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Download Ways to Measure Renovation Payback |
What are the best home renovations? Many homeowners are interested in knowing the “smartest” household renovations to make to receive a good return on their investment. The Appraisal Institute of Canada offers the following general tips to Canadian homeowners:
1. Choose improvements with long life expectancy. Roofing, energy-efficient heating and cooling
systems, and windows can provide homeowners worry-free home improvements for as long as 10
to 15 years. But remember…regular maintenance is as important as the initial investment.
2. Invest in modern updates in high-traffic areas. Update the core rooms of your home such as the
kitchen and bathroom. This can be as simple as changing door knobs, resurfacing cabinets, or
replacing fixtures and countertops.
3. Don’t underestimate the value of inexpensive updates. A fresh coat of paint, modern lighting
fixtures, light landscaping or gardening, or upgraded door handles can give your home an updated
look and feel – and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money!
4. Consider energy-efficient renovations that have a high return relative to cost. Energy-efficient
renovations are considered one of the highest paybacks relative to cost. Energy efficiency translates
into reduced operating costs over time.
5. Be careful about over-improvement. Consider your neighborhood and the expectations of buyers
in your area when planning your next renovation project. Investing in an expensive project may be
an over-improvement for a home in particular market, and the investment may only be partially
recognized by homebuyers.
6. Think about your personal needs. How much you spend on improvements will depend on how longyou plan to live in your home. If you you’re thinking shorter-term, smaller and less –expensive
improvements may be your best bet to recover your investment.
7. Be sure to get a building/renovation permit. Take the time to obtain the proper building permits
from your municipality or appropriate authority. This is a good step to ensuring that the renovationwork complies with the building codes.
8. Hire a designer, architect, or contractor. Talk to a professional when you start planning your
renovation project. They can help you draw up a plan, provide renovation advice, or assist in the
construction. This will add to the quality of the renovation and go a long way in preventing cost
overruns.
9. Consider unique features with care. Unique designs or improvements that are uncommon for a
particular market may impact the resalability of a home. This is where the expert advice of a real
property appraiser can provide an objective perspective on the marketability of the property.
Muskoka Real Estate Appraiser
