Are you planning a home improvement project?

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It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s no wonder it offers the best bang for your buck when it comes to home improvement.

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“Kitchen renovations typically deliver the highest return on investment, as this space is used most frequently and is perceived as the gathering place and heart of the home,” says Mike Heddle, broker and team leader, Royal LePage State Realty in Stoney Creek.

“When a potential buyer sees a home for the first time, the one thing that will stand out, for better or worse, is how the kitchen looked and felt. They may not remember the size of the bedrooms or the color of the walls, but they will remember the kitchen.”

According to Royal LePage’s ROI survey of real estate professionals across the country, kitchen renovation is the most worthwhile home improvement project. On average, it has the potential to increase a property’s value by 20 percent. A bathroom renovation ranked second, with the potential to increase a home’s value by an average of 16 percent.

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Basement renovations followed in the third (finished basement) and fourth (basement apartment). Each has the potential to increase a home’s value by an average of 15 percent. “In today’s market, investing in a basement apartment can dramatically increase a home’s value, in large part because it can help offset mortgage costs with a rental unit or attract newcomers looking for multi-generational housing. Heddle says.

Window replacements can increase a home’s value by 13 percent and interior painting can increase its value by 12 percent. And exterior projects? An outdoor entertaining space or landscaping could increase a property’s value by about 10 percent, while a swimming pool could increase a home’s value by just six percent.

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The survey found that potential sellers have been less inclined to renovate their homes before putting them up for sale since the start of the pandemic, largely because it has been a seller’s market. As the market changes, some may want to consider a different approach. “Turnkey properties with modern finishes spend less time on the market,” says Heddle.

Even if you don’t plan to sell, there are plenty of reasons to consider improving your home. “Whether it’s a new kitchen or upgrading your outdoor space, home renovations are a worthwhile investment as you and your family will enjoy the new space as well as the potential increase in overall value. of the property”.

PART 2

Many homeowners approach a renovation to transform an outdated space so that it better reflects the way they live today, as illustrated by some of the projects that won BILD (Association of the Building Industry and Land Development) Renovation Awards. ) of 2022. The renovators behind these projects are members of the Greater Toronto Area National RenoMark program.

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KITCHEN REFORM

The assignment Homeowners love spending time in the kitchen with family and enjoy entertaining guests, but the kitchen in their century-old home lacked natural light and didn’t take full advantage of the spectacular ravine views, says Mike Bean of MGB Construction Group. Because the kitchen was part of a complete renovation of the house, MGB was able to open up the back of the house. Natural light now filters in through the floor-to-ceiling rear windows, resulting in a bright, open-concept kitchen that boasts modern conveniences.

kitchen trends Convenience and the ability to function with other spaces in the home are top kitchen renovation trends. Kitchens are becoming an “integrated” part of adjoining rooms and requests for built-in seating and desk space are common.

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best advice BFP: Be fully prepared. “Plan and design, plan and design again,” says Bean. “It is the most important part of any renovation, but especially the kitchen, as numerous trades and vendors are involved in this project.” Encourage homeowners to be open to advice from the professionals they hire.

BATHROOM REFORM

The assignment.In addition to having a safe and accessible bathroom, the owners wanted to age in place to look and feel sexy. A large format porcelain stoneware on the main floor and back wall minimizes grout lines. Bamboo-look tiles installed behind the toilet and on the shower wall help balance the movement in the larger tiles and bring an organic feel to the space. Linear textured white tiles installed vertically behind the sinks provide a modern white backdrop for the matte black fixtures, which contrast beautifully with the neutral cabinetry.

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Trends in bathroom renovations There’s a definite shift toward custom boutique bathrooms (built to order) and wet rooms that encompass both shower and tub, says designer Christina Fox. Homeowners are “starting to flirt” with technology, such as flush toilets and smart mirrors.

best advice Hire a design-build firm that is responsible for the project from design through construction. That includes getting design options within your budget and ensuring quality control.

BASEMENT RENOVATION

The assignment.The owner wanted to create an open, casual basement for his team to hang out and enjoy a meal. The project involved raising the height of the basement by 24 inches, so it no longer felt dark and cramped, which required shoring, says Wallzcorp Inc. owner Nima Ahmadi. A hidden door on the main floor opens to a hallway that is painted red, a nod to the company’s corporate culture, and leads to the basement.

basement trends Homeowners are maximizing every square inch of their home and transforming underutilized basements to fulfill very specific uses, such as an office, spa, or entertaining space.

best advice Create a clear roadmap with insights from professionals who can help you envision the possibilities.