With summer upon us, there’s no better time to start those quick and impactful upgrades that will boost your home’s value, and allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labour all season long! 

From curb appeal to interior updates, minor changes can make a big impact. Whether selling soon or in a few years, strategic upgrades enhance charm and future sale price. Here are 7 easy weekend projects to get you going.

1. Freshen Your Front Door

Is your front door looking tired? A fresh coat of paint can make your home more inviting to guests and buyers.

Choose your colour wisely. Studies show front door colours can impact your home’s sale price by thousands.

• Cement gray, for example, can lower offers by $3,365.
• Bold colours can deter buyers. The best choices? Classic black or mid-tone brown.

Need help choosing the perfect paint or stain for your front door? I’d be happy to offer advice or refer you to a design professional for assistance.

2. Upgrade Your Hardware and Lighting

Dated cabinet pulls and dingy light switches can leave a bad impression. Swapping old hardware for modern alternatives is an easy, affordable upgrade. New cabinet handles are inexpensive and quick to install. Opt for classic shapes and finishes, like brass knobs or nickel cup pulls.

Update your light fixtures too. Replace outdated chandeliers with contemporary options, or simply refresh lampshades and lightbulbs for a brighter, welcoming space. High-quality lighting highlights your property’s best features and boosts appeal to buyers.

Uncomfortable changing a light fixture yourself? Contact me for a referral to a licensed electrician for help.

3. Update Your Bathroom Fixtures

Bathrooms age quickly, but a few inexpensive updates can make a big difference. Small changes can help your home feel clean, modern and appealing to buyers.

A recent study found that for every $1.00 spent on minor cosmetic upgrades, like swapping mirrors, upgrading hardware, or refinishing cabinets, you gain $1.71 in home value.

Start with bathroom hardware:

• Update faucets and showerheads with lower-flow options to save money and the environment.
• Replace towel racks, toilet paper holders, and other worn fixtures.
• Black finishes are trending, and spa-like upgrades like steam showers are in high demand.

If your vanity is in poor condition, installing a new one can significantly enhance the room’s look and feel.

Reach out anytime for a list of retailers who carry high-quality, but affordable prefabricated options. 

4. Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Makeover

A kitchen renovation can boost a home’s sale price by up to 20%, making it a top priority for Canadian homeowners and buyers.

If your kitchen cabinets are dated but in good shape, consider painting them instead of replacing them. It’s more affordable, eco-friendly, and offers a great return on investment. Warm neutrals and shades of green and blue are especially on-trend.

Planning to paint your cabinets yourself? Set aside a few days for the project. Remove all cabinet doors and hardware, cover your appliances and counters, and allow time for drying before reassembling your kitchen.

If you’re not confident in your own painting skills, hiring a professional is still less expensive than installing new cabinets. I’m happy to refer you to capable painters in my network.

5. Look at Your Landscaping

First impressions really matter! Enhancing your home’s exterior can significantly impact how guests, neighbours, and potential buyers view it. Curb appeal can affect a buyer’s perception and offer, accounting for 7% of a home’s sale price according to the Journal of Real Estate Finance. In some Canadian areas, it’s among the top three renovations for return on investment.

Landscaping is key to curb appeal. Keep it neat and tidy: mow the lawn, refresh mulch, prune shrubs, and add colourful flowers. Enhance further with outdoor lighting and perennial flowers along walkways.

When you’re ready to get started, reach out for a list of my favourite garden centres to find all the necessary supplies.

6. Refinish Your Wood Floors

Wood floors are a huge selling point, but they can get scuffed and worn over time. The good news? Refinishing them is worth the time and cost, offering an average 147% return on investment.

If you have a few days, rent the necessary equipment from a hardware store and pick up supplies like a putty knife, paintbrushes, sandpaper, and stain. For a modern look, choose a lighter wood tone, which is currently trending.

Of course, I’m also happy to provide the names of trusted professionals who can tackle the work for you.

7. Clean or Replace Your Grout

Let’s face it: grout gets grimy over time, even with regular cleaning. Refreshing your grout is simple, affordable, and can make a big impact.

According to Apartment Therapy, poor grout is often one of the first things buyers notice in a bathroom. (It’s one of my pet peeves too!) Clean grout makes your bathroom sparkle and improves buyer perceptions.

For stained grout, use a specialized cleaner or a mix of baking soda, water, and hydrogen peroxide. If it’s cracked or beyond repair, replace it. With the right tools, it’s a manageable DIY project that’s easier and cheaper than retiling.

No time to tackle it yourself? Reach out for a recommendation of a pro who can help.

CHOOSING THE PROJECT THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

Embarking on home improvements can be exciting, but it’s essential to choose projects that align with your goals, budget, and skill level. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply want to enhance its value, there are projects to suit every homeowner. 

If you’re unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. With the right approach, you can unlock your home’s full potential and enjoy the rewards for years to come.

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, insurance, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1. Zillow – https://www.zillow.com/learn/what-color-paint-front-door/ 
2. Martha Stewart – https://www.marthastewart.com/kitchen-hardware-trends-8563764
3. Realtor.ca – https://www.realtor.ca/blog/lighting-tips-to-help-sell-your-home/5375/1363
4. Zillow – https://www.zillow.com/learn/roi-for-bathroom-remodel/
5. Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/bathroom/easy-quick-bathroom-updates/ 
6. Delta Canada – https://www.deltafaucet.ca/design-innovation/inspiredliving/6-bathroom-trends-for-2024#
7. Royal LePage – https://royallepageleadingedge.ca/just-released-royal-lepages-home-renovation-roi-report/
8. Zolo – https://www.zolo.ca/blog/what-home-buyers-want
9. Better Homes and Gardens – https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/planning/kitchen-upgrades-cost-value/ 
10. House Beautiful – https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g46105350/kitchen-paint-color-trends-2024/
11. HGTV – https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/best-way-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets 
12. Spruce Magazine – https://www.sprucemagazine.ca/the-real-deal-on-curb-appeal/
13. HGTV Canada – https://www.hgtv.ca/home-renovations-highest-return-on-investment-2021/
14. National Association of Realtors – https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/stub-for-148394
15. Architectural Digest – https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/refinishing-hardwood-floors 
16. Houzz – https://www.houzz.com/magazine/5-new-trends-in-flooring-for-2024-stsetivw-vs~173560747
17. Apartment Therapy – https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/outdated-bathroom-features-37131219
18. Better Homes and Gardens – https://www.bhg.com/how-to-regrout-tile-7554710