Consider these four things before you start your next home renovation!

1. Figure out what you want!

Look at home renovation magazines or search online photos for inspiration on what you want for your renovation, before you reach out to contractors. Do you want a more modern looking kitchen or a more traditional look? What colour schemes were you thinking? For example, in your bathroom, what kind of layout would you like? What kind of flooring? Do you want a stand-up shower, a bath tub with shower head, or the more traditional bathtub with legs? Keep a collection of photos so that you can share them with your contractor/designer. Communication is key in any renovation. The more information you can give your contractors/designers, the better they can understand what it is you want. Be wary that things like space and budget can limit what you can do with your renovation. Contractors and Designers can walk you through costs, what will work, and what won’t work in the space you have, so you get the most out of your renovation. When you meet with a designer/contractor they’ll ask you many questions about what you want, so if you aren’t sure going into the meeting, they can help you solidify some ideas.

Make a list of what you need without out a doubt, what you really want, and what you could do without but would be nice if the room had it. For example, in my kitchen I may need a dishwasher for my fast-paced lifestyle. I may really want a lot of counter space including an island in the middle of my kitchen but I don’t need it. I need a fridge as well but I could do without built in Wi-Fi and a touch screen (There are fridges with these options!). Having a good idea of your needs, wants, and what you could do without, will really help when considering your price range

2. Consider your price range.

What is your budget for the renovation? Keep in mind that sometimes fees will pop up such as hidden repairs your house needs. You never know what you’re going to find behind walls, under floors, etc. Take twenty percent from your budget away for extra costs and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress if an extra cost shows up. Then consider what you need, what you want most, and what you can do without.  Talk to your contractor, or supply stores about pricing when it comes to the type of flooring, or the fixtures that you want. What can you afford based on your budget? This will help you narrow down all the ideas you’ve collected. Also keep in mind the overall value of your home. Putting extra money in to appliances, or fixtures such as cabinets, shelves, fireplaces, etc., may appeal to a wider range of people when selling your home in the future. Instead of putting extra money into unique trim or painting techniques on your walls. Some people may enjoy it, but others may not appreciate your unique choices.

In the end the choice is yours. It’s your home and you live there so it is important you’re happy with your decisions. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want and keep that in mind when deciding on the details of your home. If a textured paint or unique wall paper is high on your list of wants then go for it! If it is low on the list then perhaps you can go without.

Also keep in mind that, with some things, you don’t want to go with the cheaper option. For example, flooring and carpet in areas of your home that get walked a lot should be a higher quality material to endure that heavy traffic. If you go with a cheaper material you’re looking at having to replace or repair in a few years.

If you’re finding that what you need and really want, you can’t afford, sometimes it is best to wait until you’ve saved enough money for them.

3. Permits!

Check with your city, town, etc. on what you are allowed to do with your home. In a lot of places even building a shed in your yard requires a permit. Before getting started, know what permits you’re going to need and make sure you have them by the time work starts on your home. Otherwise you could end up with a fine. Without a permit, your insurance won’t cover if damage is caused to your house.

4. Be Flexible with your planned timeline.

It’s fine to plan out renovation timelines and estimated completion dates so you can plan your life around the renovations. Just keep in mind that, unfortunately, things happen when you least expect them. Perhaps carpet is removed to be replaced with flooring and mold is found underneath. Or the wood underneath has a rot issue and needs to be replaced. Perhaps the cabinets for your kitchen are suddenly on back order or that flooring you wanted is now discontinued. If you prepare for these mishaps and have a flexible timeline, you’ll save a lot of stress. Have the renovation start a few months earlier than when you wanted it to start or prepare for a few months after it is supposed to finish. Don’t plan a dinner party in your new renovated kitchen when the renovation is supposed to be completed a week before. Chances are something will cause the completion date to be extended.

Good luck with your renovation and I hope it is relatively stress free!