# Ontario Renovation ROI Guide: Which Projects Return the Most Value at Sale

**URL:** <https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-renovation-roi-guide-which-projects-return-the-most-value-at-sale/46848>\
**Category:** Ontario\
**Created:** [April 26, 2026, 6:12pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-renovation-roi-guide-which-projects-return-the-most-value-at-sale/46848 "2026-04-26T18:12:28Z")\
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**Author:** ![system](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/system/32/77_2.png) [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\
**Post date:** [April 26, 2026, 6:12pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-renovation-roi-guide-which-projects-return-the-most-value-at-sale/46848/1 "2026-04-26T18:12:28Z")

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Not all renovations are created equal when it comes to resale value. Ontario real estate agents and appraisers consistently point to a short list of projects that reliably return 70-100% of cost.

**Top ROI Projects in Ontario (2025-2026)**

1. **Kitchen Refresh (not full gut)**: Replacing cabinet doors and hardware, new countertops, updated lighting. Cost: $8,000-$20,000. ROI: 75-90%. Full gut renos rarely recoup full cost.

2. **Bathroom Update** : New vanity, fixtures, tile surround, and lighting. Cost: $6,000-$15,000. ROI: 70-85%. Buyers notice dated bathrooms immediately.

3. **Curb Appeal** : Fresh exterior paint, new front door, landscaping cleanup, interlock front walkway. Cost: $3,000-$12,000. ROI: 80-100%. First impressions drive offers.

4. **Basement Finishing** : Adding liveable square footage. Cost: $40,000-$80,000. ROI: 60-75%. Legal egress windows and permits are critical for appraisal credit.

5. **Main Floor Open Concept** : Removing non-load-bearing walls between kitchen and living areas. Cost: $5,000-$15,000. ROI: 70-85%. Ontario buyers strongly prefer open layouts.

**Low ROI Projects to Avoid Before Sale**

- Swimming pools (negative ROI in most Ontario markets outside Muskoka)
- Luxury custom finishes in entry-level neighbourhoods
- Over-renovating relative to neighbourhood ceiling price

**Always Pull Permits**  
Unpermitted work is flagged on home inspection reports and can crater a deal or require expensive remediation at closing.

Discuss renovation ROI with other Ontario homeowners at home.renovation.reviews. The forum covers project planning, contractor selection, and market-specific advice for GTA and beyond.