Some renovations pay you back when you sell and some barely do. A few recover pennies on the dollar, while others reliably add more value than they cost. Ontario's real estate market has its own preferences, and knowing which improvements actually return your money helps you spend it wisely.
Below are the 10 home improvements most likely to increase property value in Ontario, based on resale data and what buyers put first.
1. Fresh Paint Throughout
Typical ROI is 100 to 150%. Fresh, neutral paint is consistently one of the best returns in real estate. It makes a house look clean, current and well looked after. Plan on $1,500 to $4,000 to have the interior of a typical Ontario home painted by a professional.
2. Kitchen Updates (Not Full Renovation)
A full kitchen renovation is expensive and rarely earns back what it costs. Targeted updates are a different story. New cabinet hardware, painted or refinished cabinet faces, modern lighting and new faucets change the whole room for a fraction of the price. Expect an ROI of 75 to 100%.
3. Bathroom Recaulking and Refinishing
ROI: 80 to 120%. Fresh caulking, clean regrouting and updated fixtures make a dated bathroom feel new again. Buyers notice the state of a bathroom the moment they walk in. Professional caulking, grout and minor fixture updates usually run $300 to $1,000.
4. New Front Door or Entry Refresh
Curb appeal counts for a lot, and an entry refresh returns 75 to 100%. A new insulated front door (or a fresh paint job or refinish on the one you have), new hardware and updated exterior lighting make a much better first impression.
5. Deck Repair or Addition
Deck repairs return 70 to 90%, and a new deck returns 65 to 80%. Ontario buyers put a lot of weight on outdoor living space. A deck in good shape adds usable square footage and looks good in listing photos. A neglected one drags the value down and makes buyers wonder what else has been let go.
6. Updated Bathroom Vanity and Fixtures
ROI: 70 to 90%. Swap a dated vanity for a clean, modern one, update the light fixtures and hang a new mirror, and the bathroom looks completely different. In most cases that costs $1,000 to $2,500.
7. Improved Insulation and Weatherproofing
This one returns 60 to 80%. More and more Ontario buyers care about energy costs. Better attic insulation, new weatherstripping and sealed air leaks bring utility bills down and appeal to buyers who pay attention to energy use. Disclosing energy efficiency work when you sell adds value too.
8. Hardwood Floor Refinishing
ROI: 75 to 100%. If you have original hardwood hiding under old carpet, or the finish is worn, 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
Expect 80 to 100% back on this one. Power washing the siding, repainting the trim, fixing fascia and soffit and tidying the landscaping can raise perceived value significantly. Plenty of buyers start forming their offer while they're still standing in the driveway, so make that first look count.
10. Basement Finishing (Partial)
ROI: 65 to 75%. A finished basement adds livable square footage, and that feeds straight into the price per square foot on the listing. Even a partial finish with drywall, flooring and proper lighting adds measurable value.
Planning to sell? Call us at (289) 928-5689 and we'll look at which repairs or improvements would make the biggest difference to your home.
Owner of Handy Man And Home Repairs. 16 years in construction, 15 of them as a Home Inspector. Works across Durham Region, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland.