7 popular home renovations for post-pandemic living

COVID-19 has changed the way we live, work, and play. With Canadians spending more time at home than ever before, it’s no surprise there has been a significant spike in home renovation projects over the last year. According to a recent survey, 1 in 3 Canadian homeowners have already completed renovations or are planning to upgrade their home at some point during the pandemic.

Homeowners are taking advantage of provincial tax credits for home renovations and making the most of their time in lockdown by modifying their spaces to suit their changing lifestyle needs. These seven popular projects can make your home more comfortable and functional during the pandemic (and beyond) and will also increase your property value for when it’s time to sell.

[Photo Credit: VAKSMANV]

After months of working from home and remote learning, families are creating dedicated at-home office spaces where they can conduct marathons video calls in peace. Whether you’re transforming a guest bedroom or building a stand-alone structure in your yard, having a dedicated workspace will increase your productivity and helps create a much-needed physical boundary between your work and domestic life.

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Outdoor space is more important than ever in 2021, which means many homeowners are choosing to invest time and money into enhancing their backyards and balconies. Whether you’re building a deck, installing a privacy fence, or undertaking some serious landscaping, revamping your yard is a great way to add value to your home and increase your overall living space.

If you want to dramatically change the look of your home without spending a lot of money, putting a fresh coat of paint on your walls delivers high-impact results. Unlike large-scale renovations that might require a general contractor, interior painting is something many homeowners can tackle themselves – as long as you’ve got a steady hand and the right tools.

Amidst a year without salon visits and spa days, homeowners have been upgrading their en-suite baths and powder rooms to work for their self-care routines at home. In fact, bathroom remodels were the second most popular home renovation project in 2020 according to Home Advisor’s State of Home Spending report. A full bathroom renovation is a major undertaking that involves multiple trades, so a general contractor can help coordinate the project and make sure everything runs smoothly.

With the long-term closure of many fitness studios and athletic centres, Canadians have had to adapt their fitness routines – and their homes – to stay motivated and get some daily exercise. Basements, garages, and guest bedrooms have been reconfigured and transformed into at-home gyms with soft flooring mats, proper ventilation, and clever storage solutions designed to hide away fitness equipment.

Over the last year, many Canadians decided to capitalize on the hot real estate market by swapping their urban homes for more square footage and outdoor space outside the city. If you’re planning on selling, exterior home renovations like replacing roof shingles, remodeling the porch, and painting your front door can boost your home’s curb appeal. Some major exterior upgrades may even be eligible for a home renovation tax credit.

Without typical spending on travel, entertainment, dining and recreational activities, many homeowners have saved big bucks over the last year and are redirecting that discretionary income to big-ticket home renovations. Those who might have been holding off are now taking the plunge on major projects and hiring a general contractor to help make big changes such as building a new addition, finishing the basement, or installing an in-ground pool.