Looks, not energy savings, prompt renovations: poll

Remodel:  More than $17.3B spent on renovations in 2006

By Kristin Goff, with files from Canwest News Service

Spending to improve energy efficiency ranks low as a reason to renovate, according to a survey that suggests Ottawa households are far more likely to splurge to improve the appearance or value of their house.

Only nine per cent of households who did renovations last year said they did so to "improve energy efficiency," according to the survey by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

In contrast, 64 per cent said they "wanted to update, or add value or are preparing to sell the residence," according to the poll results released yesterday.

Ottawa was one of 10 Canadian cities where CMHC surveyed up to 1,200 households on their renovation plans, as well as intentions to purchase a home.

In Ottawa, 41 per cent of households reported they did some form of renovation or remodeling in 2006, which was slightly higher than the average of 39 per cent for households in all cities.

Not surprisingly, painting or wallpapering and changing flooring or carpeting were the two most frequent projects, representing 35 per cent and 33 per cent of remodeling jobs in Ottawa last year.

But remodeling of rooms was a close third, representing 31 per cent of all projects.

Those who tackled renovation projects spent an average of $10,672 on their projects, somewhat less than the national average, which topped $11,000. 

In Ottawa, about six per cent of those surveyed bought a house last year and another seven per cent intend to buy in 2007, according to the survey.

Purchase intentions are highest in Calgary, where 14 per cent of those polled said they intend to purchase this year, followed by Edmonton, at 11 per cent.

"More than $17.3-billion was spent on renovations last year across the 10 major centres surveyed," said Bog Dugan chief economist at CMHC.

"As well, 46 per cent of homeowners in these 10 centres surveyed indicated that they intend to spend $1,000 or more on renovations this year."