Planning your renovation
1. Plan for the long term, thinking ahead avoids short-term renovations that may need to be redone in the future. Discuss your short- and long-term goals openly with your family and renovator. Professional renovators can conduct a thorough inspection of your home and offer suggestions for the most effective sequencing of work over a period of time.
The secret of success lies in careful planning based on a solid understanding of what you want to achieve. This includes having a clear focus on what must be included in your project as well as any other features you would like to include, if your budget allows.
In many cases, the final design and specifications for the project will be worked out with the help of a renovation contractor, designer or architect. However, the more information you can give them, the better they are able to provide you with good advice and accurate cost estimates.
Here's the list that we recommend:
- A clear description of what you want to change in your home and why? In other words, what's the purpose of your renovation?
- Specific goals for your renovation project.
- A list of future changes you anticipate in your life that could affect what you need in your home.
- A definition of priorities - which renovation items are must-haves and which ones would be nice to have, but are not essential?
- Your total budget for your project.
Once you have completed this pre-planning, you'll be in a much better position to ask a professional renovator, designer or architect to develop specific plans for your project. The time and energy you invest in this renovation homework can make a real difference in terms of the success of your project and your ability to keep within your budget. Remember that most renovation problems are a direct result of poor planning.
2. Know what you want. Ask yourself what is important for you in this project & what the main purpose is. Is your family situation likely to change? To accommodate the arrival of a new child or an aging parent? Do you anticipate changing the use of any room in the future, for instance converting a bedroom to a home office? Do you have children who will require more space and privacy down the road? Renovating for life style change, losing energy or you want to sell the home.
3. How long will you stay in your home? You should consider how long you plan to live in your home, as well as your long-term financial goals. While most renovations will increase the market value of your home, some projects will have a more positive impact than others.
If you plan on living in your home for many years, the financial return on your renovation investment may be of less concern to you. On the other hand, if you expect to be selling your home within a few years, consider whether your renovation will enhance the buyer appeal and selling price of your home. You can also get more advice about your home value from real estate appraisers or from real estate agent.
You can find a local agent or appraiser.
Need to upgrade for energy efficiency. Improving the energy efficiency of your home can save you money and increase your living comfort-fewer drafts, fewer cold and hot spots, less fluctuation in temperature. From caulking to added insulation to better wind.
The electrical system upgrade in your home may pre-date today's equipment-intensive lifestyle and may not be adequate, or safe, for your needs.
Your plumbing system may not give you enough hot water or steady pressure for your family's showers and laundry.
An older heating system may not deliver enough heat. You may also want additional items to bring your home up to today's standard of performance and comfort, e.g. ventilation, electrostatic furnace filters, water purification, alarm systems and wiring for home office equipment.
Moisture problems can damage your home and your health. Water seepage around plumbing fixtures can destroy surrounding wood and finishes. Moisture trapped in the exterior walls and roof can cause structural deterioration and create cracks, bulges or stains in walls and ceilings. Condensation on windows can eventually rot wood frames and sills. Moulds may grow in both visible and invisible places, and a damp basement may give the whole house a musty, unpleasant smell. Moisture problems should be identified and dealt with before or at the same time as your renovation; this will help to protect your home, improve the quality of the indoor air and ensure a healthier living environment for you and your family.
Take the time you need to explore the possibilities for your home and develop a firm plan. Begin with the fundamentals - what do you need and how you want your "new" project to look, feel and work for you and your family. Once you have a clear idea of the "big picture", your contractor will help you work out all the details. Know the facts before the work begins. What does the work entail? How will it be done and by whom? How will it affect your day-to-day living? Should you consider moving out? What if you have questions or want to make changes? The more you know upfront about the whole process, the less anxious you'll feel.
Before making firm plans to put in a new kitchen or add the sunroom you have always dreamed of, it's a good idea to take a close look at the condition of your home. It's important to know if there are any underlying problems or repairs or replacements that need to be dealt with in the near future. With a clear picture of the condition of your home, you can budget for both the short and the long term.
4. Find out for your project need a building permit or not. You are like most homeowners; you may not be familiar with building permits. Some repairs & renovations may not require a building permit. These include re-roofing, painting, re-siding, flooring and cabinet installation, and replacement of windows and doors (provided the opening is not enlarged)-in brief, work that does not entail changes to structures or systems. Talk with your renovator, or check with your municipal building permit office to be sure. Also, find out if you need a permit to demolish old structures such as a garage, shed or porch, or to cut down a tree on your property.
Why do I need a building permit?
Your home renovation must meet basic requirements for health, safety and structural soundness as set out by the Building Code. Beyond this, the permit process makes sure that your plans are in line with other municipal requirements, such as zoning regulations and heritage building designations. Generally, a building permit is required for renovations that involve changes to the structure or systems of your home. This includes new additions, reconfiguration of space by moving or removing walls, new window and door openings and installation of fireplaces. Electrical and plumbing permits may also have to be obtained separately.
5. Set your realistic budget and keep money in reserve for extras: When you do renovation you may face unexpected problem or once the work begins, it is not uncommon for homeowners to want to go an extra step - a better tile, quality product, modify design, brand new appliances and so on. "Once you are into it, you realize that just so-so is not good enough and that now is the best time to get those extra little touches of style or luxury." Finally it will end-up costly and you have to be prepared for that.
6. Set your timeframe and find out how long it will take: Don't expect a problem-free renovation and no delay. There are a number of reasons your project may get delayed. The bigger the project, the more likely you will run into the unexpected delay, such as existing deficiencies hidden in the walls, delays in special orders/you couldn’t get the product you are looking or bad weather, unexpected financial problem. Be flexible and understand that some things are beyond the renovator's or your control. "If there is good rapport and trust between you and your renovator, it is usually easy to find a solution and move beyond the problem." Talk to your renovator about the timeframe.
If you need more help Call 416-439-4600
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