Should You Renovate Before Selling in Squamish? Here’s What Actually Adds Value

Let’s talk pre-sale renovations. If you’re thinking about listing your home in Squamish, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I fix this place up first, or sell it as-is?”It’s a fair question. And the answer? Well, it depends — but not as much as you might think.Here’s the truth: not all renos are worth your time or money when it comes to prepping your home for market. Some upgrades can boost your sale price or shorten your days-on-market. Others? Not so much. The key is knowing what buyers actually care about in this market — and what they’re willing to overlook.Let’s break it down.

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Renovations That Are Worth It in Squamish

1. Minor Kitchen and Bathroom UpdatesYou don’t need to drop $50K on a full kitchen overhaul. In fact, please don’t. Small fixes like painting cabinets, swapping out dated hardware, and updating light fixtures can go a long way. Same goes for bathrooms — think fresh grout, new mirrors, and modern taps. These are relatively inexpensive updates that make a big visual impact, and they help buyers feel like the home is move-in ready, even if it’s not 100% redone.2. Fresh PaintA coat of neutral, modern paint is one of the cheapest and most effective things you can do to freshen up your home. It hides wear and tear, makes rooms feel brighter, and gives buyers a clean slate to imagine their life there. Bonus: it photographs beautifully.3. Curb Appeal Touch-UpsFirst impressions matter — and in Squamish, where nature is the star, a tidy exterior goes a long way. Power wash your walkway, mow the lawn, trim those hedges. If the weather cooperates, a couple of planters by the front door add charm without breaking the bank.

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Renovations That Aren’t Worth It (Usually)

1. Full Renovations or RemodelsUnless you’re flipping a property or selling a high-end home in a luxury bracket, full-scale renos rarely give you a dollar-for-dollar return. Why? Most buyers want to add their own touches — especially in a place like Squamish, where personal style meets function (hello, gear storage rooms and ski racks).2. Basement Suites (Last-Minute Additions)If you’re already halfway through converting a basement into a suite, sure, finish it. But starting from scratch just to sell? It’s a huge investment, and unless you’re targeting investor buyers, it probably won’t pay off.3. Over-Personalized FeaturesThat built-in espresso bar or climbing wall might be very you, but it’s not for everyone. If a feature is too custom, it can actually narrow your buyer pool — especially if it eats up space in a key room.

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Squamish Buyers: What Do They Really Want?

This town attracts a unique kind of buyer — outdoorsy, adventurous, and lifestyle-driven. That means functionality, layout, and proximity to trails often trump fancy finishings. A mudroom with good storage might mean more than a top-of-the-line dishwasher. If you can highlight those lifestyle features in your home, do it. Show off the bike room, the view deck, the oversized garage.Buyers here are savvy. They’ll see past dated flooring if the home has good bones and is priced right.

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Final Word: Talk to Your Realtor Before You Renovate

Not to sound too biased here, but a good local real estate advisor (👋) can help you figure out what’s actually worth doing. They’ll look at your specific home, the neighbourhood, and what’s selling right now in Squamish. Sometimes a quick refresh is all you need to stand out — and other times, it’s smarter to sell as-is and price accordingly.The bottom line? Don’t overthink it, and don’t overspend. Focus on the things that make your home feel clean, well-cared for, and livable. Squamish buyers are looking for potential and lifestyle — not perfection.So before you start swinging a sledgehammer or pricing out quartz countertops, let’s chat. I’ll help you make a plan that fits your goals, timeline, and budget — and gets your place ready to impress.

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Thinking about selling in Squamish? I’d love to help.