Which renovation gives you the best return on investment (ROI)?
- coraliefortin076
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
Investing in renovating your house, cottage, or garage is a major decision. When done properly, it improves quality of life, increases property value, and can generate a significant return on investment (ROI), especially in a dynamic real estate market like Quebec's.
At Plan Maison Québec, our team of architectural technicians and designers assists hundreds of homeowners in the strategic planning of their renovation projects. In this article, we reveal which renovations are the most cost-effective and how to plan them effectively.
Why evaluate the return on investment before renovating?
Before committing significant sums to a renovation, it's essential to understand its potential return. ROI measures whether a renovation is truly worth it. It's the ratio between the profit you'll make when you resell your home and the amount you invested in the work. In other words, it determines whether you'll recoup a large portion—or even all—of your down payment, or whether you risk losing money.
But be careful, not all renovations are created equal. Some significantly improve resale value, while others, more personal or expensive, can actually hurt profitability.
The most profitable renovations in Quebec according to Plan Maison Québec
1. Kitchen renovation: an essential pillar
The kitchen is the most strategic room to renovate. Why? Because it's the heart of family and social life, and it directly influences the overall impression we have of the home.
Average ROI: 75% to 100%
The most cost-effective elements to renovate in a kitchen include:
Replacing outdated cabinets
Adding a functional central island
Integrating energy-efficient appliances
Improving lighting
Optimizing storage
At Plan Maison Québec, we help you design a custom kitchen that respects your budget while maximizing its appeal to future buyers.
2. Bathroom: small space, big return
Bathroom renovations are often perceived as simple projects, but they can make all the difference in a home's perceived comfort and cleanliness. The condition of the bathroom can play a decisive role during a buyer's visit.
Average ROI: 60% to 100%
Things that can increase the value of a bathroom:
Adding a modern glass shower
Renovating the bathtub or converting it to a shower
Installing heated floors
Modern vanities with storage
Backlit mirrors and LED lighting
Plan Maison Québec develops practical and aesthetic bathroom renovation plans, adapted to Quebec plumbing and ventilation standards.
3. Energy efficiency work: the future of renovations
Energy costs continue to rise. More and more Quebecers are looking for better-insulated, more efficient, and more energy-efficient homes. With this in mind, strategic energy renovations can not only reduce your long-term expenses but also offer an excellent financial return.
Average ROI: 60% to 80%, enhanced by grants
The most cost-effective projects include:
Insulating the attic, walls, and basement
Replacing doors and windows
Installing a heat pump or efficient heating system
Caulking openings
Thanks to the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, you can obtain grants of up to $5,000 for certain projects. Plan Maison Québec is here to integrate these renovations into a comprehensive plan, while helping you meet the eligibility criteria for federal programs.
4. Finished basement: exploit the full potential of your home
Too often overlooked, the basement offers immense potential for expansion. By intelligently designing it, you can add habitable square footage without altering the building's exterior, which is particularly useful for growing families or homeowners wishing to rent out part of their home.
Average ROI: 50% to 75%
The most popular design options:
Home office (increasingly popular since the pandemic)
Family room or home theater
Rental or intergenerational apartment
Game room or fitness room
Plan Maison Québec helps you design a functional, safe, and municipally compliant basement, with detailed plans ready to obtain the necessary permits.
5. Improvement of the facade and main entrance
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. A well-maintained façade directly influences a home's appeal on the market. Even if these renovations don't offer the best direct ROI, they can accelerate the sale and justify a higher price.
Average ROI: 50% to 75%
Here's what can make a difference:
Replacing the exterior siding
Renovating the driveway with paving stones or concrete
Adding smart exterior lighting
New front door or renovated portico
Plan Maison Québec collaborates with exterior design specialists to offer you harmonious and contemporary façades, adapted to the architectural style of your region.
Renovations to avoid if you want to maximize ROI
Not all projects are profitable. Some renovations, while pleasant to live with on a daily basis, don't generate enough resale value to justify their initial cost.
Among the least profitable:
In-ground pools (ROI often less than 30%)
High-end home automation systems (not highly valued by all buyers)
Overly personalized renovations (such as themed or highly stylized rooms)
At Plan Maison Québec, we help you prioritize renovations based on your objectives: property value, resale, or personal comfort.
How to plan your renovations with Plan Maison Québec?
The key to a good return on investment is planning. Here are the steps our team recommends:
Current Condition Assessment: We analyze your existing home or building to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
Objectives and Budget: We discuss your priorities (sell, rent, expand, save energy) and the available budget.
Personalized Plan Proposal: We draw up plans that comply with municipal standards and are optimized for ROI.
Quotation and Comparison: We help you obtain quotes from contractors and compare options.
Support until completion: We remain available for any modifications or adjustments during construction.
Conclusion: your investment deserves the expertise of Plan Maison Québec
Renovating is a long-term investment. To get the most out of it, you need to know where to invest, how to do it, and when. At Plan Maison Québec, we combine technical analysis, design expertise, and knowledge of the Quebec market to offer you cost-effective, sustainable renovation plans that are perfectly tailored to your needs.
Your home has potential. Together, let's make it grow.
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