In Richmond Hill, many homeowners take on full-scale renovations to improve their living space — but a key question always arises: Where should you spend, and where can you save?

For those considering home renovations, especially for properties built several decades ago, it’s important to recognize that not all renovation dollars deliver equal value. Cosmetic finishes like wall panels or decorative trims may enhance style, but it’s the upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms and floors that most future buyers appreciate — and are willing to pay for.

In one example, a homeowner renovated a 50-year-old detached house approximately 2,300 square feet in size. Upon reviewing the renovation expenses, the total hard construction cost had already exceeded $200,000 CAD — a number that initially came as a surprise, but made sense once the full scope of work was reviewed.

Spending Where It Counts: Infrastructure First

A significant portion of the budget went into behind-the-scenes upgrades: plumbing, electrical, HVAC and insulation. These are foundational systems that don’t always show in listing photos, but dramatically impact comfort and safety.

For example:

• All windows and three patio doors were replaced, with most being oversized for better natural light. Total cost: over $17,000.
• Garage door replacement included an insulated model with frosted glass inserts for privacy and light. Cost: under $3,000.
• Main entry double door replacement came in at approximately $3,600, including labor, solid material, and a smart lock.
• Full attic and crawl space insulation upgrade, including removal of old materials and rodent proofing, cost approximately $7,300.
• HVAC and Furnace updates totaled over $9,000, with efficient reuse of some existing systems.

Interior Upgrades: Balanced Function and Cost

Interior finishes focused on practicality, not luxury.

• Flooring (including stairs) cost approximately $15,600, with quality materials and a separate labor cost of $4,000.
• Painting throughout the home used premium Benjamin Moore paint but stayed under $5,000.
• Indoor and outdoor lighting installations cost approximately $3,000, mostly due to labor. Over 30 new fixtures were added to enhance brightness and modern appeal.
• Interior door replacement (five glass-paneled doors) totaled about $3,200.
• General construction materials — from moldings to fasteners and drywall — added up to $9,400, not including kitchen-specific items.

It’s worth noting that these "invisible" materials can be easy to overlook during budgeting. But they are essential, and often account for 10–20% of overall cost, depending on the project’s scope.

Waste Disposal: A Hidden Cost

Construction debris removal is often underestimated. In this case, the cost to haul waste from the first demolition phase alone totaled $1,600 — about $400 per truckload. This cost was included in the materials budget provided by the contractor, along with fully itemized receipts and documentation for transparency.

Outdoor Work: Limited Return Without Master Planning

The landscaping and backyard rebuild cost over $32,000, yet the homeowner later reflected that the lack of comprehensive design coordination limited the return on investment. This highlights the importance of site planning and layout optimization before committing funds to exterior upgrades.

Key Takeaways for Richmond Hill Homeowners

1. Focus on core systems first — Kitchens, bathrooms, Flooring are the most valuable.
2. Buyers notice quality upgrades — High-efficiency systems and quality doors/windows leave an impression.
3. Not all decorative elements pay off — Cosmetic features can enhance aesthetics, but should not be prioritized over essential upgrades.
4. Track materials and labor separately — Understand what your contractor includes, and always ask for detailed invoices.
5. Plan outdoor work holistically — Without integrated design, landscaping may not justify its cost.

Ultimately, the renovation described above was not extravagant — it reflected a well-balanced approach for a long-term primary residence. With thoughtful planning and value-driven choices, Richmond Hill homeowners can transform aging properties into comfortable, efficient, and desirable homes — without overspending where it doesn’t count.