Payback
usually depends on how long you plan to stay in your
home. Consider projects that lower your household
operating costs.
The Appraisal Institute of
Canada studied renovation areas based on typical
highest payback. They are, in order:
Bathroom renovations
Kitchen renovations
Furnace/heating systems
Basement renovations
Installing a fireplace
Natural gas
appliances save money, add value to your home, and are a
good choice for the environment
Energy-efficient natural gas
equipment like a furnace and water heater lower monthly
operating costs. Switching to natural gas appliances
like a stove, fireplace and clothes dryer also lessen
the load on the electric grid. During your renovation,
have your licensed contractor pre-pipe for
future natural gas installations inside and outside your
home.
Natural Gas – Your Best Choice
What
are the benefits of natural gas appliances?
Operating cost savings
compared with electricity, oil and propane
Improves the comfort level
of your home
Higher performance and more
energy efficient
Safe, dependable and easy to
operate
Reliable, consistent heat
source
Cleaner burning – less CO2
emissions than other fossil fuels
Many natural gas appliances
will operate during a power outage
Reduces the load on the
electric grid
Freedom from propane and oil
tanks
Natural Gas Appliances...
Upgrade Your Home
Indoor Renovations
Furnace or boiler
Water heater
Fireplace
Dryer
Stove
Outdoor
Renovations
Barbecue
Pool heater
Campfire
Canadians spend $40 billion* repairing,
improving, expanding and beautifying their homes.
This guide will help you plan and
enjoy a successful home renovation.
Why Renovate?
Increase equity and market
value
Add living space
Energy savings
Healthier living
environment
Easier maintenance
Repair damage
More attractive living
space
Improve comfort and
convenience
According to the Canadian
Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), renovations
fall into three categories:
Lifestyle renovations –
help improve your way of life
Retrofit projects – usually
focus on the home’s shell or mechanical systems
like replacing a furnace, adding siding, or
upgrading insulation
Maintenance and repair
renovations – focus on protecting and improving
your investment.
Set your priorities. Maintenance items usually
require immediate attention.
Home Renovations. How Do I Get
Started?
1. How do I find a
renovator?
Word of mouth – ask friends and
family members for references.
Contact your local Home Builder
Association (HBA) chapter for professional
renovators in your area.
2. Set up an initial
meeting to discuss expectations.
Know what you want to
accomplish.
Communicate your budget and
timeline.
Research products and designs
prior to the meeting.
3. Obtain an estimate
and narrow down your choice of renovators.
Call references before the
second meeting.
Each renovator will bring a
proposal and perhaps some rough sketches. There may
be a fee associated with this.
Payback
usually depends on how long you plan to stay in your
home. Consider projects that lower your household
operating costs. 
What
are the benefits of natural gas appliances? 