We bet you’ve looked around your home and started a mental list of all the changes you’d like to make, weighing the pros and cons of renovating. Should you put in a little sweat-equity to get the home you really want or is it time to move on?
It’s a tough question, especially given the market fluctuations we’re seeing in 2025. Right now, Ottawa is leaning toward a buyers market, which can be good or bad for homeowners looking for an upgrade (depending on how you look at it).
This year we’re seeing a lot of homeowners turn toward renovations. If your home has the space you need but just needs a bit of a refresh, renovations can make you fall in love with your home all over again plus, if done strategically, can add value to your home. A win, win if you ask us!
Here are our tips for anyone looking to start a home renovation this year!
Look into a HELOC to Fund Your Home Renovations.
If you have equity in your home that you would like to access to complete renovations, talk to your lender about a Home Equity Line of Credit, also known as a HELOC.
A HELOC is a line of credit secured by your home that gives you a revolving credit line to use for significant expenses. In most cases, interest rates on your HELOC are lower than other types of loans and can be tax deductible.
To qualify for a HELOC, your lender will look at your credit score, employment history, income and debts and assess your home’s value against what you owe on your mortgage. This is a great tool to free up some cash to complete renovations while still adding to your home’s equity.
Apply for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative.
The federal government offers the Canada Greener Homes Grant as an incentive to invest in renovations that reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
This program can help cover the cost of renovations, including:
- Up to $5000 for home insulation
- Up to $1000 for air-sealing
- Up to $5000 for window & door replacement
- Up to $5000 for the installation of renewable energy (solar panels)
To check your eligibility and learn more, click through the Government of Canada’s Greener Homes Initiative.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Your Hands Dirty.
You can save a lot on renovations if you’re willing to do some work yourself.
Many small cosmetic renovations can easily be done without the help of a professional, like painting, replacing kitchen hardware, installing custom storage solutions, refinishing or restaining cabinetry, etc.
Depending on your level of experience, you can do even more.
We will caveat this by saying ANY project that includes electricity, plumbing or HVAC maintenance should be done by a professional. You should also ensure you’re getting proper permits for larger renovations to ensure everything is up to code. Renovations that do not pass inspection will not add value to your home.
If you have professionals coming in for renovations, see what prep work you can do ahead of time. If you’re installing flooring, can you remove the old flooring? If you’re replacing cabinets, can you remove the old ones? Finding small ways to reduce costs will help you in the long run.
Consult A Realtor for Expert Renovation Advice
A good realtor should be able to give you strategic renovation advice that will help increase your home’s value.
Our team offers Ottawa homeowners, FREE access to our Home Advisory Club which includes expert renovation advice as well as a a free home evaluation and access to our list of trusted professionals and tradespeople in Ottawa to get the job done right!
When we do a walk-through of your home, we’ll give you tips and advice regarding which renovations to prioritize if you’re looking to increase the value of your home in the future.
Ottawa Home Renovation Ideas 2025:
Here’s a list of some home renovation ideas that are sure to add value to your home:
Energy Efficient Upgrades
What To Do: Upgrade windows, insulation, HVAC systems, water-heaters and appliances to energy efficient models.
Why It Adds Value: Buyers are looking for ways to save in the long run and lower utility bills are a huge plus! Overall, green incentives are a huge win in 2025.
BONUS: You may qualify for tax credits or rebates for certain energy efficient upgrades in Ontario.
A Kitchen Refresh
What To Do: A refresh is NOT a full gut job. You can get away with simply upgrades like refacing cabinets, new appliances, a fresh backsplash or new countertops.
Why It Adds Value: A full reno isn’t always necessary! A light refresh will increase your ROI and attract buyers with a new polished look.
A Bathroom Modernization
What To Do: Give your primary bathroom or ensuite a refresh with a new vanity, lighting, and spa-like features (who doesn’t love a waterfall shower and heated floors?)
Why It Adds Value: To buyers, a spa-like bathroom is basically irresistible.
BONUS: You get the spa-like experience in the meantime. This one is truly a win-win solution.
Finished Basements & Rental Suite Opportunities
What To Do: A finished basement is always going to draw attention as it adds more livable square footage to your home. If you want to add EVEN MORE value for potential buyers (and yourself), consider a rental or in-law suite.
Why It Adds Value: Like we said, more livable square footage is always a plus. Adding a rental suite option will help buyers afford more when they apply for a mortgage (as long as your suite is up to code). You could also offset your current mortgage with a rental suite to help fund other things in your life like more renovations, vacations or even an investment property.
Upgrade to Smart Home Technology
What To Do: Install smart thermostats, lighting, doorbells and security systems.
Why This Ads Value: These are things buyers are looking for and aren’t as expensive to install as you might think.
BONUS: You may qualify for rebates for these upgrades as well and the smart tech can help you save on utility bills.
Get Started On Your Home Renovation in 2025!
If you’re thinking this year is the year for a home refresh, you’re right. A renovation now will help you enjoy your home and grow your home equity in the long run.
There are a TON of low-cost renovations that can add BIG value to your home. If you’re strategic when it comes to financing and which upgrades you do, your ROI could be through the roof.
If you’re thinking of completing a renovation on your Ottawa home, reach out to us and don’t forget to join our Home Advisory Club for exclusive access to our trusted professionals and more.
Let’s boost your home’s value today!
