{"id":842,"date":"2026-08-13T00:29:47","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T04:29:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/callemma.ca\/7-renovations-that-truly-increase-resale-value\/"},"modified":"2026-08-13T00:29:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T04:29:47","slug":"7-renovations-that-truly-increase-resale-value","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/callemma.ca\/en\/7-renovations-that-truly-increase-resale-value\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Renovations That Truly Increase Resale Value"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

Where your money works best<\/h2>\n

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\u2014sometimes over 100%\u2014on a modest budget. Neutral tones, from off-white to pale grey, visually enlarge the space and help buyers picture themselves in it.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Renovation<\/th>\nIndicative cost<\/th>\nEstimated return<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Paint (neutral tones)<\/td>\n$500 to $8,000<\/td>\nHighest, sometimes +100%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kitchen (modernization)<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\n75% to 100%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bathroom<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\n70% to 80%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Attic insulation<\/td>\n$2,000 to $5,000<\/td>\n75% to 85%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wall-mounted heat pump<\/td>\n$3,500 to $6,000<\/td>\n70% to 80%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Front door<\/td>\n$2,000 to $5,000<\/td>\n70% to 85%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Basement finishing<\/td>\nHigher<\/td>\n50% to 75%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

The trap of over-renovating<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s value\u2014no 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 R\u00e9gie du b\u00e2timent du Qu\u00e9bec (RBQ).<\/p>\n

Renovate or sell as-is?<\/h2>\n

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\u2014and those best avoided.<\/p>\n

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Sources<\/h2>\n