In real estate, people love to talk about finding the “perfect” home. The moment you see it online, at an open house, or during a regular showing appointment, you just know it’s “the one.”

If you didn’t know better, you might think that finding the right fit is like the search for a soulmate, where there’s only one that could ever fit the bill. What happens if you don’t find a home that checks all of these boxes?

Whether or not there is actually any such thing as “perfect” is up for debate. Most buyers will want to make a few changes of their own, no matter how luxurious and modern a house may be. Today, we’ll talk all about renovating and personalizing your Midtown Toronto home until it feels just right for you.

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In With the New While Maintaining the Heart

Unique architectural styles are one of the best hallmarks of Midtown Toronto real estate! The area is known for its classic homes like Tudor Revival, Georgian, Colonial, English Cottage, traditional bungalows, as well as a growing mix of contemporary new builds and older residences that have been fully modernized and updated.

Renovating is a great way to personalize your home to suit your tastes, but you also want to maintain the fascinating character that attracted you to it in the first place. A few guidelines can allow you to bring the home up to new standards without losing any of its soul.

Think about restoring rather than overhauling.

Your older home likely has features you don’t find in cookie-cutter new-builds, and it makes sense to preserve them for future generations to appreciate. Those one-of-a-kind fireplaces, chimneys, and original woodwork may be faded and in need of care.

A little painting or refilling with new grout can restore them to their original glory and bring a touch of modern aesthetic.

Consider the landscaping.

Some home improvements don’t need to be about the interior at all. Many old houses in established areas are adorned by large, mature trees that give you a perfect canvas for a garden or patio. Since Torontonians love their outdoor spaces, strategic landscaping can enhance your enjoyment of your home while making it more appealing to potential buyers.

Are you on the hunt for your next home? Start by searching through some of our featured listings.

Focus on efficiency.

Older homes that haven’t been updated recently can be drafty and inefficient. If you love the aesthetic appeal, you can still modernize the property by installing new insulation and upgrading the HVAC systems.

New windows and doors keep heat in during the winter and maintain cooler temperatures in the summer. The inside becomes a comfortable oasis, and your energy bills might even be lower.

Review local bylaws first.

If you have a designated heritage home, you’ll need to apply for a Heritage Permit before making alterations to your property. This is to ensure that the home maintains its cultural heritage value and interest.

Even if your home has no official designation, you’ll still need appropriate permits for major renovations. These include new additions or structural alterations, such as adding a second story, a detached garage or sunroom, or installing a new window where none existed before.

Smaller projects like replacing a furnace or building new cabinets do not require a permit; however, all construction must comply with zoning bylaws.

If you’re thinking, “I want to renovate my house – where do I start” – the posts below can help:

Keeping the Numbers and Analytics in Mind

People get in touch with our team for many reasons. If they’re not yet curious about buying or selling, they may be wondering about the best ROI home improvements. Whatever your reasons or your goals, focusing on the numbers is always a good idea.

Few homeowners want to invest $100,000 in their property, only to find it doesn’t even move the needle on the resale value. If you are planning to stay for a decade or more, it may be worth upgrading it for your comfort and enjoyment while worrying less about how to add value to your home.

You’ll need to make your decisions more carefully when you are planning to sell. Some improvements may be necessary to attract buyer attention in a competitive market, whether they add monetary value or not.

Other projects have a low cost but high potential for a return on investment. In any case, it’s up to the homeowner to weigh the costs versus the benefits of the renovation.

When you’re ready to sell a house, the posts below can help you make the most of your transaction:

Should I Renovate Before Selling?

If you plan to sell your home, the answer is almost always, absolutely yes, you should perform some renovations. We just need to be more selective about what projects to invest in since our economic reality has changed so much over the last few years.

There was a time when we’d recommend full kitchen and bathroom makeovers without hesitation. Projects like these were always expensive, but buyers would typically be willing to pay a premium.

Due to the increased costs of both material and labour, you can no longer take anything for granted. Before we recommend an upgrade, we first run the numbers, then double and triple-check them to ensure every dollar pays off. Whether you’re renovating to sell or transforming a property into your ultimate dream home, our team of experts can help you achieve exceptional results.

If you’re ready to renovate your current home or buy a new property to remodel, our Midtown Toronto real estate agents are happy to talk value. Reach out to us at david@batorigroup.com, bobby@batorigroup.com or call (416)-485-7575 to learn more.