How to Plan a Major Renovation That Actually Adds Value to Your Home

How to Plan a Major Renovation That Actually Adds Value to Your Home

Planning a Major Renovation? Do It Right—And Add Real Value

A well-planned renovation can breathe new life into your home and significantly increase its market value. But a poorly managed one? It can eat up your budget and leave you with regrets.

At Lush Builds, we specialize in major renovations—projects that go beyond new paint and fixtures, and truly transform your space inside and out. Here’s how to plan it properly so your investment pays off.

1. Define the Type of Renovation You’re Doing

Major renovations usually fall into three categories:

• Full gut renovations: Stripping interiors to the studs and starting fresh

• Layout reconfigurations: Moving walls, doors, and plumbing to optimize flow

• Additions and structural changes: Expanding square footage or opening up structural walls

Knowing which category your project fits into helps us align scope, budget, and timelines right from the start.

2. Know What Adds Real Value in Ontario

Not all renovations are equal. Some upgrades deliver better ROI (return on investment) than others:

• Kitchen and bathroom overhauls

• Open-concept living spaces

• Finished basements

• Legal secondary suites

• Energy-efficient windows, insulation, and HVAC systems

We help clients design with both their lifestyle and resale value in mind.

3. Budget Smart—With Contingencies

Major renovations typically range from $150 to $300+ per square foot depending on:

• Complexity

• Finish level

• Structural vs cosmetic work

We recommend:

• Establishing a realistic base budget

• Adding a 15–20% contingency for surprises

• Getting a fixed-cost proposal with clear scope

Lush Builds works with you to set that budget before the demo begins.

4. Don’t Skip the Permits—They Protect Your Investment

Too often, homeowners skip permits to “save time”—but this can cause massive issues when reselling, refinancing, or insuring the property.

We manage the entire permit process:

• Ontario Building Code (OBC) compliance

• Structural, mechanical, and architectural drawings

• Coordination with municipal departments

• Variance applications (if needed)

5. Design and Function Must Work Together

A renovation that looks good but lacks functionality will never stand the test of time.

Our team blends design and practicality with:

• 3D renderings and walkthroughs

• Material selections with trade-only access

• Coordinated construction documents for every finish and fixture

• A layout that improves how you live in your home

6. Plan for Temporary Living (If Needed)

Depending on the size of your renovation, you may need to move out:

• Full gut or kitchen/structural renos often require vacating the home

• We help you plan your timeline and living arrangements in advance

• We can phase the work if staying in place is necessary

7. Work With a Full-Service Renovation Contractor

Hiring a designer, engineer, and contractor separately can create budget gaps and miscommunications.

At Lush Builds, our design-build model ensures:

• One team, one vision

• Real-time costing during design

• Seamless trade scheduling

• Transparent project updates

• A more efficient, less stressful renovation experience

Renovate With Confidence. Renovate With Lush Builds.

We don’t just make things look better—we make homes function better. From layout redesign to structural upgrades and luxury finishes, we’re with you every step of the way.

✔️ Design + Build

✔️ Ontario Code Compliance

✔️ Transparent Budgeting

✔️ Full Construction Management

📞 Ready to Start Your Renovation the Right Way?

Book your free consultation with Lush Builds to explore your options and get a tailored plan that adds real value to your home.