Not every renovation pays off at resale — some projects recover pennies on the dollar while others reliably add more than they cost. Ontario's real estate market has specific preferences, and knowing which improvements deliver real ROI helps you invest wisely.
Here are the 10 home improvements most likely to increase your property value in Ontario, based on resale data and buyer priorities.
1. Fresh Paint Throughout
ROI: 100–150%. Neutral, fresh paint is consistently one of the highest-return investments in real estate. It makes a home feel clean, modern, and well-maintained. Cost: $1,500–$4,000 for professional interior painting of a typical Ontario home.
2. Kitchen Updates (Not Full Renovation)
ROI: 75–100%. A full kitchen renovation is expensive and rarely recovers its full cost. But targeted updates — new cabinet hardware, paint or refinishing on cabinet faces, modern lighting, and updated faucets — transform the space at a fraction of the cost.
3. Bathroom Recaulking and Refinishing
ROI: 80–120%. Fresh caulking, a clean grout reline, and updated fixtures make a dated bathroom feel fresh. Buyers notice bathroom condition immediately. Cost: $300–$1,000 for professional caulking, grout, and minor fixture updates.
4. New Front Door or Entry Refresh
ROI: 75–100%. Curb appeal matters enormously. A new insulated front door (or painted/refinished existing door), new hardware, and updated exterior lighting dramatically improves first impressions.
5. Deck Repair or Addition
ROI: 70–90% for repair, 65–80% for new deck. Outdoor living space is a priority for Ontario buyers. A well-maintained deck adds usable square footage and photographs well. An unmaintained deck detracts from value and raises concerns about the rest of the property.
6. Updated Bathroom Vanity and Fixtures
ROI: 70–90%. Replacing a dated vanity with a clean modern unit, updating light fixtures, and adding a new mirror transforms a bathroom for $1,000–$2,500 in most cases.
7. Improved Insulation and Weatherproofing
ROI: 60–80%. Ontario buyers increasingly care about energy costs. Improved attic insulation, new weatherstripping, and sealed air leaks lower utility bills and appeal to energy-conscious buyers. Disclosure of energy efficiency work adds value.
8. Hardwood Floor Refinishing
ROI: 75–100%. If you have original hardwood under old carpet or with a worn finish, refinishing it is one of the best improvements you can make. Hardwood is a strong selling point in Ontario's market.
9. Clean and Repair the Exterior
ROI: 80–100%. Power washing siding, repainting trim, repairing fascia and soffit, and tidying landscaping can improve perceived value significantly. Many buyers form their offer in the driveway — make it count.
10. Basement Finishing (Partial)
ROI: 65–75%. A finished basement adds livable square footage, which directly affects listing price per square foot. Even a partial finish — drywall, flooring, and proper lighting — adds measurable value.
If you're planning to sell and want an assessment of what repairs or improvements would have the most impact, call us at (289) 928-5689.
Pedro Giorgana
Owner, Handy Man And Home Repairs — 16 years in construction, 15 years as a Home Inspector. Serving Durham Region, Kawartha Lakes & Northumberland.