It’s the question every home renovation enthusiast eventually asks themselves – “how much can I actually do myself?” You’ve closely studied the DIY blog posts from your favourite renovation website, watched a few episodes of Property Brothers and bought yourself a brand-new toolkit. You’re ready for your next reno – or so you think. Before you start hammering away at your newest passion project, it’s probably a good idea to get a sense of the renovations you can do yourself and those you should call a pro to handle. Here’s our list of renos for the pros versus those you can tackle as an ordinary Joe.
Renovations for DIYers
1. Cosmetics
When it comes to home renovations, this is where DIYers have the most flexibility. Changing cosmetic aspects of your home like the colour of the walls or the interior décor can be done with relatively little experience. Plus, you don’t need permits or approvals to work on your home’s interior. You can replace old fixtures with modern ones, repaint your doors, rearrange your furniture or even go for a whole new look. Just be sure that the changes you make increase the value and functionality of your space.
2. Light Demolition
While you shouldn’t take a sledgehammer to any wall without consulting a professional first, light demolition is certainly something you can tackle on your own. This means taking down things like old shelving and cabinets, appliances, molding or even removing unwanted tile work and carpeting. Whatever you do, steer clear of structural work. As a renovation newbie, it’s hard to know which walls are load bearing, and a sledgehammer to the wrong wall could cause a renovation disaster.
3. Landscaping
Another great DIYer – landscaping! A well-kept lawn can work wonders for your home. It makes your space seem more inviting and appealing to neighbours and buyers alike. The best part about this renovation is how easy it is. Preparing garden beds, mowing the lawn and trimming your hedges are all things you can do by yourself in a short period of time.
4. Simple Tiling
Last but certainly not least – tiling. While you may want to leave complex projects like herringbone or basket weave tile to the pros, so it looks upscale and well done, simpler projects that use a straight or diagonal pattern are a go for DIYers. Just make sure you brush up on your tile laying skills with a reliable, easy-to-follow guide – here’s one of our favourites.
Renovations for Professionals
1. Major Structural Changes
These days, everyone wants an open-plan home. But that doesn’t mean you go demolition crazy and knock down every wall in sight. Some walls are load bearing and play an important role for the structural integrity of your home. Simply put, they’re the reason your house is still standing. So, if you want to make any major structural change to your space, its best to call a contractor. They’ll have a better understanding of the structural makeup of your home and have an easier time dealing with the different permits, code requirements and approvals necessary to get the job done.
2. Electrical and Plumbing
This is another important renovation you don’t want to tackle by yourself – no matter how many DIY guides you read. Your plumbing and electricity are essential utilities for the proper functioning of your home, so you want to make sure everything concerning these utilities is handled correctly. Another important reason why you should leave your plumbing and electricity work to the pros is the permits required. Depending on where you live, you may need authorization before diving into these renovations. For example, in Ontario, a plumbing permit is required before installing, plumbing, or replacing an existing plumbing system. Plus, all plumbing installations are subject to the regulations under the Ontario Building Code.
3. Asbestos or Mold Removal
As a general rule of thumb, any renovation that involves a potentially hazardous situation should be crossed off your DIY list. Issues such as mold and asbestos should never be repaired or tested by anyone who is inexperienced. Instead, these renovations should be tackled by professionals with access to proper safety attire as exposure to mold and asbestos could damage your health.
4. Painting Exteriors
Painting your home’s exterior is much more complicated than painting the walls in your living room. It requires more paint, more prep and a more polished technique so your home doesn’t end up looking like a hot mess. Not to mention, your home is much bigger than just your living room. So, chances are there’s some spots that are tough to reach in a safe manner. This is why painting your homes exterior is another renovation best done by professionals.
Thinking of starting your next big remodel? Schedule a conversation with us today!
Renters can be quite picky when on the market for a new home. As they’re coughing up their hard earned money and getting into a long or short term agreement, it’s no surprise that they’ll be looking for a space that’s worth their dollars. While there’s tons of competition in the rental market, there’s features you can incorporate into your rental to help it stand out from the crowd. To help get your property off the market and new tenants moved in, we’ve come up with a list of features renters look for in a newly renovated home.
1. Open floor plan
Renters love an open floor plan. It gives the space a 21st century feel, creates a seamless flow and helps put every square foot of the home to good use. Not to mention, an open floor plan can make a small home seem much larger than it is. It might be worth getting rid of some non-load bearing walls to create a more open space in your rental. Most importantly, you’ll want to get rid of any barriers between the kitchen and the living room. Instead of having a wall to differentiate these two areas, you can make them distinct with the type of flooring you choose. For example, you can install tile flooring in the kitchen and carpet or hardwood floors everywhere else. This will create a better space for entertaining guests and will allow easier movement throughout the home – all of which renters love! But make sure you don’t embark on these renovations yourself. Making big changes like these require the help of a professional!
2. Natural light
When it comes to the home, lighting is everything. If your rental property doesn’t have enough natural light, it might be a turn off for potential renters. So, it’s probably not a bad idea to call your contractor and look into getting a few more windows installed. An abundance of natural light will help your property look warm and more inviting. It’s also proven that sunshine is a great mood booster, so you’re sure to have a happy tenant.
3. Stainless steel appliances
Who doesn’t love shiny new things? New appliances, and better yet, stainless steel appliances are a great draw to potential renters. This gives them assurance that everything in their new home is in tip-top shape and is functioning properly. If you can’t afford stainless steel appliances, you can always opt for stainless look appliances – these are much more affordable and still have a polished look. The next important factor here is making sure your appliances match. With today’s picky renters, a blue dishwasher paired with a black stove simply won’t cut it. Matching the appliances makes your space much more visually appealing.
4. Lots of storage space
Renters usually have a lot of stuff. So, they appreciate homes with tons of space to store everything they’ve collected over the years. Thankfully, if your rental property doesn’t have enough storage, this can be fixed quite easily. You can install new shelving units in the kitchen, bathroom and living room. If you’d like to go a step further, you can look into adding new closet space or possibly expanding an already existing one.
5. A fresh coat of paint
There’s nothing worse than moving into a new rental and seeing traces of the tenants who lived there before you. Whether its stunning wall art or scuffed up cabinets – as a landlord, you’ll want to get rid of it! Repaint the walls and cabinets, if need be, with a neutral colour. Neutral tones tend to appeal to most people as they’re easy to work with when it comes to interior design. The simpler the colour scheme, the wider the appeal.
The competition on the rental market is fierce, and it all boils down to how well you meet your potential tenants’ needs. When you incorporate these features into your property, you’re sure to be earning rental income in no-time!
Want to renovate your rental property? Get in touch with us today!
Renovating a rental property can be tricky. With different leasing terms and landlord demands, the extent to which you can add your personal flair to a rental property varies from one rental agreement to another. However, there are some simple renovations that can up the style factor and increase the functionality of your rental home. And the best part about it is that most landlords wouldn’t mind if you take on these projects as they can be easily undone when you decide to move out. Also, some of these remodels can increase the home’s appeal to future renters – so that’s an added bonus. Without further ado, here’s a list of some of our favourite rental-friendly renovations.
1. Create statement walls
Painting walls is one of our favourite go-to renovations. It’s DIY friendly, inexpensive and adds a ton of personality, design and dimension to any space. Painting the walls in your rental home should be fine, so long as you remember to repaint the walls back to their original colour when it’s time to move out. When you’re embarking on your paint job, it’s important that you consider how easy the treatment will be to cover up. Avoid paint jobs and designs that are difficult to undo. Also, to make this renovation even more successful, ask your landlord for the paint colour and brand beforehand. This will ensure that you have the right shade when it’s time to repaint!
If painting isn’t your thing, then you can always use wallpaper. If you opt to go this route instead of painting, we recommend that you use wallpaper that’s easily removed. More brands are coming out with wallpaper options which don’t leave any adhesive residue – making them the perfect options for rental homes.
2. Install extra shelving
Not only does shelving help with organization, they can also add a ton of interest to your home. Depending on the unit your pick, installing shelves can be pretty easy. All you need are a few simple tools like a drill or maybe some wood adhesive. Since extra storage is always a draw for new tenants, your landlord may not require that these be taken down when it’s time to move out. However, if that’s not the case, just spackle and repaint that section of the wall, and it’ll be good as new. If you’re thinking of hanging a few shelves yourself, here’s a great how-to to get you started.
3. Replace your bathroom mirror
This remodeling project has the ability to breathe life into your bathroom. Replacing a boring bathroom mirror with one that’s more statement-making can completely transform the look and feel of your space. A quick trip to Ikea and a collection of easy-to-use tools, and you’re all ready to take on this simple renovation. Here’s a great step-by-step guide to help you replace your outdated bathroom mirror.
4. Plant a home garden
Last but certainly not least, planting a home garden. This is an easy addition that can really change the mood and look of a room. Your home garden can help you spruce up your space with vibrant colours and relaxing scents. The best part of this renovation is that with a small investment in basic gardening tools, a little TLC and some patience, you’re sure to end up with a flourishing home garden. Also, don’t forget to pick the perfect spot with just enough sunlight to let your seeds sprout.
Thinking of renovating your home? Get in touch with us today!
When most people think of home renovations, they think of time-consuming projects that sometimes cost an arm and a leg. However, remodeling your home and giving it a fresh look doesn’t always have to be a big to-do. You can add some pizzazz and unique touches to your home in as little as a weekend – and best of all, these are all projects that you can easily do yourself. If you’re looking for quick and easy ways to breathe new life into your space, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few of our favourite DIY weekend renovations.
1. Update your doors
Sometimes doors can look plain and take away from the aesthetics of a room. This is especially true if you own an older home. Naturally, when a home has outdated doors, the first thought is to replace them. But, not so fast! You can save yourself the time and cost this renovation project. With a little paint, some decorative trim and precise measuring skills, you can easily create the illusion of having brand new doors. Sound like something you’re willing to tackle this weekend? Then check out this easy to follow Hometalk tutorial.
2. Create a feature wall
A feature wall is probably the easiest way to make over any room in your home. Within one weekend, you can turn your walls from drab and washed out to bold and eye-catching. We suggest you create your feature wall using either paint or wallpaper. But, before you go to town with your hue or pattern of choice, you want to be sure you don’t go overboard with this remodelling project. Avoid over-the-top murals as they’re often hard to fix if something goes wrong. Also, extravagant paint jobs and wallpaper typically don’t add value to your home and aren’t worth the investment.
3. Replace bathroom fixtures
When it comes to the bathroom, a new fixture can go a long way. A new faucet can completely revamp the look of an outdated vanity. You can also opt to replace your showerhead if that’s the problem area. Not only can this renovation transform the look and feel of your bathroom, it could potentially save you some money down the line. You can opt to install low flow shower heads and faucets. They’re eco-friendly and will decrease your monthly water bill. Here are some easy guides to help you install a brand-new faucet and shower head.
4. Give your closet a new look
Closet renovations are a new trend that’s taking over the renovation industry! Homeowners are pulling inspiration from celebrity closets and turning what used to be a basic space for storing clothes into their own personal show rooms and walk-in retreats. The best thing about an over the top closet is that it’s pretty easy to create. All it takes is a few new storage units and a weekend of reorganizing. You can even incorporate some décor and art pieces in your closet to give it more of a personal touch.
5. Boost your curb appeal
Sprucing up your home’s exterior is another great renovation project to tackle this weekend. This can easily be done by giving your yard a little TLC. Planting a garden and investing in some lawn care can make a big impact on your home’s visual appeal.
Updating your home’s look doesn’t have to be a time-consuming process. With these simple renovations, you can create a brand-new space that you love in no-time!
Thinking of renovating your home? Get in touch with us today!
Choosing the right contractor to help you bring your renovation dreams to life can be challenging. With so many options out there, it’s tricky to know where to start and who is reliable and does a good job. Settling on the perfect contractor can be the difference between a seamless renovation process and a stressful remodel which drains your pockets. To assist with the selection process, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you sift through the countless contractor options for your home renovation.
1. Do your research
Doing your research is the first step in finding the perfect contractor for your renovation. After all, you can’t settle on the right contractor if you don’t know the options that are available to you. Your research can be something as simple as a Google search, asking friends and family for suggestions or a more in-depth investigation. We suggest using websites like Home Advisor – an extensive database of home improvement experts – to get an overview of the renovation professionals in your area. Contacting your local chamber of commerce is another great option. They should be able to give you some solid recommendations. Once you’ve gotten an overview of possible contractors for your home reno, you can then compile a shortlist of your favourites to move further along the process.
2. Conduct phone interviews
When on a quest to find the right contractor, interviews are a crucial part of the process. You never want to work with a company without knowing a bit about them and soliciting the necessary information to help with decision making. During your phone interview, you want to get to know a little more about the company, their processes and expertise. This is also a good time to request the contractor’s license number. With a license number, you can then contact your local municipality to verify if the contractor is legally in business or not. Once you have all this information, you should be able to narrow your list down a bit more.
3. Arrange face to face meetings
When you’ve narrowed your list down to a few finalists, it’s time to meet them in person! This will help you get a feel of their personality and what they’re like to work with. This initial face to face meeting should let you know if both of you are a good fit for a long or short-term project. This meeting is also the perfect time to ask for more important information like project schedules, business history, references etc. Every contractor should be able to comfortably provide two to three references for you to speak to regarding their work and performance.
4. Dig deeper
Hearing what a contractor has to say about themselves is only half the journey. In order to make the right decision, we urge you to reach you to their references. Ask if you can take a look at the work that was done for them and assess it according to your standards. You should also ask about the renovation process. Ask if they found it easy working with the contractor, if the project was delivered on time, and any other question you feel is necessary. This step should give you a more accurate depiction of the experts you’re about to team up with. By now, you should now have a solid knowledge of their work and work ethic.
5. Get itemized bids
Finally, you should request an itemized bid from every contractor you’re interested in working with. This should give you a clear idea of how much your project will cost. An itemized bid should include labour costs, material costs, permit fees and any other expenses required to bring your renovation dreams to life. Compare bids from all the contractors to see which is best for your budget – but, be wary of bids that are too low. As a general rule, if it’s too good to be true, it usually is!
Thinking of renovating your home? Get in touch with us today!
When it comes to creating your dream home, some homeowners know no limits. From gold faucets to custom additions, they will stop at nothing to add their personal touch to their space. However, when embarking on home renovations you have to ask, “is this worth the money?” Especially if you plan on selling your home sometime in the future. This will ensure that you only invest your money and time on renovation projects that add value to your home and appeal to buyers on the resale market. With that being said, here’s a list of four home renovation investments that typically aren’t worth splurging on.
1. Flamboyant designs and fixtures
As a general rule of thumb, if this isn’t your forever home, steer clear of over-the-top design elements and fixtures during your home renovations. Chances are most people do not have the same unique taste as you do. So, for example, spending tons of money to give your home a medieval inspired makeover complete with all the trims and finishings may not be the best idea. This goes for any unique renovation that may not appeal to most buyers on the resale market. When renovating your home, you want to strike a balance between adding a personal touch and appealing to market needs. Also, depending on how original these fixtures are, they may be difficult to maintain or repair.
2. Murals and over-the-top paint jobs
We all know that a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to revamp your home and add value to it. However, it’s very easy to go too far with renovations as easy as this. Although adding a mural to your space may seem like a great and inexpensive way to upgrade and add some pizazz, it isn’t the best way to invest your money. When buyers look at a potential home, they want to be able to see themselves living there. Potential buyers will most likely have a hard time looking past the funky murals you love so much. Not to mention, depending on the materials used, getting rid of that eye-catching mural may be more expensive and difficult than you think.
3. Fancy landscaping
Landscaping is another easy renovation project that does a lot for your home’s visual appeal. Your lawn is the first thing visitors notice about your home, so it doesn’t hurt to show it a little bit of love to keep it looking good. But, investing in over the top fountains, stone paths and accessories for your lawn or garden is simply not necessary. These additions are most likely not going to add value to your home, and therefore won’t produce a good return in investment.
4. Changing your electrical system
Unless it’s absolutely necessary, upgrades to your electrical system are typically not worth it. Once again, it all boils down to the buyers in the resale market. Considering the fact that no one will see your new wiring, they most likely won’t be impressed by it or be interested in shelling out more money for it.
Simply put, not all home renovations are worth the expense. Although adding a personal flair to your space with your renovation project is fantastic, it’s very easy to overdo it. Avoid these unnecessary and extravagant remodels, and your wallet with thank you!
Thinking of renovating your home? Get in touch with us!
Home renovations can be pricey. From contractors and quality materials to a top-notch interior designer – there are lots of things to budget for when it comes to a remodelling project. However, do you know that there are a number of avoidable mistakes that can greatly increase your renovation budget? We’ve come up with five common and unnecessary mistakes that most homeowners make which affect their home renos and their wallets.
1. Waiting too long to renovate
A lot of homeowners are guilty of making do with the damages in their homes. In an effort to save money, they wait until damages are unbearable before finally deciding to renovate. However, waiting to renovate isn’t always a good thing. Doing small renovations when they’re needed can prevent a small problem, like mold in your bathroom, from spreading or getting worse – thus requiring a more complex fix. Also, doing one small renovation at a time is significantly more convenient than waiting to redo your entire home. These small reno projects save you from the major inconveniences that large remodeling projects come with – like long timelines, and temporary residences.
2. Cutting costs
Sometimes, homeowners make the mistake of looking for and purchasing the cheapest materials for their home renovations. Although sticking to your budget is advisable, it’s definitely not a good idea to skimp on quality. Cheap materials have to be replaced more often because they’re more susceptible to wear and tear. So, while their current price points might be appealing, they’ll cost you much more in the long run.
3. Choosing the cheapest contractor
Deciding on the best contractor to work with is arguably the most important step in the home renovation process. Not only do contractors work to bring your vision to life, they also give much-needed guidance and advice. Since choosing the right contractor is vital to a successful renovation, is best that you don’t go for the cheapest option. When it comes to sourcing help for your renovation project, you want to get different quotes and settle on the average cost. Cheap contractors usually sacrifice other aspects of your renovation to make up for their low bids. So, for example, they may use subpar materials and quick fixes. As a general rule of thumb, if the price seems too good to be true, it usually is.
4. Overly trendy renovations
Remodelling your home is the perfect way to add personality to your space. However, you want to make sure that the vision you have isn’t too trendy or bold. Sure, gold faucets and loud paint colours may be in vogue now, but who’s to say what will be popular next year? Due to the fleeting nature of trends, you want to avoid incorporating too many of them into your renovation. A reno that’s too trendy will end up greatly decreasing your home’s resale value as it won’t appeal to a lot of buyers in the market.
5. Under Budgeting
Regardless of how well you plan, there’s still a chance that something will go wrong during your home reno. Materials could be delayed, or you may even come across a bigger problem while trying to fix the current one. Leaving allowances for delays and other unforeseen circumstances is the best way to ensure that your renovation is completed within your budget. Otherwise, you can expect to shell out some money you didn’t plan on spending.
Your pockets don’t have to take a big hit due to your home renovation. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to an affordable remodel with no unpleasant surprises.
Thinking of renovating your home? Get in touch with us today!
In-law suites are all the rave! Whether you live in a multi-generational home or would just like a beautiful space for family to stay when they come over – in-law suites can be extremely useful additions to your home. Just like any other room in your house, your in-law suite can be constructed and styled in any way you want. However, before calling your contractor and selecting renovation materials, here are a few things to consider when constructing a space for your in-laws.
1. Building codes
Before making any addition to your home, it’s a necessary and good practice to check your local building codes. There are usually guidelines and limits to what you can do with an addition to your home. Typically, additions are limited to having a living area, bedroom, bathroom and small kitchenette. Anything other than these rooms will require separate permits. This is because a more sizeable addition to your home will result in it not being considered a single-family home anymore. So, before you get to building, check what is permitted and what isn’t. It’ll save you a ton of time and stress.
2. Location
As with everything that has to do with real estate – location is everything! With a vision of your dream space in mind, it’s time to pick the ideal spot to build or convert into the in-law suite. Usually, people opt to convert their basement, attic and even their garage into a separate space for their in-laws. When looking for the right location, choose an option that makes the most sense for your home and the occupants needs.
3. Accessibility
Since in-law suites are usually designed for elder or ageing residents, it’s important to address all accessibility needs and concerns. During the design and construction process, work with your contractor to identify and remedy any safety hazards. This could mean anything from using calming paint colours to installing shower seats and grab bars in the shower. It’s essential to ensure that your in-laws can comfortably and safely use every part of their space when they’re over for a visit.
4. Finances
As with every other renovation project, it’s important to take a look at your finances and figure out what you can and can’t afford. Your renovation budget determines everything from the scale of your project and the materials you use, to whether you can renovate at all! Before diving headfirst into any remodelling project, have an honest conversation about your finances and set a reasonable budget for yourself! For a better look at what to include in your renovation budget, check out our budgeting blog.
5. Utilities
Utilities are usually the last thing on anyone’s mind when renovating a part of their home. However, when it comes to in-law suites, it’s one of the major things to consider. We advise that your new addition have its own separate power, heat and water source. This way, you can turn the utilities off when your in-law suite isn’t occupied. Separate utilities can also come in handy if you decide to rent this space out in the future.
6. Personal taste
Last but certainly not least – personal taste. When constructing an in-law suite, you want to keep the occupants in mind when picking everything from renovation materials to colours and furniture. This will make sure that your in-laws are able to enjoy their space as it’s a representation of their personal style.
Thinking of adding an in-law suite to your home? Get in touch with us today!
When it comes to home renovations, creating your dream space isn’t the only objective. Homeowners also want to get a bang for their buck! This means investing your time and resources into renovation projects that are within your budget and increase the value of your home. While it’s common knowledge that renovations like a kitchen remodel and new flooring can exponentially increase resale value, many homeowners are unaware of the more affordable tweaks they can make to make their homes more appealing. Here’s a quick look at five unconventional and affordable ways to increase your property value.
1. Paint your front door
There’s no doubt that the first thing buyers fall in love with is a home’s exterior. When putting their homes up for sale, homeowners usually get a fresh paint job and a well-manicured lawn. However, the front door is an important component often skipped over. Painting your front door and making it look brand spanking new is a great and inexpensive way to add to your home’s curb appeal. Depending on your home’s aesthetics, you can even get creative and choose bold colours to compliment the look of your house and make it more appealing to buyers.
2. Replace old windows
Not only do new windows have the ability to beautify a space, they’re also a great help when it comes to insulating your home. Replacing old windows with newer energy efficient ones is a great way to revamp your space and add to your home’s value. Not to mention, new windows can save you hundreds of dollars in heating bills. In a country like Canada with a long chilly winter season, a properly insulated home is invaluable.
3. Install modern lighting fixtures
Lighting is one of the most important components of a home’s interior – not only does lighting serve a crucial function, it can also be used to add a decorative touch as well. With buyers increasingly looking at every detail of a home before making a purchase decision, installing modern energy efficient lighting fixtures could make all the difference. This small renovation has the ability to turn an outdated shabby space into a contemporary and trendy one which is more desirable in today’s market.
4. Exchange light switches for dimmers
Nowadays, going green and living in a more sustainable way is the new normal. We’re seeing a surge in the number of buyers looking for energy efficient homes to complement their sustainable lifestyles. Exchanging your traditional light switches for dimmers is a fantastic way to capitalize on this trend. Modern day dimmers utilize motion sensors that turn your lights off when no one is in the room allowing you to use even less energy.
5. Landscape
As previously mentioned, a well-kept lawn does a lot for the visual appeal of your home. Since the lawn is one of the first things buyers notice, it’s a good idea to invest in a little lawn care. Mow your lawn, trim your hedges and put in a few flower beds to make your home look more inviting. However, when maintaining your lawn, you want to keep it simple. Steer clear of elaborate fountains, stone paths and the likes as they don’t appeal to everyone and most likely will not add value.
Increasing your property value doesn’t always require a major investment. With these minor and imaginative renovations, you can be sure your home will attract tons of buyers in the resale market!
Thinking of renovating your home? Get in touch with us today!
As exciting as a home renovation is, it can also be expensive. From materials to labour, the costs of creating your dream home can add up. When setting the budget for your renovation project, there are a number of factors to consider before settling on a final number. We’ve come up with a few major cost categories for a typical home renovation. These categories are where the money for your renovation usually goes and should be researched thoroughly before you start your project to ensure you’ve put the appropriate amount of money aside.
Materials
In regard to the materials required for your renovation project, you get what you pay for. When coming up with a budget, you want to consider the quality of materials you want to be used in your home. For example, if you’re upgrading your kitchen, opting for stone countertops and custom cabinets will require a much larger budget than laminate countertops and standard stock cabinets. Seeing that stone countertops such as marble or granite can cost anywhere from $2,000 – $5,000+, while laminate countertops come in at a more affordable price of $800 – $1,600+, there can be quite a difference in the budget required for your reno depending on the materials you want.
Labour
The amount of money you set aside for your renovation is heavily influenced by your decision to either DIY it or work with professionals. If you DIY your renovation project, you may get to save big on labour costs. However, unless you have some expertise, going down this route could cause some very expensive mistakes.
Homeowners who opt to hire professionals should always leave room in their budget for contractor costs. Most contracting companies will charge anywhere from 10 – 20% of the total renovation costs. So, if for example, your renovation costs $20,000, then you can expect a contractor to charge you anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000. Remember, each contractor is different, so it’s essential to get different quotes. This will ensure that you get the best deal and quality service.
Permits and inspections
Depending on the scale and type of renovation, you may be required to have a building permit and to book an inspection to make sure the work done in your home is safe and up to city standards. Generally, projects that require adding or removing walls, electrical work, adding accessory structures such as garages and patios, and even completing an unfinished basement requires a building permit and subsequent inspection. The amount of money set aside for building permits can vary greatly depending on where you live. Nevertheless, these costs should be factored into your final renovation budget.
Interior design and home styling
No home renovation is complete without the perfect touches of design. Interior design is an important step in bringing your renovation dreams to life and creating a space that truly reflects our personality. When budgeting for your home reno, it’s essential to consider the costs of working with an interior designer, if you choose to go down that route. Prices for interior designers vary as they all bring different levels of expertise. Some may charge $150 an hour or less, while others charge upwards of $250. As with any other hired labour, you’ll want to get different quotes to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
Mistakes and delays
Finally, when putting together the budget for your renovation, it’s important to factor in the possibility of mistakes and delays. No renovation project is perfect. Sometimes materials take longer than expected to arrive and delay the renovation process. We suggest putting some money aside, as much as 20% of your total budget, to cover unforeseen events and circumstances that may arise.
Budgeting for a renovation can be tricky. If it’s your first time embarking on a renovation project, it can be difficult to know what to set money aside for. There are many factors that go into a successful renovation. However, as long as you consider the major costs mentioned above, you’re well on your way to budgeting appropriately for your next renovation.
Thinking of remodelling your home? Get in touch with us today!
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