How to make renovations cost-effective renovations?
- coraliefortin076
- Jun 30
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 14
When considering selling a house, cottage, or garage in Canada, every renovation decision deserves careful consideration. For Plan Maison Québec clients, whose goal is often to maximize the value of their property, it becomes crucial to target the most cost-effective interventions.
However, effective renovations—those that yield big returns—can be distinguished from those with a more mixed return on investment. In this article, Plan Maison Québec explores the various so-called "cost-effective renovations" renovations, drawing on specialized articles, professional advice, and real-life experiences.
Kitchen: undisputed queen of the house
The kitchen isn't just a place for preparing meals: it's a living space in its own right, often the center of family and social interactions. It's also one of the most strategic rooms when selling a property. An outdated kitchen can scare off a potential buyer, while a modern, bright, and well-designed space will instantly attract attention. When renovating, it's essential to combine aesthetics with functionality, without overloading the room with unnecessary gadgets. The goal is to design a kitchen that exudes conviviality and durability.
Inspiration for cost-effective renovations
To inspire buyers, nothing beats a central island that doubles as a dining area, prep space, and gathering area. Integrating USB ports into the cabinets, a double-bowl undermount sink, or a modular lighting system under the cabinets can make a real difference. Modern farmhouse style with natural wood cabinetry, black hardware, and open shelving is also gaining popularity, especially in second homes and cottages. Brushed brass accents, sleek built-in range hoods, and herringbone ceramic tile flooring are other popular choices.
Budget
The budget depends, of course, on the size of the kitchen, the type of layout (linear, L-shaped, U-shaped, with island or peninsula), but also on the quality of the materials chosen. A light renovation can be completed with a budget of $10,000, by changing only the surfaces and accessories. A complete project with custom cabinets, built-in appliances, relocated plumbing, and high-end finishes can climb to $40,000 or more. Plan Maison Québec can help you develop personalized kitchen plans and optimize every square foot according to your priorities and budget.
Bathroom: comfort and first image
The bathroom is often seen as an indicator of a home's overall well-maintained condition. An old-fashioned room with blackened joints or outdated fixtures sends a strong negative message. Conversely, a carefully renovated bathroom conveys cleanliness, comfort, and quality of life. It's a personal space, but it has a collective impact when it comes to selling. Good bathroom design combines durability, hygiene, accessibility, and aesthetics.
Inspiration
The idea isn't necessarily to aim for ostentatious luxury, but to focus on elements that increase perceived comfort. A glass-enclosed shower with multiple jets, matte black faucets, a patterned tile accent wall, or a backlit shower niche are all appealing elements.
Adding a fog-free mirror with integrated LED lighting, a wall-hung toilet, or a floating vanity with hidden storage also adds aesthetic value. In chalets, bathrooms made of natural wood or polished concrete are very trendy, evoking a modern Nordic ambiance.
Budget
The budget for a bathroom renovation varies significantly depending on the initial layout and the materials chosen. A partial remodel, including preserving the plumbing, can cost around $8,000. A complete overhaul, including relocating fixtures, replacing wall tiles, and installing a glass shower or freestanding bathtub, can easily reach $25,000 or more.
At Plan Maison Québec, we strive to design practical, aesthetically pleasing, and optimized layouts, while respecting ventilation standards and municipal requirements.
Paint: neutral fresco with very high performance
Interior painting inexpensively transforms the ambiance of a space and allows you to refresh it without major renovations. It also gives the impression of high maintenance, which is essential for buyers. The choice of colors is strategic: it should not reflect overly personal tastes, but rather promote neutrality, brightness, and overall coherence. It's a simple yet powerful tool for increasing the appeal of a home or cottage.
Inspiration
In main rooms, light, warm shades like grayish beige or linen evoke relaxation and work with any furniture style. Pure white can be used for ceilings and moldings to create an elegant contrast. In secondary rooms, try a bold slate gray, powder blue, or soft sage green to add personality. Painting an accent wall behind the headboard, or repainting interior doors in matte black or navy blue, are simple touches that add character without dominating the space.
Budget
Painting remains one of the most affordable jobs, especially if you do some of it yourself. For an average-sized home, repainting all rooms typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000 with a professional, including ceilings, woodwork, and walls. It's also possible to combine painting with small plastering or crack repair jobs for a uniform, neat result. Plan Maison Québec always advises its clients to choose quality paints that are moisture-resistant and easy to maintain.
Windows and energy efficiency
Windows play a fundamental role in the thermal and lighting comfort of a home. Beyond their appearance, they determine energy efficiency, indoor quietness, and even security. In the Quebec context, marked by strong seasonal variations, choosing the right windows becomes a significant lever for enhancing your home's value.
Inspiration
Large glass openings are highly sought after for living spaces. They allow natural light to enter, allow you to enjoy outdoor views, and reduce electricity consumption. Casement windows with cranks are efficient and easy to maintain.
We're also seeing more and more black or gray windows for a contemporary look, particularly in new construction or urban renovation projects. For chalets, south-facing panoramic windows maximize sunlight and create a strong connection with nature.
Budget
Window replacement is a significant investment, but it's generally worth it. A single large window can cost between $800 and $2,000, including installation. A complete replacement of all the windows in an average home can cost between $12,000 and $20,000. Several government programs encourage energy improvements with grants that can cover up to $5,000 in some cases. Plan Maison Québec helps you prioritize the most strategic replacements and integrate openings into an overall renovation plan.
Roofing: a guarantee of peace of mind
A roof in good condition is a guarantee of safety and longevity. It's often one of the first elements inspected during a real estate transaction, as it protects the entire structure. Renovating your roof isn't just an expense: it's a way to inspire confidence, modernize its appearance, and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Inspiration
High-strength asphalt shingles with extended warranties are ideal for traditional homes. For rural properties or cottages, galvanized sheet metal or painted aluminum roofs are very popular due to their durability and aesthetics. Some roofs now include integrated solar panels, a still rare but promising trend. Adding dormers or discreet ridge ventilation can also enhance the appearance while ensuring optimal performance.
Budget
Depending on the type of roof, slope, surface area, and materials, the cost of a complete roof repair generally ranges from $8,000 to $18,000. For a metal roof, it can cost up to $25,000, but the lifespan is often 40 to 50 years. Plan Maison Québec always recommends having your roof inspected by a professional before selling or undertaking major renovation work.
Basement and additional space
The basement is a hidden treasure in many Quebec homes. Too often left bare or poorly utilized, it can become a multifunctional, welcoming, and profitable space. Whether it's to create a rental unit, a home theater, an office, or a game room, the basement offers potential for expansion without taking up any space.
Inspiration
Adding a bedroom with a walk-in closet, a soundproofed TV area, or a personal gym space can truly transform daily life. A full bathroom in the basement adds value and functionality.
Furthermore, installing larger windows (egress windows) not only improves security but also provides natural light. In cottages, a finished basement can include a pantry, storage space for outdoor equipment, or even a secondary entrance for short-term rentals.
Budget
The cost of finishing a basement will depend on its existing condition (raw, semi-finished, or already partitioned) and the desired functions. A basic finish, including floors, partitions, and painting, is often estimated at between $15,000 and $25,000.
Adding a full bathroom or a secondary kitchen can increase the cost to $40,000 or more. Plan Maison Québec assists clients in designing technical plans that comply with building codes and helps you navigate municipal regulations to optimize the use of your basement.
Heating, insulation and comfort
Thermal comfort and energy efficiency are top of mind for today's homebuyers. A well-insulated, well-ventilated, and well-heated home is seen as a safe bet. Invisible improvements—like attic insulation or replacing the heating system—may seem less glamorous, but they offer significant peace of mind.
Inspiration
Replacing an oil furnace with a central heat pump, installing electric radiant floor heating in living areas, or blowing cellulose into walls and ceilings are solutions that significantly increase comfort. In cottages, a dual-energy system can be installed to reduce electricity bills while ensuring redundancy in the event of a power outage. Adding programmable thermostats or smart sensors improves efficiency while modernizing the daily living experience.
Budget
Insulation work typically costs between $2,500 and $6,000 for a complete attic or exterior walls. Replacing a heating system can range from $4,000 to $12,000, depending on the power and technology. Several programs, such as Rénoclimat or the federal energy-efficient renovation program, can reimburse a portion of these costs. Plan Maison Québec can integrate these options into your renovation plans to optimize short- and long-term performance.
Conclusion
In short, the best investments to enhance the value of a residential property in Quebec focus on the kitchen, bathroom, painting, roofing, energy efficiency, and basement finishing. All of this, structured within a coherent approach, calibrated to the property's value, often results in an exceptional return on investment.
Plan Maison Québec, an expert in plan design and renovation support, can help you choose the right projects, plan your work, and maximize its impact. Contact us today to discuss your project, receive tailored recommendations, and obtain a personalized quote.
Give your property the best opportunity to perform on the market
Comments