Careful planning can greatly minimize the inconvenience of living in the midst of a renovation. Talk to your renovator about the schedule of work to be done and how your daily routine might be...
Don’t automatically take the lowest bid, unless you are certain the renovator has properly understood what you want. Sometimes low bids turn out to be the most expensive in the end. If you accept the...
Don’t omit this step just because you are too busy or “they seem like the right person for the job.” Call the GVHBA, the renovator’s previous clients, the bank, and the building supply store to ensure...
If you are thinking about using outside funds, discuss your borrowing needs and options with your lending institution. You will likely find there are many financing possibilities to consider, from...
Advance research is the key to getting what you want. Review magazines, books and websites to get a n idea of the looks you want. Sites like Houzz with a myriad of pictures and ideas is a great place...
Realize that projects are fluid entities that change and there are always labor pains. Roll with it!...
People hire a contractor because they don’t have the time or skills to do the project themselves, so let the professionals do what they know how to do...
Expect the weather to affect the project’s timeliness and maybe even create challenges and setbacks...
The more you know about what you want and the better you communicate that to the contractor at the inception of a renovation project, the smoother things can go. Making up your mind or changing your...
All the good ones are taken, so don’t expect to pick up the phone and have someone start next week. If they’re any good, they’re likely booked solid...
There are always additional expenses along the way but the final price shouldn’t be that far from the budget being set out...
In fact, see work in progress, or else a contractor will show you only finished gems and not how you can expect a project to go...
It’s even better if they are members of one or more of our professional associations (e.g. the Canadian Home Builders Association) which will help regulate industry standards...
Renovating your bathroom can breathe new life into your home and enhance both its appearance and functionality. However, a successful bathroom renovation requires careful planning, thoughtful design...
A bathroom is a place that everyone wants in pristine condition. It helps in two ways: first, you get better functionality, and second, it positively impacts your home’s value. Whether...
