- For structural components & safety: “The weight of a house travels from the roof to load-bearing walls to the foundation. If the weight distribution is interrupted, it can weaken the house, or possibly cause it to fall.” We advise—along with the all-important building permit, have an architect or structural engineer look at your plans before you start your home renovation. There are normally several alternatives that can maintain the structure of your home safely.
- When planning for your renovation, account for the amount of time it will take to complete the project. Also consider your costs (full cost quotes plus an additional 15% to 20% contingency fund for changes and unexpected expenses).
- If you require the services of both a contractor and a designer, get them together as a team as early in the project as possible. This way each party benefits from the other’s experience and expertise. Not only will the project go more smoothly, but the end result will be an even better outcome!
- Great renovation starts with a great contractor. When looking for a qualified contractor, use all available resources. Word of mouth recommendations from others who have had similar work done recently, information from local licensing agencies, and Internet resources like positive reviews are all helpful tools.
- Don’t delay decisions! The best thing to do is finalize every single decision before work commences. A good contractor can talk you through the list of situations that might come up during the job. Dedicate enough time to make decisions about things like paint, trim and faucet selection. These may seem small, but when your faucet is two weeks late, plumbers have to reschedule and something that was once small turns into an unwanted week’s delay on a five-week project!
- Don’t change your mind (too much). Even though it’s inevitable that you’ll change your mind about something on your project, know this: Every time you change your mind, it’ll result in a changed order. Although the change may seem minor, there are always added costs— even if it’s only the time spent discussing the change. Scheduling can be affected too. Everyone working on the job needs to be informed of the change so no one’s working on the old plan. Everyone makes changes, and that’s OK— always be weary of the potential of changes to disrupt and delay the job.
- Doors and windows showcase the outside of the home and require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly and looking good. Even interior doors sometimes need to be repaired or replaced. Most windows have moving parts, which need to be cleaned to keep the windows in good working order. Sealing windows for the winter and covering them with plastic film will increase energy savings. Exterior doors and storm doors are the first line of defense against the elements, as well as being focal points that can increase the home’s curb appeal. A well-appointed front entry door can tip the scales for prospective buyers.
- Renovating a kitchen can be costly, but it’s a great way to add financial value and an eco-responsibility factor to your home. It’s important to plan these renovations very carefully, and above all, to take advantage of your investment to make your kitchen healthier and more efficient. Now is your opportunity to make the best choices for cupboards, counters and floor covering, to protect resources and the environment, as well as your family’s health. The kitchen is also a crucial area where you can take action to reduce the quantity of waste that goes into landfills. And of course, renovating the kitchen gives you the chance to make enlightened, effective choices for appliances, controls and lighting, to save energy and water.
- Transforming the laundry is a great way to add value to increase the facilities and amenities on offer. It can be expensive to construct an extra bedroom or living area, so look at how you can maximize the space you’ve got. For instance, have you got a large laundry? Why not convert it to a combined bathroom/laundry?
- Although remodeling can be quite exciting, the unexpected, and sometimes inevitable, delays, snags and inconveniences can be very frustrating. This is one of the most important home renovation tips to consider. Being aware of the possibility of small bumps along the way might prime you to deal with possible frustrations better. Working with a good contractor ensures that you know what to expect once the renovation project begins, minimizing any surprises.
- It’s tempting to think you will save money by doing some of the renovation work yourself. The task of doing renovations oneself becomes even more dauting when one is faced with the reality of having little past construction experience and perhaps is also working full time. Even painting may be too time-consuming if the property is large, or you need to move in quickly. Chat with your contractor today to discuss these costs and create a plan that works for you.