Renovations with best home-sale returns

As much as 100 per cent of the cost of a fully renovated kitchen or bathroom, often done with the help of a contractor, can be recovered when it comes time to sell, a report released this week suggests.

Major renovations generally provide higher certainty of return than do-it-yourself projects, said the report prepared by Toronto-based Royal LePage.

"Those still are the No. 1 return on investment," said Diane Usher, a broker with Royal LePage
But she cautioned that contracted jobs must be approached prudently to ensure a decent return, and spending should be relative to the value of the property.

"To put a $50,000 kitchen in a $200,000 condo isn't going to give you as good a return on your investment," Usher said.

Some improvements made by the homeowner, like replacing a worn carpet or updating light fixtures, are good ideas but can be less effective in terms of the rate of return when compared with other projects.

She explained many people have success finding quality paints, decorating ideas and techniques on their own, but renovations like landscaping are more challenging and returns can be lower without professional aid.

These lower returns are reflective of the relative availability and quality of materials as well as the difficulty of achieving professional results, said Usher.

THE RENOVATION GAME

Do-it-yourself renovations
(approximate cost, approximate return on investment)

Paint the interior: $1,000, 50-100%
Replace carpeting with laminate (1,000-square-foot space): $2,000, 50-75%
Install new light fixtures: $2,000, 60-70%
Groom the exterior landscape: $2,000, 25-50%
Replace knobs and hardware: $2,000, 75-100%
Update the entryway: $3,000, 50-75%
Replace carpeting/laminate with hardwood: $5,000, 50-75%
Build a fence/deck: $5,000, 50-75%


Renovations that may require a contractor
(approximate cost, approximate ROI)

Install a main floor powder room: Under $5,000, 80-100%
Renovate bathrooms: $5,000-$8,000, 75-100%
Renovate kitchen: $12,000-$15,000, 75-100%
Costs are based on mid-grade quality finishes, labour excluded.

(prepared by Matthew Jay/Vancouver Sun)