Boost Your Home's Value: The 10 Best Renovations for Sellers

Getting your St. John's home ready for the market? Before you list, it's smart to know which updates will actually put money back in your pocket. Often, it's the smaller, strategic projects that give you a much better Return on Investment (ROI) than huge, expensive overhauls.

Here’s our guide to the top 10 projects that will boost your property's value in the St. John's market. We'll help you make sure every dollar you spend is a smart investment toward a better, more profitable sale.

1. A Fresh Coat of Paint

You'll be amazed at the power of paint. It's easily the most cost-effective upgrade you can make. A fresh coat of neutral paint covers up years of daily life and helps buyers see the home as a clean, bright canvas they can make their own.

• Typical Cost: $5,000 – $15,000
• Estimated ROI: 70% – 110%+

The St. John's Angle: Our famously grey skies mean that bright, light-filled interiors are a huge selling point here. Go for light greys, beiges, or off-whites to make rooms feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting.

2. Minor Kitchen Remodel

The key word here is "minor." You don't need to tear everything out. A smart kitchen refresh focuses on high-impact cosmetic updates. Think professionally painting cabinets, putting in new quartz countertops, adding a simple backsplash, and swapping out old hardware.

• Typical Cost: $15,000 – $25,000
• Estimated ROI: 75% – 100%

Why It Works: The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during our long winters. When buyers see a move-in-ready kitchen, it removes the biggest potential project from their to-do list, making your home far more attractive.

3. Front Door Replacement

Curb appeal starts the moment someone walks up to your house. Swapping a dated, worn-out door for a modern steel or fiberglass one gives a huge boost to first impressions, security, and even energy efficiency.

• Typical Cost: $2,000 – $5,000
• Estimated ROI: 75% – 100%

The St. John's Angle: With our wind and rain, a sturdy, well-insulated front door shows buyers the home is well-cared-for and protected from the elements. It’s a small detail that says a lot.

4. Minor Bathroom Refresh

Just like the kitchen, think "facelift," not a total gut job. A new vanity, modern fixtures and lighting, re-glazing an old tub, and maybe a new toilet can completely transform the space. The goal is a bathroom that feels clean, modern, and relaxing.

• Typical Cost: $10,000 – $20,000
• Estimated ROI: 62% – 100%

Why It Works: Buyers always inspect bathrooms closely. An updated space feels clean and a bit luxurious, turning a functional room into a feature that adds real value.

5. Siding & Exterior Updates

Your home's exterior is its first line of defense. Replacing old or damaged siding isn't just about looks; it's about "value preservation." It removes a major red flag for buyers who are worried about expensive future repairs.

• Typical Cost: $5,000 – $30,000+
• Estimated ROI: 50% – 90%

The St. John's Angle: Our wind, rain, and salt-filled air are tough on exteriors. New siding gives buyers confidence that the home is sealed and ready for Newfoundland weather, preventing them from making a low offer.

6. Window Replacement

New windows are another key "value preservation" project. They don't just add to the price; they stop buyers from subtracting thousands from their offer to cover future replacement costs. Plus, they improve energy efficiency.

• Typical Cost: $7,000 – $20,000
• Estimated ROI: 50% – 80%

The St. John's Angle: With heating costs being a real concern in NL, new, energy-efficient windows are a fantastic selling point. They promise lower bills and a cozier home through the winter.

7. Roof Replacement

An old or failing roof can be a deal-killer. Home inspectors will flag it immediately, causing buyers to either walk away or demand a huge credit. Replacing it ahead of time removes this major point of stress and negotiation.

• Typical Cost: $8,000 – $15,000+
• Estimated ROI: 50% – 85%

Why It's Critical Here: With our heavy rain and high winds, a solid roof is non-negotiable for buyers. A new roof offers priceless peace of mind.

8. Deck or Patio Addition

A deck or patio adds usable living space for a fraction of the cost of an interior addition. It creates a dedicated spot for enjoying a coffee, hosting a barbecue, or just relaxing outside.

• Typical Cost (Wood): $8,000 – $20,000
• Estimated ROI: 50% – 80%

The St. John's Angle: We Newfoundlanders cherish our summers! A great outdoor space is a highly-desired lifestyle feature that helps homeowners make the most of every single sunny day.

9. Finishing the Basement

Finishing your basement can add a ton of functional living space—a family room, home office, gym, or extra bedroom. While appraisers value below-ground space a bit differently, buyers see it as a huge bonus.

• Typical Cost: $45,000 – $75,000+
• Estimated ROI: 50% – 75%

Why It Works: More indoor space is always a good thing. A finished basement gives a family room to spread out, which is a major draw for buyers in our market.

10. Strategic Major Remodels

A full kitchen or bathroom gut job usually has a lower percentage ROI, but sometimes it's absolutely necessary. This isn't about making a profit on the renovation itself; it's about bringing your home up to the same standard as others in your neighbourhood if it's very outdated.

• Typical Cost: $25,000 – $100,000+
• Estimated ROI: 50% – 80%

Here's the key: If your home is miles behind the times, a major remodel might be what it takes to even be competitive. Before spending that kind of money, it's vital to understand your local market. Check our guide on What's Your House Really Worth? to learn more.