Prepping your house for sale can often require an investment to bring it up to current standards and help it compete in the hot real estate market. Especially if you've lived in the house for several decades, you may be blind to your home's shortcomings. Here, we examine the top home renovations to ensure your return on investment.

# 1: Paint

Painting is the most under-appreciated home improvement. Nothing provides a higher ROI than quality, professionally done painting. When putting your home on the market, consider a professional painter who can help select the right palette, skim the walls, seal trim and repair minor damage before applying top quality paint that's appropriate for each surface (matte for living areas, egg shell or semi-gloss for trims and doors and proper ceiling paint.) It doesn't seem like the most glamorous of renovations, or promise the most dramatic before-and-after, but it instills freshness and can flatter your home in ways you've never imagined. It's like dressing for your body type, a colour expert can help select the perfect shades to work with the lighting in your home and ensure it puts its best face forward!

ROI: A fresh coat of paint typically garners a 60% return on your investment.

By the Numbers: Budget for a 2,000-sq.-ft. home: approximately $10,000-$15,000

# 2: Good "Bones"

When contemplating a profitable renovation, nothing â€œsinksâ€ a sale price quicker than a house that's taking on water. Especially in this market, where strong sale prices are being paid for homes with â€œgood bones,â€ ensuring that the roof and windows are in good shape, gutters and drains are functioning properly and the foundation is dry is crucial to realizing the potential value in a home. Consider items like vinyl windows, a new roof or even waterproofing the foundation. Buyers are wise to structural issues, and learning that a homeowner has done their homework and made the proper investments to prevent flooding and leaks will go a long way in a buyer's eyes (and offer!).

ROI: Renovations that will save home owners money in the long run will draw a higher return, around 75 per cent, depending on the scale of the reno.

By the Numbers:
All new, good quality vinyl windows for a 2,000-sq.-ft. home: approximately $15,000
Stripping and replacing the roof with quality asphalt shingles: $8,000 to $10,000
Proper waterproofing of the exterior of a foundation: approximately $60-$80/linear foot

# 3: Doors & Hardware

Investing in new interior doors and hardware; replacing the front door and adding a quality lock-set; and adding baseboard, door trim, crown mouldings and wainscoting are all examples of relatively inexpensive and non-invasive improvements that can immediately punch up the appeal of a home. It really comes down to the quality of the finish though. This is not a time to skimp on materials or workmanship. Hire someone you know and trust, or ask for referrals from friends who you know share similar standards.

ROI: Smaller projects that have less of a â€œwowâ€ factor, and may even go unnoticed in an open house, draw a smaller return, around 50 per cent of your initial investment.

By the Numbers:

Solid wood front door with quality lock-set: $2,500

Solid core interior doors with hardware: $250/per door

# 4: Countertops

Since kitchen renovations can easily snowball, consider a quick counter-top refresh and appliance-swap as options for a great return on investment. Instead of shelling out upwards of $25-50,000, expect to pay about $3,000 for a quality stone, like granite or quartz, and between $5-10,000 for quality slide-in or a stand-alone set of kitchen appliances with a pro-look like stainless steel.

ROI: Kitchen renovations have the best return on investment, typically garnering a 75-100% return.

# 5: Bathroom

Creating one luxury space in a home can have a great effect and return on investment. Focus your attention to items like a frameless glass shower enclosure, marble-topped vanity or a gorgeous tile backsplash. Analyze your bathroom, pinpoint its strengths and weaknesses and ask yourself, â€œWhere is my eye drawn when I enter this room?â€ Is the bathtub the focal point? The vanity? A window? This is where your renovations should begin.

ROI: Bathroom renovations, when done well, have a return of 62%, on average.

By the Numbers: Budgets vary but typically range between $5,000 to $15,000

# 6: Flooring

Flooring is the hardest wearing element in any home and for many homeowners, replacing aging flooring is a must. However, the quality of the installation is essential. Expensive hardwood floors can look terrible if they are lifting or there are gaps between planks. While inexpensive laminate from a big box store can look great when laid properly. Carpeting, however, is rarely a good idea, especially when you're planning to sell. While some people love the warmth and feel of carpeting in a bedroom or basement, buyers will see carpet and think one thing: carpet cleaners, STAT! Carpets tend to lovingly hold on to memories of previous homeowners, memories that buyers would sooner rather forget. Spare buyers the cleaning fee, or worse, all-out removal, and skip carpeting, or remove it yourself.

ROI: Depending on the flooring you choose, the return is generally 100-150% of your investment.

By the Numbers:

Typical hardwood floor: $4 to $6 per sq. ft., plus $2 installation fee per sq. ft.

Typical laminate floor: $1 to $3 per sq. ft., plus $1.50 installation fee per sq. ft.