Top Tips for Renovating Your Home to Increase It's Value

Working with RE/MAX and being part of a team known for it’s knowledge and professionalism gives us access to the bigger picture. Part of that knowledge is driven by the research RE/MAX does, such as their insight into what renovations make your home more appealing to prospective buyers. Because the choices you make regarding improvements or renovations can significantly influence the value of your home.

Landscaping

It all starts at the curb! Everyone knows the value of a first impression. But RE/MAX has learned that landscaping the front and backyard of your home will give you a 7% better return on your renovating dollar over the average return on other popular renos you might consider.

Increasing your curb appeal can be as simple as adding containers of brightly coloured flowers. Or you could add a low maintenance garden for blocks of colour and texture. Also, consider a simple water fixture in the back yard to add ambiance.

Kitchen

Ever wonder why every time you have guests over it turns into a “kitchen party”?

It’s because the kitchen is the hub of every home. It's where we get nourishment, refreshment, gather and regroup after a busy day. It is a room with real value for every family. At RE/MAX we've learned that kitchen upgrades can really deliver, with a 44% higher return on investment over the average return on other popular renos you might consider.

Whether you're working with a contemporary kitchen or more of a country feel, stainless steel appliances continue to hold a lot of interest. In cabinetry, look at fine-grained maple, stained or natural, over the traditional heavy oak look of the past. Laminates and marble are great choices for countertops, but granite continues to be the most popular surface of all.

Fireplace

Nothing beats the feeling of curling up around a fire on a cold winter's night. Not to mention the comforting feeling of hearth and home that a fireplace adds to a room.

The RE/MAX Return on Reno Index will tell you that installing or upgrading the fireplace in your home will generate 11% greater return on investment than the average return on other popular renos you might consider.

Gas fireplaces have made huge advances in popularity thanks to recent increases in efficiency as well as advances in design. A gas fireplace delivers the best of both worlds - all the comfort without the mess and maintenance.

Bathrooms

Today's stress-filled world leaves us all crying out for rest and relaxation. RE/MAX has learned that making your bathroom the best it can be will generate a 56% better return on investment than the average renovation.

Your goal should be to create a spa-like environment in your bathroom by installing a soaker tub with relaxing jets, or perhaps a new steam shower stall.

Flooring

Great looking floors are a strong feature of any home. It often makes all the difference. RE/MAX has learned that this upgrade can generate a 22% better return on investment than the other renos you may be considering.

Start by ripping out that dated wall-to-wall carpet. Then, sand your existing floors down and refinish them, or choose one of the many easy-to-install and affordable laminates now available. A darker stain gives an elegant, yet up to date look. Use area rugs to accent and ground the space.

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