At The Halyard Group, we know that homeowners are always looking for ways to increase the value of their houses. Whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to boost your property’s worth, strategic improvements can make a significant difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical steps on how to increase the value of your house, focusing on key areas that offer the best return on investment.
How to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
At The Halyard Group, we understand the power of first impressions in real estate. By the end of 2025, it’s estimated that the total spending on home remodelling projects could reach $509 billion. Let’s explore effective ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Refresh Your Home’s Exterior Paint
A fresh coat of paint can transform your home’s appearance. Zillow research indicates a black front door is associated with the highest resale price compared to other front door colours like red and blue. Choose neutral tones that complement your home’s style and neighbourhood. Quality exterior paint costs around $25 per gallon.
Transform Your Front Yard
Landscaping boosts curb appeal effectively. Plant mature shade trees to reduce cooling costs by up to 40%. Select low-maintenance, native plants for an attractive yet sustainable landscape.
Upgrade Your Exterior Lighting
Proper lighting enhances safety and aesthetics. Install modern fixtures that complement your home’s architecture. Solar-powered pathway lights (an eco-friendly option) can illuminate your walkway without increasing energy costs. Highlight key features of your home, such as architectural details or beautiful landscaping.
Make a Statement with Your Front Door
Your front door serves as the focal point of your home’s exterior. The Remodelling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report indicates that replacing an old door with a new steel one can recover up to 188.1% of the investment at resale. If a full replacement isn’t necessary, repaint your existing door in a bold, welcoming colour.
Maintain Your Driveway and Walkways
Don’t overlook your driveway and walkways. Repair any cracks or unevenness in these surfaces. Consider pressure washing to remove dirt and stains (this can make a dramatic difference). For an extra touch, edge your walkways and add decorative elements like potted plants or landscape lighting.
These exterior improvements create a positive first impression, setting the stage for potential buyers to appreciate your home before they even step inside. Now, let’s move on to the interior spaces that can significantly impact your home’s value.
How to Transform Your Interior Spaces
At The Halyard Group, we understand that interior renovations can significantly boost your home’s value. Let’s explore some high-impact improvements that can transform your living spaces and attract potential buyers.
Kitchen: The Heart of the Home
The kitchen often serves as the most important room in a house. A kitchen remodel can be one of the highest-return fix-and-flip upgrades. Start by replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient models. This not only modernizes the space but also appeals to environmentally conscious buyers.
Update your countertops with quartz or granite, which remain popular choices for their durability and aesthetic appeal. If a full countertop replacement exceeds your budget, refinish existing countertops for a cost-effective alternative.
New cabinet hardware can give your kitchen a fresh look without the expense of full cabinet replacement. For cabinets in good condition, a new paint job offers a budget-friendly update.
Bathroom Updates That Make a Splash
Bathrooms play a key role in attracting potential buyers. Replace old fixtures (such as faucets and showerheads) with modern, water-efficient models.
Re-grout tiles to make a significant difference in your bathroom’s appearance. If your budget allows, replace outdated tiles with modern options. Large-format tiles currently trend and can make small bathrooms appear more spacious.
Install a new vanity or update your existing one with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. Update old lighting fixtures to brighten the room and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Flooring: The Foundation of Your Home
Quality flooring can dramatically improve your home’s appeal. Hardwood floors are particularly desirable, with a survey indicating that homes with wood floors could sell for up to 10 percent more.
If hardwood isn’t an option, consider luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. It offers durability, water-resistance, and can mimic the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. For bedrooms, new carpeting can add warmth and comfort.
Consistency in flooring throughout the home can create a sense of flow and make spaces appear larger. This holds particular importance in open-concept areas.
Create an Open-Concept Living Area
Open-concept living spaces continue to appeal to modern homebuyers. Remove non-load-bearing walls to create a more spacious and flexible living area. This can improve natural light flow and make your home feel larger.
When planning an open-concept renovation, consider the flow between spaces. Use consistent flooring and colour schemes to create a cohesive look. Add defined zones within the open space using furniture placement or area rugs to maintain functionality.
These interior improvements can significantly increase your home’s value and appeal. As we move forward, let’s explore how energy efficiency upgrades can further enhance your home’s worth and attract environmentally conscious buyers.
How Energy Efficiency Boosts Your Home’s Value
At The Halyard Group, we observe how energy-efficient homes attract buyers and command higher prices. Let’s explore how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and increase its value.
Smart Home Technology: The Future of Energy Management
Smart home technology has become a standard expectation for many homebuyers. Homeowners and sellers who invest in high-impact smart technology can enhance their property’s marketability and resale value. Smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee) can save homeowners an average of 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling costs annually. These devices optimize energy use by learning your habits and adjusting temperatures automatically.
Smart lighting systems (such as Philips Hue or Lutron Caseta) allow remote control and scheduling of lights. This feature adds convenience and can reduce electricity usage by up to 60% compared to traditional lighting. Many buyers will pay a premium for homes with these energy-saving features already installed.
Windows: Your Home’s Energy Gatekeepers
Upgrading to energy-efficient windows is a significant investment that pays off in both energy savings and increased home value. The U.S. Department of Energy states that heat gain and loss through windows account for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Homeowners can save between $126 to $465 per year in energy costs by replacing old, single-pane windows with double-pane, low-E windows.
When selecting new windows, look for the Energy Star label and pay attention to the U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings (lower numbers indicate better insulation properties). Window replacement has a return on investment of up to 85%, making it a great investment. Buyers see more value in a home with new windows and may offer more.
Insulation: The Hidden Hero of Energy Efficiency
Proper insulation maintains a comfortable temperature in your home and reduces energy costs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by adding insulation in attics, crawl spaces, and basement rim joists.
Focus on the attic first when upgrading insulation, as this is where the most heat loss occurs. Use blown-in cellulose or fibreglass insulation to achieve an R-value of R-38 to R-60, depending on your climate zone. For walls, consider blown-in insulation or foam injection, which can be added without removing drywall.
Don’t overlook air sealing-addressing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. A professional energy audit will help identify areas where insulation and air sealing will have the most impact.
HVAC Systems: The Backbone of Home Comfort
An efficient HVAC system is essential for maintaining comfort and reducing energy costs. Modern, high-efficiency systems can significantly cut your energy bills and increase your home’s value. Installing a new HVAC system can increase your home value by 5% to 7% with a return on investment (ROI) of about 30%.
Try to replace old HVAC systems with Energy Star certified models. These systems use 15% less energy than standard models and often come with advanced features like variable-speed motors and smart controls. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system (including annual professional inspections) will ensure it operates at peak efficiency, further reducing energy costs and extending the system’s lifespan.
Energy-efficient improvements can increase your home’s value by up to 3-5%. Don’t underestimate the impact of these upgrades when preparing your home for sale.
Final Thoughts
Strategic improvements enhance both aesthetics and functionality when you increase your house’s value. We explored key areas where upgrades can make a significant impact, from boosting curb appeal to modernizing interior spaces and implementing energy-efficient solutions. These changes attract potential buyers and command higher prices in the real estate market.
Every home and market is unique, so what works in one neighbourhood might not be as effective in another. It’s essential to consult with real estate professionals who understand your local market dynamics. At The Halyard Group, we specialize in helping families in the Greater Toronto Area navigate the complexities of upsizing to larger homes in some of the top neighbourhoods across the city.
Our expertise can guide you in making informed decisions about which improvements will best increase your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers. You can maximize your property’s worth and position it competitively in the market by focusing on strategic upgrades and seeking professional advice. These improvements will make a lasting impact on your home’s value and appeal, whether you plan to sell soon or want to enhance your property for the future.
