There is so much to think about before starting a home renovation project. The reason for renovating, which areas, design styles, timelines, financing, hiring a Professional and your expectations are some questions that arise. We are here to help guide you through the process with these 5 tips to a successful home renovation.
1. Define your purpose
The first step in planning a home renovation is to clearly define the reason you want to make the improvements. For instance, are you planning to sell your house? Or, is the purpose of your renovation to improve your lifestyle and living space?
If your reason is for re-sale then it is important to clarify what type of renovation would financially benefit you the most. Perhaps a new kitchen or front door and entrance area would give you the best return. For example, you can recoup approximately 92% of your money with a new garage door and up to 91% by replacing your front door. A professional renovation contractor will provide you with the information you need to make the best decision on your return.
If you aren’t planning to sell and simply modernizing your traditional space, deciding which areas you wish to renovate is crucial to the cost, quality and design. The best place to start is creating a list of “needs” and “wants”. Needs account for any areas within your home where you need better functionality, or those areas that are your current pain points day-to-day. You know the ones we’re referring to: not enough prep space in the kitchen, lack of open concept for better entertaining, mud rooms without proper storage. Your wants are going to be features and finishes which you’ve always dreamed of having but aren’t necessarily a need. Things like custom Italian marble finishes in the ensuite, oversized walk-in closets, a wine room or a 4-car garage.
Whether you’re updating your home to sell or just wanting a fresh new space, we recommend you enlist the expertise of a professional renovation contractor, saving you time and money in the long run.
2. Prepare a budget
Once you have made the decision on which areas to renovate the next step is to prepare your budget. Your budget will determine the extend of your project and if your plan is feasible. Begin by pricing out the “needs” from the list you created, and as your budget allows add in some (or all) of your favourite wants.
Keep in mind you may also qualify for a renovation rebate when upgrading to energy efficient options, such as new windows or furnaces. Don’t forget to include the cost of permits and a contingency fund, to account for additional expenses or changes to your plan along the way.
3. Do your due diligence
Take your time in obtaining quotes from established professionals in your area. Ask for references, review their websites and social media pages and visit their current job sites. The best renovation contractors maintain clean and organized sites, ensure there are safety measures in place and know how to maintain good rapport in the neighborhood. Lastly, be sure you can communicate clearly with your design team and contractor. Enlist their creativity and expertise, making sure you can collaborate effectively and that you feel listened to.
4. Prepare yourself for unforeseen delays
There may be weather, crew, permit or other delays that are out of the control of your contractor and may unfortunately extend portions of the renovation project. A well-planned renovation project usually allows some extra time, however being realistic and knowing this may happen will cause you less worry.
5. Prepare your home
Prepare your home before the renovation begins by packing away things you can do without. Take down pictures, safely store your décor items and de-clutter the renovation area(s). If you are renovating your kitchen, you may have to set up a temporary space outside of the renovation area that has all the essentials you will need to function daily. Being proactive with organizing your home before the project begins will bring you peace of mind.
The biggest piece of advice we can offer? Listen. Once you’ve gone to all the trouble of hiring your contractor, let them guide you through the process and relieve some of your stress. The most successful projects are those where collaboration is open and honest – remember to trust the expert that you’ve hired!
More Helpful Resources:
Home renovation Guide: tips and advice from Money Sense.
Vancouver & British Columbia building permits
Luxury home trends for 2017
Renovation versus relocating