🛠️ Renovate Smart
Which Updates Bring Long-Term Value — and Which Are Purely Aesthetic?
After seeing thousands of homes and guiding sellers through countless pre-listing preparations, there’s one principle I always return to:
I believe in the principle of balance and moderation — not doing too much, not doing too little.
A renovation doesn’t need to be extravagant, nor should it be done with the cheapest materials. The sweet spot — good quality, thoughtful choices, and broad appeal — consistently performs the best when it’s time to sell.
And in today’s slower market, this matters even more. Buyers are more observant and more selective. Many can instantly tell when a renovation was done last-minute purely to sell the property. On the other hand, a renovation done early — done properly — allows you to enjoy it now, while making your home stand out later.
If you have kids, pets, or a busy household, choosing the right materials becomes even more important. Durability and practicality help your home stay beautiful and market-ready.
Below are a few places where balance matters most:
🎨 Paint Colours
Neutral tones with a subtle accent wall appeal to the widest audience.
And trust me — I understand the temptation to go bold.
I admit turquoise is still my thang!
But instead of painting every wall turquoise, I tone it down with teal wallpaper and teal décor accents. It lets me keep the personality I love, without overwhelming the space for future buyers.
That’s the key:
one thoughtful feature, not a full commitment to a strong colour that may limit your market.
🪵 Flooring
Most buyers gravitate toward neutral flooring options.
Laminate → durable, cost-effective, and especially practical for families with kids or pets.
Engineered hardwood → a nice upgrade: stylish yet relatively easy to maintain.
Extra-thick premium hardwood → gorgeous, but much harder to maintain, especially for busy households. And buyers rarely pay a premium for that difference.
A beautiful floor should also be a livable floor. Choose something you can enjoy now and that future buyers will appreciate.
🍽️ Kitchen: Cabinets & Countertops
Lighter, softer tones for cabinetry and counters remain very buyer-friendly.
Countertops:
Marble → stunning, but stains easily and requires extra care.
Quartz → durable, heat-resistant, and widely preferred.
Ask yourself: Which choice fits your lifestyle today while still making sense for resale?
🚿 Bathrooms
Minimalist one-panel shower glass looks amazing in photos, but let’s be honest — water splashes everywhere.
A standard shower door is often more functional and easier to maintain, especially for families.
The designer option isn’t always the most family-friendly one.
💡 The Takeaway
Renovations should support your daily life now and your future resale.
In a market where buyers are increasingly selective, a decent renovation — not excessive, not cheap — will stand out when it’s time to sell.
It adds real value to your home, makes it more appealing to buyers, and allows you to enjoy a high-quality, comfortable living space in the meantime.
If you’re considering renovations or thinking ahead to listing, I’m here to help you determine which updates will give you the strongest long-term return.