or flooring. These renovations offer a high return on investment, allowing you to recoup up to 100% more of your renovation investment.
Improving curb appeal through easy renovations, like fresh paint and landscaping upgrades, is also a great way to increase home value. These renovations will enhance your home’s aesthetic, attract more buyers, and can even speed up the selling process.
That said, make sure you don’t over-renovate. Take into account the preferences, needs, and expectations of potential buyers in your neighbourhood. Ask yourself what they consider valuable and complete renovations based on what potential buyers want.
What is the most popular home upgrade?
The most popular home upgrade in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby and the surrounding areas is a kitchen renovation.
As one of the most used spaces in a home, a beautiful and functional kitchen will increase home value. Modernizing your kitchen with new countertops, cabinetry, and energy-efficient appliances provides a high return on investment, ranging from 75% to 100%. Buyers in the Vancouver area are also particularly drawn to functional, modern kitchens, which means better market appeal and a faster selling process.
