The very idea of a home renovation can sound overwhelming to many homeowners. When done right and for the right reasons, the value added to your home can be astronomical. It can also pay off if you decide to sell your home in the future. Renovating your home allows you to enjoy your space more while you live in it. So before you get too far into the planning process, let’s talk about some helpful home remodeling tips you should consider for your Toronto home reno.
1. Assess your home’s condition and determine which areas need renovation
Assess the condition of your home before skipping to the exciting phase of selecting colours and designs. Not every home is a good candidate for renovation. If the structural integrity of the home is not sound, a renovation may cause further deterioration.
There is a misconception that you need to do extensive renovations in order to keep the rewards of the project. As a result, many homeowners find themselves overspending on rooms they do not need to upgrade. Simple upgrades go a long way if you focus on the right areas.
2. Set a budget and stick to it
Establish a budget early on in your planning stage. Without a budget, you’ll find yourself getting carried away with the excitement of exploring various materials, and you may run out of money long before the project is done.
Be realistic about what you can afford and avoid making changes to the project along the way. Changes can often significantly increase costs.
3. Research different renovation options and materials
The best way to avoid unnecessary costs and minimize surprise costs along the way is taking the time to research your options. Make sure you get multiple quotes when selecting materials. As you explore different home renovation trends, be realistic about what you can afford and find options within your price range.
Many people get ideas from popular home renovation channels that show fancy finishes and impressive homes. Remember that renovations in real life are very different from what you see on TV, so don’t compare your home to the ones you see on TV. There are many options on the market to suit every budget. Take time to find these options so you get the best value without crushing your budget.
4. Hire a reputable contractor
Not everyone who claims to be a skilled contractor is. Many home renovation projects go south at the hands of an unqualified contractor. Renovations are expensive, but inexperienced contractors cost you even more. Not only can they make mistakes that compromise the outcome of the project, you may find yourself having to hire an additional contractor to fix the mistakes.
All of this can be avoided by being mindful of the contractor you hire for the job. Take time to research contractors and the projects they’ve completed. Get some recommendations from people you know who were happy with the work done. Ensure that the contractor you hire is qualified, certified, and insured.
5. Create a renovation plan and schedule
If you are renovating your home for a specific event, it’s important to communicate this to your contractor. If you don’t have a particular deadline, have an idea of when you would like the project to be completed.
Look at your calendar and consider your family plans for the year. Give yourself enough flexibility to accommodate delays. Some delays are inevitable, but careful planning can prevent surprise delays from having a catastrophic impact on your renovation plan.
6. Prioritize projects that add most value to your home
Some rooms in your home will have a greater ROI than others – namely kitchens, bathrooms and basements. When considering a renovation, think about how you can upgrade key areas in your home.
Remember, you don’t need to completely remodel these rooms. There are some subtle changes you can make that create a world of difference in your home’s value.
7. Consider energy efficient upgrades
Find ways to incorporate energy-efficient appliances and products in your home. Not only will this help to save on your monthly energy bills, it will reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
While it may be more expensive upfront to invest in energy-efficient products, the gains are worth the investment in the long run. In addition, the Canadian government offers a number of initiatives to help offset the cost of creating a greener home.
8. Ensure all permits and approvals are obtained before starting work
Before you break ground on your renovation project, acquire the necessary permits and approvals from your municipality. It may seem like an unnecessary hassle, but foregoing permits can be a costly error.
Building permits are required to ensure that the changes you plan to make are safe. Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to headaches down the road. In fact, you may be required to restore the home to its original state at your own expense.
9. Keep detailed records of expenses and receipts
Anytime you enter into a contract of any kind, there is a chance that something may go wrong and a dispute may ensue. Keeping a good record of progress and expenses can go a long way in resolving issues.
Should there be any issues with materials purchased or you need to claim a warranty, you will need to produce receipts to support your claim. So hold on to them just in case!
10. Enjoy your new and improved living space
Once the renovations are complete, it’s now time to enjoy your space. Sometimes, it seems like the project will never end, and all the surprises along the way can be enough to zap all of your excitement.
Be sure to take time to appreciate the project and enjoy the fruit of the hard work.
Contact Us
There is so much excitement in the air when home renovation ideas are being discussed and planned. With all the joy, it’s easy to forget some critical steps that can make or break your renovation. Following these home reno tips can ensure that your renovation project is successful. Our contractors at NOR Contractors have been renovating homes for years and are committed to nothing less than excellence. We’ll help you develop your home remodeling ideas and design your home with perfection. We’re capable of taking on any home reno project. There is no project too difficult or too small for our experienced team.
Count on our team to exceed your expectations every single time. Hire a team in Toronto known for exceptional home renovations. Call today to schedule your consultation!