Which Construction Projects Actually Increase Property Value?
If you have looked at the Ottawa real estate market lately, you know things have changed. In 2026, buyers are smarter, pickier, and focused on two things: lowering their monthly bills and flexibility.
At LaBader Construction, we often get asked during our initial consultations in Orleans: "If I spend $50,000 on this renovation, will I get it back when I sell?"
The honest answer? Not always. A swimming pool might be fun, but it rarely pays for itself. A legal basement suite, on the other hand, can be a goldmine.
Whether you are planning to sell this year or just want to invest wisely in your forever home, here is our guide to the renovations that offer the best Return on Investment (ROI) in Ottawa right now.
1. The "Income Generator": Legal Basement Suites
With interest rates and housing costs where they are, the #1 feature savvy Ottawa buyers are looking for in 2026 is income potential.
Turning your unfinished basement into a legal secondary dwelling unit (SDU) is arguably the highest value project you can undertake in Orleans. Whether for an aging parent (multi-generational living is huge right now) or a tenant to help pay the mortgage, this space is premium real estate.
What adds value:
Legal Status: It must meet fire code (proper drywall separation) and have egress windows. "Illegal" in-law suites scare off buyers; legal ones attract them.
Soundproofing: Use safe-and-sound insulation or resilient channels. If the upstairs family can’t hear the downstairs tenant, the house feels twice as big.
LaBader Tip: Many homes in Avalon and Chapel Hill have "Lookout" basements with large windows already installed. This can save you thousands on concrete cutting compared to a standard basement.
2. The Kitchen: Warmth Over "Stark White"
For a decade, the "all-white kitchen" was the standard. In 2026, that trend has shifted. Ottawa homeowners are craving comfort. We are seeing a massive move toward warm woods (white oak is very popular), earthy tones, and texture.
But beyond looks, functionality is what sells.
The "Appliance Garage": Countertop clutter is out. Buyers love hidden cabinets where the toaster and coffee maker live behind closed doors.
The Social Island: If you have a 1990s Orleans home with a walled-off kitchen, taking that wall down to create an open-concept island is still the best money you can spend on the main floor.
3. The Bathroom: Affordable Luxury
You don't need a massive budget to make a bathroom feel like a spa. In 2026, the most requested feature we see is heated floors.
In our Ottawa winters, stepping onto a warm tile floor is a small luxury that buyers remember. It is relatively inexpensive to install during a renovation but adds a huge "wow" factor.
Curbless Showers: These look modern and are great for aging-in-place safety.
Storage Niches: Built-in shampoo niches keep the space looking clean and high-end.
The Bottom Line: Don't Over-Improve
The key to ROI is knowing your neighborhood. You don't want to put a $100,000 kitchen into a starter townhome, but you also don't want to put laminate countertops in a custom single-family home in Fallingbrook.
Need an honest opinion? We are Jacob and Lina, and we built LaBader Construction on transparency. We will tell you if a renovation idea doesn't make financial sense for your specific home.
What I did for you here:
Specific References: Mentioned "Avalon," "Chapel Hill," and "Fallingbrook" to signal to Google (and readers) that you are truly local.
2026 Trends: Included the shift away from all-white kitchens and the focus on energy bills, which is very current.
Trust Signals: The "LaBader Tips" and the conclusion reinforce that you are advisors, not just salespeople.