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Highest Return Condo Renovations in Vancouver
April 15, 2025The streets of Vancouver are lined with residential towers. Over 32% of people living in the city live in condos. From mixed-use high-rises and luxury developments to boutique buildings and older walk-ups, Vancouver has something for every budget and lifestyle. In this competitive real estate market, making strategic upgrades to your condo can significantly boost its value and appeal. Whether you’re looking to sell or simply invest in creating a more bespoke living space, here are the top five highest return renovation projects.
Why Renovate Your Condo?
Staying put or moving on, there’s no reason not to make the most out of your Vancouver condo. Depending on your motive, renovating your space allows you to tailor the function and design of your condo to improve your situation or appeal to a wider range of buyers and command a higher price.
Consider a unit in an older building. You probably have the benefit of a five-star location and a larger footprint than many of the newer units being built. However, the layout might feel disjointed, and it’s likely the space is not being utilized to its fullest potential. Modifying the floor plan, adding storage, or updating the kitchen and bathrooms are all projects that could add significantly to the liveability and function of your space. The key is choosing the projects that will add the most value and appeal.
Kitchen Upgrades: The Heart of the Home
We all know that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, and if you’re considering a condo renovation in Vancouver, this is the obvious place to start. There are two ways to approach this type of project, depending on your timeline and budget. You could opt for a full-scale renovation, taking the space down to the studs and starting over from scratch. You might even decide to play with the floor plan and layout to maximize open-concept living and natural light.
If a full home renovation is not in the budget, or if your kitchen already has good bones, you can also transform the look of the space with a few carefully chosen upgrades. Refinishing your cabinetry, updating hardware, installing a new backsplash, and swapping out countertops are affordable ways to make your kitchen feel like an entirely new space, without the full reno price tag.
Bathroom Remodels: Small Space, Big Impact
The next best value-for-money renovation you can do in your condo is a bathroom upgrade. People are looking for a space that goes beyond simply being functional; they want a refuge in their home, a place where they can unwind and recharge. High-quality, luxurious-feeling materials can make even smaller condo bathrooms feel like a personal spa. And renovating these spaces doesn’t have to break the bank. While a complete renovation gives you the most flexibility in customizing the layout and finishes, like adding that walk-in shower or standalone tub you’ve been dreaming of, you can still get an impactful result by refinishing existing cabinetry and upgrading materials like paint, tile, and hardware.
Flooring Upgrades: Durability Meets Design
Condos, particularly in older buildings, often have a mismatch of different flooring types. Buyers today tend to gravitate towards uniform flooring throughout the space. Not only can this make a small condo feel larger, but visually, it creates a cohesive, seamless flow. Last benefit? One surface takes the guesswork out of cleanup.
When it comes to flooring type, there have never been more great options than what’s available today. Depending on your budget and the market you want to appeal to, you can opt for luxurious hardwood. It’s the most expensive choice, but it’s timeless and adds major resale value. Engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank are both budget-friendly options that can still significantly increase the appeal and value of your condo.
Maximizing Storage
With less square footage, a lack of storage can be an issue for many people living in condos. However, this often-overlooked upgrade can add major value to your space, increasing both function and style. Closet systems, built-in shelving, and multi-functional furniture are all affordable projects that help maximize every square inch and make your builder-grade condo feel more custom.
For excellence in condo renovation, Vancouver condo owners can reach Dreamville Homes today for their next renovation job!
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