If you recently bought a house that needs updating or are finally getting around to tackling a long-awaited reno project, be sure to first consider where your money will be best spent. Whether refreshing your home for resale or simply for your own enjoyment, these reno jobs are often worth the investment.
Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.
Renovations
These 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra Money
August 22, 2018
If you recently bought a house that needs updating or are finally getting around to tackling a long-awaited reno project, be sure to first consider where your money will be best spent. Whether refreshing your home for resale or simply for your own enjoyment, these reno jobs are often worth the investment. Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.
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Kitchens
1/10Kitchens
1/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
If you’re upgrading your kitchen, it’s worth going the extra mile. Kitchens are the focal point of our homes, and if they’re well designed and home to high-quality materials and appliances, you will certainly see a return on your investment. Choosing a premium countertop will not only offer a better aesthetic, but it will last longer than a cheaper product. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/leave-it-to-bryan/photos/bryan-baeumlers-best-kitchen-renovations-1895721/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">See here for Bryan’s All-Time Best Kitchen Renovations</a>.RenovationsThese 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra MoneyKitchens
PHOTO 1 of 10READ LESS -If you’re upgrading your kitchen, it’s worth going the extra mile. Kitchens are the focal point of our homes, and if they’re well designed and home to high-quality materials and appliances, you will certainly see a return on your investment. Choosing a premium countertop will not only offer a better aesthetic, but it will last longer than a cheaper product. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/leave-it-to-bryan/photos/bryan-baeumlers-best-kitchen-renovations-1895721/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">See here for Bryan’s All-Time Best Kitchen Renovations</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Bathrooms
2/10Bathrooms
2/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Bathrooms are another space people focus on when buying a home. A beautiful washroom can be the difference between someone buying a house or not, so if you’re looking to renovate, don’t skimp on the work done or the materials you use. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/leave-it-to-bryan/photos/see-bryan-baeumlers-best-bathroom-renovations-1052544/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">See here for Bryan’s Best Bathroom Renovations</a>.RenovationsThese 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra MoneyBathrooms
PHOTO 2 of 10READ LESS -Bathrooms are another space people focus on when buying a home. A beautiful washroom can be the difference between someone buying a house or not, so if you’re looking to renovate, don’t skimp on the work done or the materials you use. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/leave-it-to-bryan/photos/see-bryan-baeumlers-best-bathroom-renovations-1052544/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">See here for Bryan’s Best Bathroom Renovations</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Windows and Doors
3/10Windows and Doors
3/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Installing windows and doors is a costly aspect of any renovation, but spending more upfront will ensure they stand the test of time and can handle all elements thrown at them. This is an upgrade that is definitely worth the extra cash. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/common-renovating-costs-walls-doors-and-windows-27089/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Read More: Common Renovating Costs for Walls, Doors and Windows</a>.RenovationsThese 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra MoneyWindows and Doors
PHOTO 3 of 10READ LESS -Installing windows and doors is a costly aspect of any renovation, but spending more upfront will ensure they stand the test of time and can handle all elements thrown at them. This is an upgrade that is definitely worth the extra cash. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/common-renovating-costs-walls-doors-and-windows-27089/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Read More: Common Renovating Costs for Walls, Doors and Windows</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Finished Basement
4/10Finished Basement
4/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
A finished basement can increase the value of your home, but one that is poorly constructed can do the opposite. When completing your lower level, don’t assume you can save money by ignoring good advice or using cheap materials. Many issues within your home begin in the basement, so the more you can do to avoid them, the better for you in the future. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/20-clever-ways-to-increase-the-value-of-your-basement-1909334/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 20 Clever Ways to Increase the Value of Your Basement</a>.RenovationsThese 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra MoneyFinished Basement
PHOTO 4 of 10READ LESS -A finished basement can increase the value of your home, but one that is poorly constructed can do the opposite. When completing your lower level, don’t assume you can save money by ignoring good advice or using cheap materials. Many issues within your home begin in the basement, so the more you can do to avoid them, the better for you in the future. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/20-clever-ways-to-increase-the-value-of-your-basement-1909334/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 20 Clever Ways to Increase the Value of Your Basement</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Efficient Furnace and AC Unit
5/10Efficient Furnace and AC Unit
5/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
Furnaces and AC units are a costly part of anyone’s home. Heating and cooling eat up a great deal of energy and cost a lot to run, so having one that’s inefficient and working twice as hard is not good for anyone. Replacing these units can be costly, but again, it can payoff in the long run. Opting for a smart, programmable thermostat helps too! <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/mike-holmes/blog/9-small-upgrades-that-will-make-your-home-way-more-energy-efficient-1917539/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 9 Small Upgrades That Will Make Your Home Way More Energy Efficient</a>.RenovationsThese 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra MoneyEfficient Furnace and AC Unit
PHOTO 5 of 10READ LESS -Furnaces and AC units are a costly part of anyone’s home. Heating and cooling eat up a great deal of energy and cost a lot to run, so having one that’s inefficient and working twice as hard is not good for anyone. Replacing these units can be costly, but again, it can payoff in the long run. Opting for a smart, programmable thermostat helps too! <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/mike-holmes/blog/9-small-upgrades-that-will-make-your-home-way-more-energy-efficient-1917539/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 9 Small Upgrades That Will Make Your Home Way More Energy Efficient</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Storage (Cabinets and Closets)
6/10Storage (Cabinets and Closets)
6/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Kitchen cabinets are well-used in most homes, so opting for higher-quality materials means they’ll last. This can also be the case for closets. A well-designed closet with high-quality materials is often well worth the money.RenovationsThese 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra MoneyStorage (Cabinets and Closets)
PHOTO 6 of 10READ LESS -Kitchen cabinets are well-used in most homes, so opting for higher-quality materials means they’ll last. This can also be the case for closets. A well-designed closet with high-quality materials is often well worth the money.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Patio and Deck
7/10Patio and Deck
7/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
When upgrading your outdoor space, it can be worth it to add premium materials or additions. Like kitchens and bathrooms, outdoor spaces can be a deal breaker when selling your home, not to mention a well-made deck will last you a lifetime. Decks and patios get a lot of wear and tear and need to be built properly in order to last through the seasons. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/bryan-baeumlers-best-outdoor-renos-1918814/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">See here for Bryan’s Favourite Outdoor Reno Projects</a>.RenovationsThese 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra MoneyPatio and Deck
PHOTO 7 of 10READ LESS -When upgrading your outdoor space, it can be worth it to add premium materials or additions. Like kitchens and bathrooms, outdoor spaces can be a deal breaker when selling your home, not to mention a well-made deck will last you a lifetime. Decks and patios get a lot of wear and tear and need to be built properly in order to last through the seasons. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/bryan-baeumlers-best-outdoor-renos-1918814/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">See here for Bryan’s Favourite Outdoor Reno Projects</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Roofing
8/10Roofing
8/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
No one invites their loved ones over to see their new roof, but that doesn't mean you shouldn’t ensure you have the best materials for it! Nobody wants to replace a roof, but it’s worth the extra money to make it as efficient as possible. Need more advice? <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/common-roof-repair-myths-1917374/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Don’t Fall for These 10 Common Roof Repair Myths!</a>RenovationsThese 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra MoneyRoofing
PHOTO 8 of 10READ LESS -No one invites their loved ones over to see their new roof, but that doesn't mean you shouldn’t ensure you have the best materials for it! Nobody wants to replace a roof, but it’s worth the extra money to make it as efficient as possible. Need more advice? <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/common-roof-repair-myths-1917374/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Don’t Fall for These 10 Common Roof Repair Myths!</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Insulation
9/10Insulation
9/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
For bigger renovations that require moving walls or replacing insulation, I recommend using the best insulation your budget can afford. The savings you’ll make long-term will be worth the extra upfront costs. A well-insulated home will also reduce the amount of energy your living space uses and therefore benefits the environment.RenovationsThese 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra MoneyInsulation
PHOTO 9 of 10READ LESS -For bigger renovations that require moving walls or replacing insulation, I recommend using the best insulation your budget can afford. The savings you’ll make long-term will be worth the extra upfront costs. A well-insulated home will also reduce the amount of energy your living space uses and therefore benefits the environment.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Wiring
10/10Wiring
10/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your wiring needs upgrading, go the extra mile. With smart homes increasing in popularity, it’s worth thinking about the placement of sockets, and whether you can install electrical within the walls. It’s also important to consider future needs when rewiring, as our living spaces might look very different in ten years' time, especially when it comes to electrical.RenovationsThese 10 Home Upgrades Are Always Worth the Extra MoneyWiring
PHOTO 10 of 10READ LESS -If your wiring needs upgrading, go the extra mile. With smart homes increasing in popularity, it’s worth thinking about the placement of sockets, and whether you can install electrical within the walls. It’s also important to consider future needs when rewiring, as our living spaces might look very different in ten years' time, especially when it comes to electrical.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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