What Home Renovations Should I Make Before Selling?

If you are selling your house, you might be wondering why you should renovate a property that is no longer going to be yours. The answer is simple. There are minor renovations that can have a huge impact on the purchase price of your home and your ability to close a sale in a shorter amount of time. Of course, not all renovations provide great returns on investment. The Reno Pros of Toronto can help you navigate which ones are worthwhile.

How Failure to Renovate Can Cost You

Renovating before selling is not just about increasing the resale value of your home, but also about not losing out on money that you should receive. If potential buyers notice chipped paint, for example, they might negotiate the asking price down to accommodate the cost of painting. The price reduction they request is likely going to be larger than what it would actually cost you to paint the walls before going to market. If there are numerous issues like this, you unnecessarily give your buyers more negotiation power.

Let’s take a look at some of the most cost effective home renovation projects you can easily tackle.

  • Painting Walls – As mentioned, it is certainly worthwhile to add a new coat of paint to the walls. When selling, choose a light, neutral colour that will give the home a clean, fresh, and open feel. Give potential buyers a clean and spacious backdrop that they can imagine decorating.
  • Refinishing Floors – Unless your current floors are in need of serious repair, it is generally not cost effective to completely remove and replace flooring systems. What you can do is improve the floors that are already there. This can mean steam-cleaning the carpets, staining and/or refinishing hardwood floors, or cleaning and resealing the grout between tile floors.
  • Updating Hardware and Light Fixtures – Completely changing appliances, cabinets, and countertops can become costly very quickly. You can make your kitchen and bathrooms look more modern by simply updating the hardware and other fixtures. If you think these spaces look extremely out-dated, you might consider replacing the countertops.
  • Increasing Curb Appeal – The first thing potential buyers will see is the exterior of the house and the entryway. It is crucial to make a great first impression. This includes manicuring the lawn, replacing any old and worn siding, making sure walkways are well maintained, and possibly painting or replacing your front door, if this is needed. If you will be showing your home in the evening, you might install accent lighting along walkways.

Hiring a Contractor for Home Renovations

The most valuable renovation projects will differ from home to home. For professional advice regarding the best projects to complete before selling your house in the Greater Toronto Area, contact The Reno Pros to schedule a consultation. Our team can not only provide you with an estimate for services, but can also help you to make these changes efficiently, allowing you to confidently get your property on the market as soon as possible.