Renovating your home can be a daunting task. It’s a huge project that can take months (or even years) to complete, and it can be expensive, too. But if you plan and prepare well, renovating your home can be a great experience that will improve the look and feel of your home and increase its value. So, where do you start? Here are six things you should know before starting a major home renovation project:
1. Get Quotes From Multiple Contractors
The renovation cost can vary widely depending on who you hire to do the work. So it’s important to get quotes from multiple contractors before deciding. If you’re renovating your home in Calgary, several great contractors can choose from. Ensure you get at least three quotes – any less, and you may not be getting a true sense of the market rate.
When getting quotes, ask each contractor the same questions so you can compare their answers side-by-side. And don’t just focus on the bottom line – consider other factors such as the contractor’s experience, reputation, and communication style. Hiring the cheapest contractor is not always the best decision – you want to ensure you’re getting someone who will do a good job and who you feel comfortable working with.
2. Know Your Budget
Before starting any renovation project, you must know how much money you have to work with. This means setting a budget and sticking to it. Don’t be tempted to overspend – it will only lead to headaches down the road.
There are a few ways to determine your budget. One is to calculate the project’s total cost and divide that by the number of months you expect it will take to complete. Another is to figure out how much you can afford each month and then add up all those numbers. Whichever method you choose, include not just the cost of materials and labor but also the cost of permits, inspections, and other associated fees.
3. Choose The Right Time To Renovate
Renovating your home can be a great experience – but only if you do it at the right time. If you remodel when the economy is bad, for example, you may not get as much return on your investment when it comes time to sell. Or if you renovate when your children are young, they may not be able to stay in the home during the renovation process.
So when is the right time to renovate? The answer depends on your situation and priorities. If you’re looking to increase the value of your home so that you can sell it in the future, then you should wait until the housing market is strong. If you want to renovate while your children are still living at home, you should avoid any major renovations requiring them to move out temporarily.
4. Understand The Permits And Inspections Process
Depending on the scope of your renovation project, you may need to apply for permits from your municipality. For example, you will likely need a permit if you’re doing any structural or electrical work. Failure to obtain the proper permits can result in hefty fines, so it’s essential to understand the process before starting your project.
In addition to permits, you may also need to have your work inspected by a city inspector at various stages of the renovation. Again, this is something that you should be aware of before starting your project so that there are no surprises down the road.
5. Have A Contingency Plan
No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong during a renovation. That’s why it’s crucial to have a contingency plan in place. This could mean setting aside extra money in your budget for unexpected expenses or having a backup plan for where you will live if your home becomes uninhabitable during renovation.
With a contingency plan in place, you can rest assured knowing that you’re prepared for anything that might come up.
6. Be Realistic About Your Timeline
It’s important to be realistic about the timeline for your renovation project. Things rarely go according to plan, and there will inevitably be delays. So don’t put too much pressure on yourself to stick to a strict schedule.
Instead, try to build some flexibility into your timeline. If possible, avoid planning your renovation around a specific event, like a family vacation or a holiday party. And if you need to stick to a firm deadline, be sure to add a buffer of several weeks – that way, even if things get delayed, you’re still more likely to meet your goal.
Following these tips can set you up for a successful home renovation project. Just remember to take your time, research, and be prepared for anything. With a little planning, you can ensure that your renovation goes smoothly and that you end up with the home of your dreams.
