7 Weekend Projects to Boost Your Property Value!
7 Weekend Projects to Boost Your Property Value!
(July 01, 2024
)
![](https://s.realtyninja.com/static/media/med/2723_90e2a025_1.png)
Whether you’re putting your home on the market in a few weeks or a few years, strategic upgrades can make all the difference. But you don't have to embark on a major remodel to make a significant improvement.
Even minor updates can have a big impact on your home’s aesthetic, and certain renovations can even boost its future sale price.
From curb appeal to interior updates, here are seven weekend projects that will enhance your home’s current charm and long-term value.
- Freshen Your Front Door
But before you grab that paintbrush, think carefully about your choice of hue. According to a recent study, the colour of your front door can boost—or lower—your home's sale price by thousands of dollars.1
Cement gray, for instance, was found to decrease purchase offers by an average of $3,365. Going too bold can also deter home shoppers. The safest bets? Classic black or a mid-tone brown are proven winners.1
Need help choosing the perfect paint or stain for your front door? We'd be happy to offer advice or refer you to a design professional for assistance.
- Upgrade Your Hardware and Lighting
Swapping out old hardware for modern alternatives can easily and affordably elevate your space. New cabinet handles, for example, are relatively inexpensive and require just a few minutes and a screwdriver to install. To maximize the longevity of your update, consider classic shapes and finishes like brass knobs or nickel cup pulls.2
Take a look at your light fixtures, too. Try replacing an out-of-style chandelier with a more contemporary option. Even just updating your lampshades and lightbulbs can create a brighter, more welcoming space.
Additionally, many experts agree that high-quality lighting can show off your property’s best features when it comes time to sell.3 Uncomfortable changing a light fixture yourself? Contact us for a referral to a licensed electrician for help.
- Update Your Bathroom Fixtures
According to one U.S.-based study, for every dollar you spend on minor cosmetic upgrades—like swapping out the bathroom mirror, upgrading hardware, or refinishing cabinets—you’ll see a $1.71 increase in your home’s value.4
Bathroom hardware is a great place to start. Consider updating your faucets and showerheads (we recommend lower-flow options to save money and the environment), and don't forget about towel racks, toilet paper holders, and any other fixtures that look worn or discoloured.5
According to hardware manufacturer Delta, black finishes are currently trending. Spa-like upgrades, like steam showers and luxury hand showers, are also in high demand.6
If your existing vanity is in poor condition, installing a new one is a slightly bigger project, but it has a huge impact on the look and feel of the room. Reach out for a list of retailers who carry high-quality but affordable prefabricated options.
- Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Makeover
A recent study found that a kitchen renovation can boost a home’s sale price by up to 20%, making it one of the most valuable home improvement projects.7 So, it's no surprise that an updated kitchen is a top priority for Canadian homeowners and potential buyers alike.8
If your kitchen cabinets are from another era, that’s probably the first place you’ll want to start. Fortunately, you don’t need to commit to the hassle and expense of installing new cabinets if your current ones are in good shape. Instead, consider painting them.
Not only is it more affordable and eco-friendly than replacement, but Better Homes and Gardens reports that this option typically offers a greater return on investment.9 When it comes to choosing the right colour, warm neutrals and shades of green and blue are especially on-trend.10
Thinking about painting your cabinets yourself? Be sure to plan in advance and block out at least a couple of days for the project. You’ll need to take off all your cabinet doors and hardware and thoroughly cover your kitchen appliances and counters. You’ll also need to wait for the doors to dry before reassembling your kitchen.11 If you’re not confident in your painting skills, hiring a professional will still be far less expensive than installing new cabinets. We’re happy to refer you to capable painters in our network.
First impressions matter, and putting some work into your home’s exterior can make a big difference in how your guests and neighbours view it. Curb appeal can also make or break a potential buyer’s perception of your home—and significantly impact their offer.
- Look at Your Landscaping
According to a study by the Journal of Real Estate Finance, curb appeal can account for 7% of a home’s sale price.12 And in some areas of Canada, it’s among the top three renovations offering the highest return on investment.13
One of the best ways to improve curb appeal is through landscaping—and it doesn’t have to be elaborate. First and foremost, focus on keeping things neat, tidy, and welcoming. Mow your lawn, refresh any mulch, prune overgrown shrubs, and add pops of colour with flowers. To take things up a notch, add outdoor lighting and plant perennial flowers along the sides of your walkway.
When you’re ready to get started, reach out for a list of our favourite local garden centres where you can find all the necessary supplies.
- Refinish Your Wood Floors
For many buyers, wood floors are a huge selling point. Unfortunately, they also tend to get scuffed and worn over time, especially if you have kids or pets.
The good news? If your wood floors could use a touch-up, it’s well worth the time and cost. According to one U.S.-based study, it’s the project that pays off the most in terms of resale value, with an average 147% return on investment.14
If you have a few days to devote to your floors, you can rent the necessary equipment from a local hardware store. While you’re there, pick up some basic supplies, like a putty knife, paintbrushes, sandpaper, and stain.15 And if you want to modernize your space, opt for a lighter wood tone, which is the current trend.16
Of course, we’re also happy to provide the names of trusted professionals who can tackle the work for you.
- Clean or Replace Your Grout
According to Apartment Therapy, grout that’s in poor condition is often one of the first things a potential buyer notices when they tour a bathroom.17 Fresh, clean grout, on the other hand, makes your bathroom sparkle—and that can pay off in a big way in terms of buyer’s perceptions.
If your grout is simply stained, a focused cleaning session can make a big difference. Try a specialized product or a simple mix of baking soda, water, and hydrogen peroxide.17 If the grout is cracked, crumbling, or stained beyond repair, it’s time to replace it. Luckily, the right tools make that a very doable DIY project, even if it can get messy—and it’s a lot easier and less expensive than retiling.18
No time to tackle it yourself? Reach out for a recommendation of a pro who can help.
CHOOSING THE PROJECT THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Embarking on home improvements can be exciting, but it's essential to choose projects that align with your goals, budget, and skill level. Whether you're preparing to sell your home or simply want to enhance its value, there are projects to suit every homeowner.
If you're unsure where to start, don't hesitate to reach out for personalized advice and recommendations. With the right approach, you can unlock your home's full potential and enjoy the rewards for years to come.
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
1. Zillow
6. Delta Canada
https://www.deltafaucet.ca/design-innovation/inspiredliving/6-bathroom-trends-for-2024#
https://www.deltafaucet.ca/design-innovation/inspiredliving/6-bathroom-trends-for-2024#
7. Royal LePage
https://royallepageleadingedge.ca/just-released-royal-lepages-home-renovation-roi-report/
https://royallepageleadingedge.ca/just-released-royal-lepages-home-renovation-roi-report/
9. Better Homes and Gardens
https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/planning/kitchen-upgrades-cost-value/
https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/planning/kitchen-upgrades-cost-value/
10. House Beautiful
https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g46105350/kitchen-paint-color-trends-2024/
https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g46105350/kitchen-paint-color-trends-2024/
14. National Association of Realtors
https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/stub-for-148394
https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/stub-for-148394
Categories
![](https://s.realtyninja.com/static/images/admin/admin_edit_small.png)
- All Entries (527)
- December 2017 (2)
- January 2018 (2)
- February 2018 (2)
- March 2018 (2)
- April 2018 (2)
- May 2018 (2)
- June 2018 (2)
- July 2018 (2)
- September 2018 (2)
- October 2018 (2)
- November 2018 (2)
- December 2018 (2)
- January 2019 (3)
- February 2019 (2)
- March 2019 (2)
- April 2019 (2)
- May 2019 (2)
- June 2019 (2)
- July 2019 (2)
- August 2019 (2)
- September 2019 (2)
- October 2019 (2)
- November 2019 (2)
- December 2019 (3)
- February 2020 (2)
- March 2020 (1)
- April 2020 (2)
- May 2020 (2)
- June 2020 (2)
- July 2020 (2)
- August 2020 (2)
- September 2020 (2)
- October 2020 (2)
- November 2020 (2)
- December 2020 (2)
- January 2021 (2)
- February 2021 (2)
- March 2021 (2)
- April 2021 (3)
- May 2021 (1)
- July 2021 (2)
- August 2021 (2)
- September 2021 (2)
- October 2021 (2)
- November 2021 (2)
- December 2021 (2)
- January 2022 (2)
- February 2022 (2)
- March 2022 (2)
- April 2022 (2)
- June 2022 (2)
- July 2022 (2)
- August 2022 (2)
- September 2022 (2)
- October 2022 (2)
Archives
- September 2024 (1)
- August 2024 (3)
- July 2024 (3)
- June 2024 (5)
- May 2024 (1)
- April 2024 (1)
- March 2024 (3)
- February 2024 (5)
- January 2024 (3)
- December 2023 (4)
- November 2023 (3)
- October 2023 (5)
- September 2023 (3)
- August 2023 (3)
- July 2023 (3)
- June 2023 (3)
- May 2023 (3)
- April 2023 (3)
- March 2023 (3)
- February 2023 (3)
- January 2023 (7)
- December 2022 (3)
- November 2022 (3)
- October 2022 (3)
- September 2022 (3)
- August 2022 (3)
- July 2022 (3)
- June 2022 (3)
- May 2022 (3)
- April 2022 (3)
- March 2022 (3)
- February 2022 (2)
- January 2022 (4)
- December 2021 (3)
- November 2021 (3)
- October 2021 (3)
- September 2021 (3)
- August 2021 (5)
- July 2021 (3)
- June 2021 (3)
- May 2021 (3)
- April 2021 (3)
- March 2021 (3)
- February 2021 (5)
- January 2021 (3)
- December 2020 (3)
- November 2020 (3)
- October 2020 (3)
- September 2020 (3)
- August 2020 (4)
- July 2020 (4)
- June 2020 (4)
- May 2020 (4)
- April 2020 (5)
- March 2020 (4)
- February 2020 (3)
- January 2020 (5)
- December 2019 (3)
- November 2019 (3)
- October 2019 (3)
- September 2019 (3)
- August 2019 (3)
- July 2019 (3)
- June 2019 (3)
- May 2019 (3)
- April 2019 (3)
- March 2019 (3)
- February 2019 (3)
- January 2019 (3)
- December 2018 (3)
- November 2018 (3)
- October 2018 (3)
- September 2018 (3)
- August 2018 (3)
- July 2018 (2)
- June 2018 (2)
- May 2018 (3)
- April 2018 (3)
- March 2018 (5)
- February 2018 (3)
- January 2018 (3)
- December 2017 (2)
- November 2017 (3)
- October 2017 (2)
- September 2017 (2)
- August 2017 (2)
- July 2017 (2)
- June 2017 (2)
- May 2017 (2)
- April 2017 (2)
- March 2017 (4)
- February 2017 (7)
- January 2017 (23)
- December 2016 (31)
- November 2016 (22)
- October 2016 (34)
- September 2016 (28)
- August 2016 (2)
- July 2016 (9)
- June 2016 (2)
- May 2016 (21)
- April 2016 (14)
- March 2016 (28)
- February 2016 (9)
- January 2016 (11)
- December 2015 (2)