Listing Your House This Season? Put Down The Sledgehammer & Read This First!

Here's What You Can Do To Maximize Your Property's Value

So, you’ve decided to sell your house this year. Maybe you’re looking for a bigger place, moving out of province, or just ready to cash in on your years of home improvement projects.

At LumberMart BMR Pro, we think whatever the reason, we want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck when you list your home!

Your real estate agent will always have an opinion on what renovations and materials your home may need before listing as well. It's best to make sure your have the best strategy & plan in palce before you slap a "For Sale" sign on the front lawn and hope for the best.

Let’s talk about the most important home renovations to tackle before hitting the market.

1. Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter

Imagine you’re on a blind date. Would you show up in sweatpants and unbrushed hair? (the answer is supposed to be no...LOL) Your home’s exterior is that first impression for potential buyers. A little landscaping, a fresh coat of paint on the front door, and maybe some new house numbers can work wonders.

2. Kitchen Refresh: The Heart of the Home

You don’t need to rip out your entire kitchen and install a chef’s dream setup—unless you’re aiming to impress Gordon Ramsay himself. Instead, focus on cost-effective upgrades: adjust and repaint cabinets, replace outdated hardware, swap out that leaky faucet, and upgrade to energy-efficient appliances if the budget allows. If your tile backsplash and countertop are showing their age, consider updating them for a fresh, clean & modern look.

3. Bathroom Upgrades: Small Changes, Big Impact

Buyers love a clean, updated and organized bathroom. Simple fixes like regrouting tiles, swapping out for a new vanity, installing modern light fixtures, or even just replacing the old toilet seat can make a big difference. Make sure you have matching, clean towels on display wherever possible.

4. Fresh Paint: The Magic Wand of Home Selling

If the walls are currently sporting 90s sponge paint, or "mystery stains" from years of family life, it’s time for a fresh coat. Stick to neutral tones, soft whites, or light blues to make the space look bigger and brighter. Bonus: fresh paint also helps mask any lingering smells from that time you burned fish sticks in 2018.

5. Floors That Don’t Scare Buyers Away

If your floors creak like a haunted house or showcase decades of pet-related incidents, consider an update. Replacing worn-out floors with easy to install vinyl plank laminate can add instant value.

6. Fix What’s Broken: The "No Red Flags" Rule

Buyers love a home that feels move-in ready. That means tackling the little things that scream "neglect": leaky faucets, doors that don’t close properly, and that one light switch that does absolutely nothing. A home inspection will catch these anyway, so it’s better to handle them upfront rather than dealing with price negotiations later.

7. Basement & Attic: Hidden Treasure or Scary Dungeon?

Basements can be a huge selling feature. A little drywall, fresh paint, trim, flooring and proper lighting can transform your basement into valuable usable space. If you have an attic with potential, consider minor improvements to showcase extra storage or even a cozy reading nook.

8. Energy Efficiency: A Sneaky Selling Point

Buyers love a home that won’t leave them shivering in February or sweating in August. Check that your fiberglass insulation & sealant is up to par. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows & doors, and seal any gaps you might have with fresh caulking in an appropriate color. Bonus: energy-efficient homes can qualify for government rebates, which is an extra selling point for buyers.

9. Don't Forget Your Deck!

Now more than ever your deck is an extension of your home. We entertain on our decks, cook on them, sun tan and more. Just as important, your deck needs to be safe and look ready for the next ice bucket challenge! Replace rotten or missing deck boards, support posts & joists with new pressure treated lumber. Make sure your handrail and stairs are solidly intact and safe. Pressure washing the years of moss & mildew off the deck components and applying a coat of paint or stain can instantly improve your home's value.

10. Sheds & Garages

Your neglected shed & garage may be a deal breaker for a potential buyer. Clean out and purge all that you don't need anymore (Donate or YARD SALE!!) and clear up the old materials and debris that collects around your shed or garage. Check that the overhead garage doors are in good working order and open freely and seal property. If there is a garage door issue, this is a job to call a pro installer in for...Garage door hardware can be dangerous. For your shed, make sure the paint is in good shape, the doors & windows are working and everything is organized. If it's too far gone, you may be better off to just get rid of it altogether!

The Bottom Line:

At LumberMart BMR Pro, we are more than happy to talk to you about getting your home ready to sell. We can help with most of the materials you may need and can even help you with our installation team we have on staff.

There is no need to completely renovate your home into a castle to attract buyers, but a few smart upgrades can make a massive difference in the offers you receive. The key is to focus on areas that add value, improve functionality, and make your home more appealing to the broadest range of buyers.

Now go forth, spruce up your space, and get ready to cash in on all those weekends spent watching home improvement shows.

Good luck selling your home, and may the bidding wars be ever in your favor! We are here to help if your need us. Contact us anytime at installs@lumbermart.ca or directly at 902-444-5264. Happy Selling!