On average, Canadians spend billions of dollars on renovations to their home. Many renovation projects are upgrades compared to structural repairs, though both projects can respectively benefit the household. Renovations can range in size and price — often tailored to the individual homeowner’s taste and budget.
Spring is the perfect season for homeowners to reevaluate their home and take stock of the updates or repairs needed — to maximize the income potential when it comes time to sell in the future. From DIY-inspired projects to significant upgrades from trusted professionals, each household is unique. It’s up to Canadians to decide which home renovations make the most sense for their needs, but we have some suggestions to help steer you in the right direction.
When it comes to springtime in Canada, these are the three renovations we recommend investing time and capital in.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Entertaining Space
Springtime is the ideal time of year to consider exterior renovations or upgrades, especially in Canada, where the winter months render these projects unavailable. Your backyard is the perfect entertaining space in the warmer months, but it may need some upgrades to reach its full potential.
If you have a deck, consider re-staining or even adding on if you have the square footage. If you have enough capital, consider taking your renovation up a notch and creating an outdoor kitchen to really wow your family and guests.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades
The energy your home consumes can drastically impact your monthly hydro bill. With warmer weather in place, you might consider replacing the windows in your home or upgrading your appliances favouring energy-efficient models. Today’s brands are designed with energy usage in mind, which helps your wallet and the environment simultaneously.
These types of renovations often come with a higher price tag attached. Some homeowners will research personal loans from FlexMoney to access the capital they need quickly and sufficiently — rather than wait for traditional lenders to complete their paperwork and conduct multiple interviews. The renovation process takes time, which means the earlier homeowners can get started, the better.
Driveway Repairs
Winter can cause significant damage to your driveway over those cold months. As the snow melts, water can slip into the cracks in your driveway and cause further damage. If your home is an older construction, chances are your driveway hasn’t been maintained as regularly as newer constructions. That being said, repairing your driveway in the spring is an ideal project that, while time-consuming, is important for the structure of the asphalt and your own safety.
Resurfacing is a common exterior project that will likely require a professional to accomplish, but it’s an investment that will continue to yield results for years to come. Whether you’re resealing or sealcoating asphalt, your driveway is an essential component of your home and is a significant part of your home’s first impression to guests or potential buyers. The best part of this project is its longevity — most asphalt driveways can last up to 20 years before they need to be upgraded.
Photo: Ralph (Ravi) Kayden, Unsplash