Are you dreaming of a home refresh, but don’t know where to start?

Whether you’re thinking of a small spruce up or a major remodel, a home renovation is an excellent way to make your living space feel more like home — but it can also be pricey. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to bring your ideas to life while sticking to your budget. The key? Plan ahead, stay focused on your home renovation vision, and keep things as simple as possible.

Read on to learn 10 easy tips to make the most out of your next home renovation project.

1. Envision Your Dream Home Design

When creating your dream home, it makes sense to browse the top home renovation trends for inspiration — but what’s trending now might not be what works best for your space and taste. Before knocking down walls, why not use technology to help you visualize what you’re planning?

While you may need to hire pros for certain aspects of your renovation (such as an architect or contractor for structural remodels), free home design software and app options allow you to experiment with — and visualize — things like layout changes and design ideas without committing to costly changes.

2. Do the Math with a Home Renovation Calculator

A great way to save on your renovation project is to know what you’ll need to spend. Here, a renovation cost calculator can be a big help. Before you spend a dime, you can use a home renovation calculator to understand how much your project may cost. From there, you can create a realistic budget for your project. This allows you to set better expectations, guide your choices when it comes to the project’s scope and prioritize your spending effectively.

3. Simplify Your Saving with Digital Tools and Services

Need to beef up your savings before you can meet your project budget? Saving up for a home renovation doesn’t have to be complicated – or costly.

There are simple and convenient financial For example, saving for your home renovation can be even simpler with a no monthly fee Tangerine Savings Account, which can include an Automatic Savings Program. You can choose how much you set aside and how often — and adjust at any time.

Another way to save is to make every dollar you spend go further. Tangerine’s no annual fee cash back Credit Card does just that — you can earn unlimited cash back on your purchases, and when you choose Home Improvement as one of your 2% Money-Back Rewards Categories, you could get even more cash back on eligible purchases.*

*Terms and conditions apply

4. Look for Renovation Grants

Depending on your location and situation, you may also qualify for certain grants for your home reno. When planning a renovation project, it’s a good idea to search for local government home improvement renovation grants that may apply to your situation, as they may help you save money and cut reno costs.

In Ontario, for example, the Home Renovation Savings Program launched on January 28, 2025, offers rebates of up to 30 per cent for certain qualifying home energy efficiency renovations and improvements such as new windows and doors, air sealing and smart thermostats. Grants like this could make certain energy-efficient upgrades more affordable as part of your renovation.

5. Consider Any Tax Renovation Credits Available

Are home renovations tax deductible? While the renovations themselves are not generally tax deductible, there are some home renovation tax credits and rebates you may qualify for and can help make your project more affordable.

For example, if you’re renovating your home to improve accessibility for individuals eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC) or for those over 65 years old, you may qualify for the Home Accessibility Tax Credit. The federal, non-refundable tax credit applies to permanent renovations that will enhance accessibility or functionality within the home.

And if you substantially renovate your home, you may qualify for the GST/HST New Housing Rebate. Designed to help offset the cost of GST/HST paid on eligible construction costs, this rebate may be available if your house has a fair market value less than $450,000 upon completed renovation.

If you think your planned renovations may qualify for a home renovation tax credit or rebate, be sure to review the eligibility criteria for the credit closely and consult with the appropriate issuer (such as the Canada Revenue Agency) to confirm you meet all the qualifications.

Related: The Best Tax Benefits, Rebates and Grants You Can Get for Renovating in Canada, by Province

6. Plot Your Numbers into a Home Budget Template

Keeping track of what you spend as you go can help you stay on track with your budget and save in the long-term with your renovation project, but it’s easy to lose track of things if you don’t have a system.

Consider using a home renovation budget template with categories for the renovation costs in your budget, like materials, permits and labour. This allows you to easily see what you’ve spent, where you’ve spent it and whether your budget aligns with what you’ve planned.

7. Choose More Sustainable Home Improvements

To save on your home costs in the long-term, you may also consider ways to incorporate home renovation ideas that can help your space be more energy efficient — such as replacing old windows with energy-efficient models, installing a programmable thermostat or going with energy-efficient kitchen appliances. Beyond reducing your carbon footprint, energy-efficient swaps can also lead to lower energy bills and utility costs in the future.

Like energy-efficient upgrades, using reclaimed and sustainable materials can help lower renovation costs while adding character and charm to your home.

Opting for reused or reclaimed materials is a great way to keep your home reno more sustainable. For example, materials like reclaimed wood, recycled bricks and salvaged metal are often less expensive than new materials. Consider incorporating a reclaimed wood fireplace mantel into your living room or even using salvaged bricks for an accent wall.

8. Consider a Home Renovation Loan

Depending on your goals, you may want to explore whether a home renovation loan could be a good fit for your project. If you’re considering a renovation that could increase your home’s value — such as a kitchen revamp or adding another bathroom — looking into options like a home equity line of credit or home equity loan to renovate may be helpful.

Just be sure to research all available options and consult a financial professional to find what might work best for your unique situation.

Related: These Big Renovations Will Beef Up Your ROI

9. Do a DIY Renovation

Are you handy? Not afraid of some hard work? If so, you’re already holding one of the best keys to unlocking reno cost savings. The more DIY home renovation tasks you can take on, the better, as labour costs are often one of the biggest expenses of home improvement projects.

However, it’s important to balance your sweat equity with knowing when to call in the pros. Certain tasks, like plumbing and electrical work, should be handled by licensed professionals to ensure they’re done safely and up to code — and to avoid expensive newbie mistakes.

For example, if you’re tackling a DIY bathroom renovation, you might handle tasks like painting, sanding and installing wall shelves to cut down costs — but leave plumbing work to an expert to help prevent leaks and other issues you may not be able to handle yourself.

10. Hire a Home Contractor

While you can definitely keep costs down by taking on certain renovation projects yourself, there are also situations where hiring a contractor can save you money in the long run.

This may seem counterintuitive: How can spending money save you money?

Experienced contractors can typically complete bigger and more complex projects faster and more efficiently — saving time and money. They often have access to discounts on things like materials and subcontractor labour. They also know about necessary codes and permits, which may help prevent expensive fines or unnecessary redos.

Ultimately, if you’re taking on home renovation, it’s a good idea to talk to a few contractors, get quotes and assess whether they could save you time, effort and money.

Related: 8 Must-Know Reno Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money

It’s a new year, and while you may not necessarily buy into the whole “new you” concept that many people like to talk about every January, now is a great time to take stock of your finances. Whether you’re saving for a new home, funding a reno, or planning a move, the best time to start saving is now.

Sometimes, that’s easier said than done. But there are steps you can take to give yourself a fresh financial start in 2025 while getting on track to save for the living arrangements of your dreams.

Take Stock of Your Current Finances

January is an excellent time to go back and see how the past 12 months went. Maybe you spent too much over the holidays. Perhaps you started a new job or side hustle and weren’t sure what kind of money you could count on yet. Whatever your situation, you can learn a lot about your financial habits by seeing what you spend.

One good measurement is to see the current balance of your bank accounts and tally up any outstanding debts. Doing so lets you see exactly how much you owe while adding up how much money you’ve squared away for emergencies.

It’s also a good idea to see how much you were able to save this year, how much you earned overall, and how much you may have invested.

Create an Honest Budget

Creating an honest budget is easier when you have a clear picture of your current finances. If you’ve done budgets in the past but had difficulty sticking to them, perhaps you weren’t being honest enough with yourself.

If you’re the type of person who buys coffee every morning and lunch three times a week, don’t expect to change overnight. Ensure you include money for spending, take-out, gifts and emergencies in your bi-weekly or monthly budget, along with your bills and savings. A good rule of thumb is to save about 10 per cent of your salary after taxes, but that isn’t always feasible. Plan to save what works for you and treat that line in your budget like a bill.

Related: These Big Renovations Will Beef Up Your ROI

Write Down Your Goals

Now that you know what kind of budget you’re working with, write down your goals. They can be big-picture, like saving $20,000 for a down payment, or smaller, such as purchasing new appliances. Perhaps you want to paint your home and need a few hundred extra dollars. Or maybe it’s time to upgrade that crib to a bed.

Whatever your goals, estimate how much they will cost and when you want to achieve them. If you have several goals, list them from most important to least important, and decide what percentage of your savings you can put toward each item. The more detailed you can be, the better.

Meet With a Financial Expert

You’ll see some growth if you throw your savings into a regular bank account. But you may experience more growth by looking at investment accounts via a financial planner. They can help you get into investments, mutual funds, savings bonds and more, helping you grow your money more than a regular old savings account can.

Meeting with a mortgage broker is also a good idea if you plan to buy a home. They can help you put on paper exactly how much you can afford and what you need to save to get the best possible mortgage rate. Plus, many of them will lock in a rate with you that’s guaranteed not to go up over the length of your agreement.

Even if you have a financial planner or mortgage broker, the beginning of the year is a great time to check in and ensure your accounts are doing what they should. After all, life changes, and sometimes, we need to switch things up.

Related: Buying a Home Solo: It’s Possible and Here’s How to Do It

Be Patient

Saving $100 a paycheque for a home renovation or a down payment can feel like nothing. But even without interest, that’s an extra $2,600 a year that you’ve managed to put toward your goal. If you have a partner who can do the same, that’s $5,200 a year. In five years, you’ll have a $26,000 down payment. That number could be even higher depending on what interest you’re making.

The point is to be patient and trust the process. That goes for savings, budgets and goal-setting. We live in a world where we’re used to getting things we want instantly, but sometimes, good things really do come to those who wait. Your finances might not be perfect, but with time, determination and planning, 2025 can be the year you finally get on track.

Washing, soaking, drying, folding, ironing — it can be monotonous. With the average household doing  over four loads of laundry per week (300 loads every year), a lot of time is spent within the four walls of your laundry room. And for those with small laundry rooms, the drudgery can pile up as much as the loads. Here’s how you can make laundry day a lot more enjoyable — or at the very least, more efficient.

Spick-and-Span Spin Cycles

For those looking to keep their time in the laundry room to a minimum, rewashing loads can be a nightmare. If your clothes are coming out of the wash dirty, it may be time to install a water softener. Minerals like calcium and magnesium contribute to water hardness, which can make cleaning your clothes (and anything else in your home) more difficult. The built-up residue caused by hard water not only makes clean laundry feel rough, it also shortens the lifespan of your appliances and plumbing. Installing a water-softening system is an easy upgrade that’ll benefit your daily life and can save you thousands in the long run. Plus, Enercare’s rental option offers free installation and repair coverage for the lifetime of the water softener, which means you’ll enjoy more efficient cleaning and spend less time worrying about maintenance. So keep your clothes brighter, cleaner and softer for years to come by washing them the most efficient way — in water that’s been treated by a water softener.

Space-Saver for Small Laundry Rooms

 If space allows, unstack your washing machine and dryer to allow for working counter space and functional shelving. This reconfiguration will give you a place to fold and sort your laundry plus provide you easy access to items you need frequently like laundry soap, fabric softener and wool drying balls. Installing cupboards above your washer and dryer can also provide a safe space to store household cleaners you’d like to keep out of reach from children and pets.

If you’re in the process of remodeling, consider keeping your laundry room central to the areas of your home where you produce the most dirty laundry. For many, this could be off the kitchen or near the bedrooms. You’d be surprised how much time centralizing your laundry room can save.

Related: Scott McGillivray Reveals 8 Tips for Designing the Perfect Laundry Room

Better Drying Solutions

While it can be tempting to chuck an entire load of laundry in the dryer, it’s not very energy-efficient and may take more time to dry items. There’s also nothing worse than discovering a fresh load is completely wrinkled from sitting too long — or worse, still damp and smelly from sitting in the barrel for longer than you’d like to admit.

Air drying clothing will make your laundry habits more efficient — and having multiple air drying methods is best for efficiency. While a laundry horse can be great for bigger loads, you may find having a permanent clothing rod helpful for drying smaller loads or storing items waiting to be pressed. If you’re in the process of revamping your small laundry room, you might want to consider invisible drying drawers or a retractable drying line. For items that require machine drying, try swapping your scented dryer sheets with wool drying balls for an eco-friendly alternative.

Related: 18 Laundry Room Ideas That Are Beyond Stylish (and Super Functional)

Functional Finesse

Superfluous shelf styling has no place in a small laundry room. To keep your clothing workstation functioning efficiently, try decanting your laundry essentials. Not only do matching jars and baskets do something good for the soul, they can also be huge space savers. While it’s important to note that some cleaning products shouldn’t be decanted, storing items like laundry detergent, fabric softener, dryer balls and clothing pins in matching containers will do wonders for decluttering while keeping items in plain sight. Plus, decanting your products provides a great opportunity to visit your local refillery shop the next time you run out of essentials.

Related: The Easy Laundry Room Organization Hack You’ll Use From Now On

Take a Load Off

The best way to make your laundry day more efficient is by not having one. Many of us don’t have a regular ‘laundry day’ nowadays, and that’s truly the best policy. Rather than let laundry pile up for even a single day, it’s best to squeeze in a load when you can to keep cycles moving efficiently. Large piles of laundry can make your small laundry room feel even smaller. Plus, you shouldn’t let sweaty gym clothes sit for too long in a laundry basket anyways. This can cause bacteria and smells that are far more difficult to get rid of than if you had just started a load sooner.

You don’t need a large laundry room to take the drudgery out of washing your clothing. Leveling up your laundry game with small upgrades like a water softener from Enercare and more efficient drying solutions will save you time, money and space. Now that’s something we can all get on board with!

The sound of a rainfall shower, the serene smell of eucalyptus, the warmth of a heated towel — wellness-focused bathrooms that inspire an escape are on the rise. For those looking to turn their own loo into a spa-like sanctuary, it’s a lot easier than you think. By implementing just a few key design elements, you can create a mini luxury spa within the comforts of your own home. 

Water Essentials

Nothing is more luxurious than a bubble bath that’s perfectly warm or basking in an extended hot shower when you need a little ‘me’ time. But if your household is constantly running out of hot water, it might be time to call in the experts at Enercare and switch to a tankless hot water heater. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to water heaters and a tankless one will ensure your family enjoys continuous hot water supply which is key when creating a spa-like bathroom. Plus, tankless hot water heaters can be 95 percent more efficient at heating water and help reduce energy consumption as they don’t require constant, 24/7 heating. And by choosing an Enercare rental option, you can focus on relaxing at home while their experts take care of any repairs over the life of the equipment.

Small Bathroom Luxury

If you’re considering a bathroom renovation in 2024, don’t sleep on wet rooms. Popular in Europe for some time, wet rooms are becoming more common in North America and a selling feature for homebuyers. So, what exactly are they? Designed to be completely waterproof, the drainage design of wet rooms remove the need for an enclosed shower, creating a zero-entry oasis for your shower-bathtub combination. Not only do wet rooms provide a level of accessibility greatly appreciated for resale, they also allow for the beautiful element of steam to be a part of your bathing experience. Plus, the less segmented design of wet rooms can help maximize space for those seeking small bathroom solutions.

Related: The Best Cheap Storage Ideas for Your Small Bathroom

Room To Relax

The bathroom should be a place to decompress from the outside world and simply be ourselves. Given the wrong lighting, we risk losing the spa-like energy we’ve worked so hard to cultivate. When redesigning your bathroom, do not let lighting become an afterthought. Back-lit mirrors, under-vanity lighting, sconces and pendant lights can do wonders to help you create an atmosphere suitable for everything from getting ready in the morning to calm nights in the bath. Your future eyes will thank you.

A Promising Palette

Though subjective, a basic white-on-white colour palette doesn’t exactly translate to ‘relaxing at-home spa.’ Instead, we’re opting for soothing bathroom colours — ‘colours’ being the keyword. We’re parting ways (at least for now) with classic white subway tile and instead opting for soft blues, greens and natural tones. We’re also choosing warm wood features that resemble a Nordic spa. Smaller bathrooms provide the opportunity to be bold, so be open to a plethora of colours and textures.

Related: Property Brothers Bathrooms That Were Transformed From Outdated to Outstanding

That Spa Feeling

Replicating that post-spa glow at home might seem next to impossible, but it’s a lot easier to accomplish when you have a water softener installed. Water softeners ensure your water cleans better by reducing scaley build-up, which means you won’t have to worry about clogged pores or hair and skin being stripped of its natural moisture. Plus, water softeners prolong the life of your bathroom by keeping plumbing free of debris and other junk so you’ll save money, too (and avoid harsh chemical cleaners). So, if cleaner water is what you’re after, be sure to check out Enercare’s water softener systems, which cover installation and repairs by the experts.

Invigorate Your Senses

Creating a spa-like feeling in your bathroom requires activating all five senses. Several studies have proven that smell can have a powerful impact on our mood and more specifically, that the smell of lavender can have a relaxing effect and reduce symptoms of stress. Introduce aromatherapy into your bathroom design by adding a diffuser with your favourite essential oils or place fresh eucalyptus in the shower. Opting for aloe, lavender or bamboo plants can help purify the air and create more of an ambience, too.

Less Is More

The last thing your bathroom spa needs is clutter. Keep any bathroom decor completely functional and to the point. Instead of knick-knacks with no purpose, keep plush towels on display (follow this step-by-step guide to roll your towels like a spa) and have spa-like amenities at your fingertips. A glimpse of Epsom salts or bubble bath may inspire you to indulge more frequently in some well-deserved escapism.

Need more spa bathroom decor ideas? Take inspiration from these Luxe Canadian spas. 

Spacious Quarters

Add a little more luxe to your daily routine by giving yourself the gift of your own space. If room dimensions allow for it, double vanities are a no-brainer when it comes to bathroom design and provide ample room for the things you love. Create a functional yet inviting area by utilizing cabinets that can be home to everything from your hair dryer to your skin-care regime.

Spa Bath Decor

The solitude found in a bathroom is something that can only be appreciated with years of wisdom. Instead of creating a task-oriented room, try to add areas that encourage stillness. A stool at the vanity or wood bench in the wet room can offer a place to rest and unwind, while a bathtub tray can promote self-care by keeping essentials nearby.

Big (Spa Bathroom) Ideas

With more individuals working and exercising at home, many are investing in their private spaces. There is no limitation to how elaborate your at-home spa can be — steam showers, infrared saunas and even cold plunge pools are being incorporated into bathrooms to help revitalize one’s self without leaving home. When designing your luxurious spa-like bathroom, you’ll want to consider how the latest technology can enhance your design. Heated floors, towel warmers, defogging mirrors, smart toilets and skincare refrigerators can all help you escape the business of life and transform your bathroom into a luxury spa retreat.

Related: Who Needs the Spa? 15 Bathroom Ideas That’ll Leave You in a State of Total Bliss

When designing your dream open-concept kitchen, it’s important to consider function and style equally. One of the key challenges in making small or large updates to your cooking area is choosing appliances that work with your design instead of standing out as an eyesore. This is especially true if you’ve chosen an open-concept kitchen that prioritizes a contemporary look and open space.

Take the range hood. It’s an essential appliance for your kitchen, particularly if you have a gas cooktop. A kitchen range hood serves several functions: it removes smoke, steam, heat and odours, allowing for better visibility and a more pleasant cooking experience. What it shouldn’t do? Block your eyeline, come with a difficult and costly installation or be a loud nuisance to use.

To set you on the right path, here’s everything you should consider before your kitchen renovation begins to make the perfect choice in a range hood.

Related: Genius Low-Cost Kitchen Updates That Look Expensive

The Best Range Hood for an Open-Concept Kitchen

There are plenty of styles of range hoods to choose from — some popular types include under-cabinet range hoods, microwave range goods, wall-mounted range hoods or ductless range hoods, to name a few. These types may work well if your cooktop is against a wall, but they’re often bulkier than some homeowners would prefer for their open-concept kitchen.

If you’re looking for something more discreet that preserves the overall view and look of your kitchen, a flush ceiling mount range hood is your best option.

How Flush Ceiling Range Hoods Work

Designed to be the perfect range option for a kitchen island, Victory Range Hoods’ line of Canadian-made flush ceiling range hoods are installed between ceiling joists to make for a more convenient install (which any homeowner living through a reno can appreciate!). The brushed stainless steel door hides filters that create a powerful vacuum suction to whisk away airborne kitchen odours, smoke and steam which are then filtered and expelled via ducts.

Related: These Are the Perfect Kitchen Lights for Your New Home

Benefits of Flush Ceiling Range Hoods

If you’re considering purchasing a flush ceiling range hood, let’s take a closer look at some of their many benefits.

Keeps Your Kitchen Views in View

A flush ceiling range hood alleviates one of the biggest kitchen renovation fears of blocking views and negating the hard work of creating an open-concept kitchen. Unlike suspended range hoods that hang down and block views, a flush ceiling range hood allows for a clear eyeline.

This will make a world of difference for open-concept kitchens in general, but especially when an island cooktop comes into play. The Victory Horizon from Victory Range Hoods offers a true flush design in a brushed stainless steel finish. You’ll get skyline views, with no visual compromise.

900 CFM Powerful Flush Ceiling Range Hood – Victory Horizon, Victory Range Hoods, $2,199.

Related: Kitchen Renovation Trends We’ll See Everywhere in 2024

Fits Your Modern and Contemporary Kitchen Design

Clean lines and a minimalist design aesthetic make for a modern design that fits well with an open-concept kitchen. To complement that, the Victory Horizon Glow features a crisp minimalist look with the bonus of function, too. Opt for the ambient LED backlit model for a dimmable glow.

900 CFM Flush Ceiling Hood with Ambient LED Backlight – Victory Horizon-Glow, Victory Range Hoods, $2,399.

Powerful and Quiet

Flush ceiling range hoods are considerably more energy efficient than downdraft range hoods, making them a great choice for energy-conscious homeowners. Victory Range Hoods’ line comes in either a powerful 600 or 900 CFM (cubic feet metre, AKA the range’s ventilation power), yet it’s surprisingly quiet so you can cook in peace. For even more power, in the case of some models like the Victory Sky, a 1,000 CFM remote blower can be included.

Ceiling Mounted Recessed Range Hood – Victory Sky, Victory Range Hoods, $2,599.

Easier Installation — No Reframing Necessary

We know anyone taking on the installation of their flush ceiling range will appreciate this one. A typical range hood installation will vary based on how it’s mounted, with many flush ceiling range fans requiring reframing. However, Victory Range Hoods’ products (like the Victory Sunset) are unique in that they install between ceiling joists where they can be exhausted either horizontally or vertically.

Flush Ceiling Mount Range Hood – Victory Sunset, Victory Range Hoods, $1,899.

Canadian-Designed and Made

Not only do they preserve the look of your kitchen, but you can also feel confident in your purchase knowing that by purchasing a Victory Range Hood, you’ll be supporting a Canadian-designed and made product.

You Might Also Like: Must-Haves All Dream Kitchens Need in 2024

 

For those of you who spent the entire season of Making It Home wondering if Kortney and Kenny are dating, we’re here to burst your bubble – no, they are not! They are, however, the best of friends and we can’t get enough of it. With Kortney’s expert advice on all things interior design and Kenny’s contractor expertise, these two really are a match made in home reno heaven! But it’s not just their pro tips that have us loving this duo, they’re personalities are even more vibrant than their designs.

From hilarious bloopers to tear-jerker reveals and birthday wishes, here are some of our favourite moments between these besties Kortney Wilson and Kenny Brain:

When They Laugh it Off
If there’s one thing we know about Kortney and Kenny, it’s that they know how to have fun, so it’s no surprise that this season’s bloopers had us laughing out loud. After all, home renovation can be a long, tiring process if you’re not willing to laugh at the inevitable mishaps – that’s half the fun of it!

Related: 5 Easy Touches to Make a New Space Instantly Feel Like Home

Their Sweet Birthday Wishes
Kortney showed Kenny some IG love with this adorable birthday post captioned, “Happy birthday big guy. To the man who everyone thinks that I’m dating, but I’m just his annoying (honorary) big sister. You are the best and I’m so glad you were born!”

When They Make Dreams Come True
Kortney and Kenny are all about delivering on their promise to homeowners and in order to do that, communication is key. Luckily, K and K are experts in that department and both put their hearts into every one of their projects, resulting in beautiful homes that exceed expectations. Take this emotional reveal of Joven and Sylvia seeing their dream home for the first time as a prime example. Who’s cutting onions?

Their Moments of Appreciation
What’s not to love about a genuine friendship appreciation post? Kenny shared this photo of the two of them on his Instagram with the caption, “What a ride with this one. She is one in a billion.”

When They Say What’s On Their Mind
Random thoughts can spark the best conversations between friends, and this TMI video shows just that. New BFFs Kortney and Kenny made sure to cover everything from the get-go – from middle names to childhood nicknames, and (arguably the most important one of all) the difference between a shower person and a bath person.