Should You Sell or Renovate?
Are you contemplating whether to sell your property or upgrade it?
Starter homes were never meant for long-term living, but rather than relocating some families have decided to add on to their formerly cramped homes with additions, or even starting from scratch on the same plot of land. These options for upgrading are not without their flaws, and before starting a costly renovation it’s important to look at the pros and cons of relocating and renovating.
Buying a Home.
Buying a new home isn’t always cut and dry. If you can expect to sell your current home for $400,000 dollars to upgrade to a $700,000 home, the upgrade fee will be more than an easy $300,000.
You will need to factor in the percentage that is paid out to the realtors as well as the land transfer fees. After everything you will have legal fees that need to be paid out and the small expenditures along the way like repairs to your existing home and staging fees. Your cost to upgrade can climb almost $50,000 based on what city you live in.
Building from Scratch.
Demolishing your current home and building something that is customized to your tastes and needs is an attractive idea. But remember, you’ll be relying on builders and contractors to stay on track and in the mean time you’ll need to find a place to live and store your furniture.
A quality contractor can build a house with all of the amenities for approximately $300 per square foot for a 2400 square foot home. But again you’ll need to factor in architectural fees, landscaping, hydro, plumbing, labour, and materials. Going for high-end finishings can add a whopping price tag to your end game and end up costing almost $790,000.
Building an Addition.
Building an addition has some of the same positives as building from scratch, but again many of the same negative factors, like finding alternative living arrangements and dealing with contractors. You could do an addition that would double your floor space for half the price of building from scratch.
Final Decision.
In the end, packing up your things and moving to a new house is the least expensive option, and building from scratch is the most expensive. Working with the right team of realtors, you can find the right home for your family needs within your budget and price range. However, don’t let this turn you off renovating. The right upgrades can add tons of value to your next home.
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Free Outdoor Activities Guelph Families Love
There’s nothing quite like realizing you have an extra day off coming up. Statutory holidays (often called stat holidays) are paid days off that give employees in Ontario a chance to rest, recharge, or enjoy a long weekend. Knowing when these holidays fall can make planning your work schedule and personal time much easier. This guide is designed to help you quickly check Ontario stat holidays for 2026, plan time off in advance, and stay organized throughout the year whether you’re booking a vacation, managing schedules, or simply looking ahead to your next break. Below are the official Ontario stat holiday dates for 2026 that you can mark on your calendar. 👉 Download the Free 2026 Stat Holiday Guide
There’s something special about Guelph in December. The lights feel a little brighter, the downtown feels a little cozier, and the whole city comes alive with traditions that bring our community together. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve put together a simple guide to some of our favourite local holiday events — the ones that make living in Guelph feel like home. Spirit of the Season December 5–7 & December 12–14 — Downtown Guelph Downtown transforms into a festive hub filled with twinkling lights, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and warm holiday energy. It’s the perfect place to support local businesses, enjoy a hot drink, and soak in the magic with friends or family. If you’re looking for that “start of the holidays” feeling, this is it. Sparkles in the Park December 13–31 — Riverside Park Every evening, Riverside Park lights up with spectacular displays — glowing tunnels, festive scenes, and whimsical designs that bring out everyone’s inner child. And this year, keep an eye out for The Hudson Smith Group lighting display among the magic — we’re proud to support this beautiful community tradition with the Guelph Rotary Club. Even better? The carousel rides are free, and there’s a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve. Santa Run & Santa Claus Parade Saturday, December 6 - Santa Run 4:55 PM & Parade 5:30 PM One of Guelph’s most beloved traditions. The evening starts with the Santa Run — a quick, fun, festive dash — followed by the parade winding through downtown with music, lights, and holiday cheer. It’s a great way to kick off December with the whole family. Old Quebec Street Christmas Market Dates vary through December A cozy, European-style indoor market right in the heart of the city. Expect local makers, handmade gifts, warm drinks, and the perfect place to finish (or start!) your holiday shopping while supporting local vendors. Market Square Skating All winter long — weather permitting Nothing feels more festive than skating under the lights in front of City Hall. Bring a friend, grab a hot chocolate afterward, and enjoy one of Guelph’s simplest — and most nostalgic — winter traditions. Giving Back This Season If you’re looking to make a difference this year, consider supporting one of Guelph’s incredible community organizations, including: The Guelph Food Bank Royal City Mission Hope House Toys for Tots / local toy drives Rotary initiatives A little kindness goes a long way during the holidays. From Our Team to Yours The holidays are a time to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the people who make our community special. Whether we’ve worked together this year or you’ve simply followed along with our journey — thank you. Your trust and support mean the world. Wishing you a warm, joyful, magical holiday season from all of us at the Hudson Smith Group.
