Listing a Calgary home? Don't waste money on the wrong upgrades. The best return on pre-listing dollars usually isn't a new kitchen — it's fixing the items the buyer's home inspector will flag and the buyer's realtor will use to renegotiate.

The high-ROI fixes

1. Service the furnace & clean ducts ($150–$400)

An untagged furnace with no recent service note immediately raises questions. A fresh service tag and clean filter do wonders.

2. Re-caulk wet areas ($50 in materials)

Tubs, showers, and around toilets. Inspectors photograph cracked or moldy caulking — buyers see "moisture damage."

3. Update GFCI & smoke alarms ($100–$300)

GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garage, exterior. Working smoke and CO alarms in every required location.

4. Address roof & eavestrough debris ($100–$300)

A clean roof and clear eaves photograph well — both for inspectors and listing photos.

5. Fix grading & downspout extensions ($50–$200)

Inspectors flag negative grading and short downspouts as moisture risks. Cheap to fix.

6. Replace burned-out bulbs & weak outlets

Every non-working light gets noted as "did not test — bulb out." Replace them all so the inspector can confirm they work.

7. Service the hot water tank if older

If it's 8+ years old, expect it to be flagged. A tag, a thermal expansion tank, and proper TPR drain pipe go a long way.

What's worth knowing about — but not always fixing

Poly-B plumbing: Fix it if you can; otherwise, disclose and credit. More on Poly-B.
Aluminum branch wiring: Pigtail before listing if budget allows; major insurance issue otherwise.
End-of-life roof: Get quotes — sometimes a credit at closing makes more sense than replacement.
Old furnace: Often easier to credit than replace before listing.

Get ahead with a pre-listing inspection

The fastest way to know exactly what to fix is a pre-listing inspection. You'll get a prioritized list of what a buyer's inspector will likely call out — so you can fix the items that matter and price for the ones you don't.

Call (403) 710-7770 to book.

What Calgary Sellers Should Fix Before Listing