Home renovations have always been a great way to improve your home’s return on investment (ROI) but knowing where to invest your money these days can be a challenge. Here are the top trends for 2022.
Minor kitchen remodel
Minor kitchen enhancements can give you more value than a significant renovation if you focus on the right areas. Upgrading appliances, adding new hardware, and repainting cabinets or replacing countertops may be all you need to bring your space to life. The era of plain white or wood cabinets has passed. Adding colour is this year’s big style change. Following the lead of European kitchens, we are seeing gorgeous greens, creams, taupe and even pinkish brown. Create a DIY weekend project or hire a local painter.
Larger bathrooms
With more family members living under one roof, bathroom space is often in high demand. Consider adding a double sink, walk-in shower and more storage. Homeowners are also adding luxuries to the bathroom to create a spa-like atmosphere with heated floors, touchless faucets, and backlit mirrors. Neutral shades of white, beige and grey are still popular as they don’t date and allow you to change accent colours with the seasons for a fresh, new look every few months.
Efficiency upgrades
There’s never been a better time to consider how renovations may impact climate change. Most new appliances are now energy-efficient, and many products incorporate recycled or reused materials. Upgrading windows? Be sure to choose a company with an ENERGY STAR product to help reduce heating and cooling bills and qualify for a Government of Ontario rebate (www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency). Switching from wood to vinyl frames means no warping or rotting and no upkeep. Be sure to order from a reputable company with a lifetime or 25-year warranty and check customer ratings online. Solar-powered lights make a great addition to outdoor living space, refurbished old furniture pieces look great indoors and out, and eco-flush toilets are a smart upgrade to bathrooms.
Build that deck
While the pandemic days are still not quite behind us, many continue to find solace in outdoor living spaces. Although now isn’t the season for building decks, planning and booking that contractor ensures you can get the work done in the spring or summer. There are many types of wood to choose from, with some in higher demand than others. Do your homework to determine if wood is still a better option financially than a composite deck. Traditionally, composite has required a considerable investment because the materials tend to last longer, and there’s no upkeep. Wood requires a routine investment in staining and resealing, and not all grains are resistant to insects. Cedar and redwood are often your best bet; however, prices and demand for these types have increased significantly in the past two years.
Upgrade your entrance
One of the best investments you can make in your home is to upgrade the entry door and garage and create a stunning curb appeal. Entry doors now come pre-hung and are a great DIY project or hire a professional. A steel door is a better option than wood as it is durable and does not warp or crack with the changing seasons. Replacing the garage door is also a great way to update your look and it can quickly be done in a day. The ROI for both doors cover the cost of the product and installation and is never a waste of money, especially if you are looking to sell in the near future. You can reuse your current motorized opener and wiring and replace the door itself to save money.
