People often renovate for themselves, then hope to recoup their investment at resale. The bad news: not all renovations are equal, and some cost more than they return. The good news: a few targeted upgrades make a real difference in both price and speed of sale. According to a survey of more than 1,000 real estate brokers conducted by Centris, the kitchen ranks first for 92% of them. Here are the seven projects that pay off, backed by data.
Where your money works best
The kitchen leads the way, with a return on investment often estimated between 75% and 100%, and enough to add $10,000 to $25,000 to perceived value. No need to tear everything out: quartz countertops, modern lighting, and up-to-date hardware are often enough. The bathroom follows, with a 70% to 80% return. And paint offers the best percentage of all—sometimes over 100%—on a modest budget. Neutral tones, from off-white to pale grey, visually enlarge the space and help buyers picture themselves in it.
| Renovation | Indicative cost | Estimated return |
|---|---|---|
| Paint (neutral tones) | $500 to $8,000 | Highest, sometimes +100% |
| Kitchen (modernization) | Varies | 75% to 100% |
| Bathroom | Varies | 70% to 80% |
| Attic insulation | $2,000 to $5,000 | 75% to 85% |
| Wall-mounted heat pump | $3,500 to $6,000 | 70% to 80% |
| Front door | $2,000 to $5,000 | 70% to 85% |
| Basement finishing | Higher | 50% to 75% |
The trap of over-renovating
There is a limit you should not cross: renovating beyond the standard of your neighbourhood. A luxury kitchen in an area of modest homes is never fully recouped. The commonly cited rule is to invest around 5% to 10% of the property’s value—no more. Also be wary of highly personal projects, such as an in-ground pool, which offer a low return at resale and may even deter some buyers. Finally, remember that plumbing, electrical, gas, or structural work must be carried out by a contractor holding a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).
Renovate or sell as-is?
The real question is not which renovation to do, but which ones pay off in your specific area. A well-placed paint budget can do more than a $40,000 kitchen in some cases. Before pulling out the credit card, it is worth confirming what will truly move the needle on your price. A free evaluation of your property helps identify the improvements that matter—and those best avoided.
