Calgary Real Estate Agent Miranda Moser

10-8544 48th Ave.N W, Calgary AB
Saturday, July 31st from 2pm-4pm

There are a number of things to keep in mind when you are attempting to renovate your residence. It is important to keep in mind that people renovate for personal reasons relating to the comfort of the home. These suggestions are not intended to guide people who are not concerned about the return of their renovations. Here are some suggestions when making renovation in order to maximize your returns.

1. Painting is can positively change the overall impression of your home with relatively little effort and money. Painting does not require a lot of past experience or knowledge and mistakes can be painted over. The return depends on both the overall improvement to the house and the type of colours chosen. Try to pick neutral colours which may appeal to a wider range of buyers.

2. The kitchen is the hub of the house and renovating a kitchen that is dated can bring high returns upon the sale of the home. The motto is often stated "kitchens sell houses". This is true for most markets including Calgary. Resurfacing countertops, installing new cabinets and flooring can increase the value of your home substantially. As well, there will be an improvement to your comfort while you are living in the home.

3. There are regional differences which affect the return on various renovations. When selecting the types of renovations you are going to do, consider what type of region your home is in and what people consider to be important features of a home. In a cold climate like Calgary, improved heating systems, energy saving windows and doors, new roofing, and installing a fireplace may increase the resale value of your home more than these renovations would in a more moderate climate.

4. Concentrate on renovations which will improve your comfort level while you are living in the home. Most renovations will provide some return on your investment so try to make sure the renovations which you undertake will benefit you as well.

The Appraisal Institute of Canada does a consensus study of returns on renovations. Here is a summary of some of their results:

Renovation	Expected Return
Basement Renovation	50%-75%
Bathroom Renovation	75%-100%
Central Air Condition	25%-75%
Fireplace Installation	50%-75%
Furnace Installation	50%-75%
Kitchen Renovation	75%-100%
Landscaping	25%-50%
Exterior Paint	50%-100%
Interior Paint	50%-100%
Window/Door Installation	50%-75%
Roof Shingle Replacement	25%-75%
Deck Construction	25%-75%
Garage Construction	50%-75%
Fence Construction	25%-50%
Asphalt Paving	25%-50%
Exterior Siding	50%75%
Concrete Paving	25%-75%
* Information obtained from the Appraisal Institute of Canada