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!
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!
Home renovations are inherently noisy. With hammers hammering, drills drilling and workers scurrying in and out of your space, the noise, hustle and bustle of it all can be overwhelming. During a home reno, your first instinct is probably to find a different place to stay, but, this may not be necessary. In certain situations, staying at home is the best choice. Plus, you get to avoid costs associated with finding temporary accommodation. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to stay at home during your renovation:
1. Safety
There are different types of home renovations – some safer than others. The safety level of your renovation is a huge factor when deciding whether to stay put or move out for the time being. Major roof remodeling, wood floor refinishing and asbestos or mold removal are examples of projects that definitely require moving due to health and safety concerns. In cases like these, there’s really no decision to make. Always prioritize your health and safety above anything else.
2. Timeline
Before packing your bags and hurrying into a hotel, you want to consider the timeline of your renovation. Some projects can be completed in less than a month, so you’ll be able to have your space to yourself in no time. However, for bigger renovations like kitchen remodels which take over a month to complete, you may want to look into housing options as it can be difficult dealing with the noise and clutter for an extended period of time.
3. Project scale
It’s important to think about the scale of your renovations. Some projects like a complete home remodel, make it practically impossible to live at home while they’re being worked on, while others only place little restrictions on your movement within the home.
4. Access to necessities
Regardless of the scale of your renovation, you have to consider the access you have to necessities such as your bathroom, kitchen or even your home office. As a general rule of thumb, when a home reno restricts access to any part of the home you consider an integral part of your day-to-day routine, it’s probably best to live elsewhere for the time being.
5. Effects on project outcome
Some homeowners choose to stay at home during a renovation to avoid excess costs. However, in some cases, trying to avoid these costs can actually affect the project outcome. Living at home could extend the timeline of your renovation as workers have to adjust their schedules to accommodate your daily routine – and the longer the timeline, the higher your budget. If your presence in the home stops workers from doing their work efficiently, moving out may be a better choice. Your bank account will thank you for it!
6. Personal boundaries
As previously mentioned, renovations come with a lot of noise. Depending on the project, you may have restricted access to various parts of your home. Also, different tradesmen coming in and out of your space could impact your privacy. It’s up to you to decide whether or not you can deal with the impacts of a home reno on your day-to-day life. This may even be the biggest factor to consider.
Deciding where to stay during a home renovation isn’t as cut and dry as it seems. However, if your project has a short timeline, is small in scale and affects small unintegral parts of your home, then it’s okay to live in while renovations occur.
Thinking of renovating your home? Get in touch with us today!
Home renovations are wonderful – you get to update your home to your tastes, and likely increase the resale value down the road. However, renovations are a large undertaking that require plenty of materials, time, and labour, all of which cost money. For this reason, before you even begin to plan the details of your renovation, the first step should be coming up with a budget.
It might not sound like the most enjoyable task, but it will help you avoid taking on unnecessary debts by determining at the outset what you can comfortably afford. And if you love HGTV or thumbing through home renovation magazines, a budget can also help you prioritize what is within your reach. To avoid breaking the bank with your next renovation, here are five tips to help you stay on track with your budget.
#1. Plan, plan, plan
One of the main keys to successfully renovating your home on a predetermined budget is to know as much as possible before the first nail is hammered. It can be easy to look online and make general assumptions about costs, but don’t forget that there can be huge differences in price for things you’d otherwise think were consistent. For example, floor tiles that may look similar in quality can be radically different in price. Small choices like ceramic versus porcelain, or the size of tile can result in a big change to both material and installation costs.
Customizing your selected materials also adds to the bottom line. For example, you may see countertop prices and think you know the price per square foot, but things like non-standard lengths and holes that need to be made for sinks and faucets can add to the cost.
#2. Stick to the plan
Once you do come up with a plan, stick to it as best as possible. Last minute changes will undoubtedly extend the timeline of your remodel, which means you’ll be paying more in labour costs. You also run the risk of doubling up unnecessarily on materials if you change your mind and are unable to return your original selections.
#3. Budget for additional expenses
Aside from labour and materials, keep in mind that you’ll likely have to pay for drawings and construction permits. And if your home is older, you may have to update things like electrical work that isn’t up to current code. Also, be sure to check if renovating your home means paying a higher tax rate and insurance premiums.
There are also expenses like taxes and shipping on materials, hotel stays and eating out more often which can add a hefty sum to your budget.
Overall, it is a good idea to budget 20% of your initial renovation costs for potential changes, material or design upgrades, and unforeseen costs.
#4. Make compromises
If you plan ahead, you can see an itemized list of what will be costing you money. And if one line item seems high compared to other higher ticket items, you can likely find comparable items at a lower cost. For example, while fancy lighting fixtures may look beautiful, they can cost a pretty penny. To reduce costs, see if the same style can come in different materials, in a smaller size, or can be created to be a bit less ornate.
If you’re having a hard time choosing materials or knowing what a comparable alternative is, an interior designer can guide you.
#5. Communication is key
When you’re ordering materials, don’t be scared to ask for discounts. Just because they gave you a quote doesn’t mean it’s not negotiable! Or you can always ask your contractor too if they have a recommended supplier – contractors are often repeat customers who do a large volume of orders, so they can have more leverage for price negotiations.
Also, be sure to tell your contractor your budget. Many people assume a contractor asks because they want to upsell you. However, the real reason for this is they need to see how they can best help you. Good contractors will always work with you to hone in on exactly what you want to make your renovation dreams come true within your allotted budget.
If you are ready to renovate your home or have questions about the renovation process, schedule a conversation with us today!
Renovating your kitchen can be exciting – after many months (or years!) of imagining and planning, you’ve decided to move forward with building your dream kitchen. However, even when everything goes smoothly during construction, it can feel like a nightmare when your regular routine is disrupted. Your house is a construction zone, there will be noise and dust, and you won’t have access to all your usual amenities. To help you through this, we’ve made a list of 6 tips to help you survive your kitchen renovation with ease.
Set up a temporary kitchen
While it’s inconvenient to not have access to everything in your kitchen, a lot can be done with just two electric burners. Think stir fries, pastas, breakfast foods, and one-pot dinner recipes. If possible, renovate your kitchen during the summer months so you can use your barbeque, and set up near a sink for easy cleaning if you can. And on those days where you just can’t face cooking a meal in your makeshift kitchen, have easy snacks on hand. Dried fruit, trail mix, and classic peanut butter and jam can be filling!
Buy paper plates and plastic utensils
Altering how you eat can be challenging enough, especially when there are dishes to wash by hand in a limited space. For easy cleanup, you can buy a pack of 100 paper plates for under $6 and a set of 120 plastic forks, knives, and spoons for under $20. And if the thought of throwing out that much waste doesn’t sit right, there are also compostable options that are made from recycled materials to minimize environmental impact.
Create a budget for eating out more often
While you can certainly make do with a makeshift kitchen, it’s understandable if you get sick of stir fries and pastas. Also, it’s nice to sometimes get away from the mess of a renovation. While eating out may not be a regular part of your family budget, it may likely become a bigger portion of your expenses when you don’t have access to a kitchen. So before your renovation even begins, anticipate how many times per week you’ll go out, multiplied by the timeline of the remodel to keep your budget in check.
Protect your valuables from dust
While we do our very best to minimize dust in your home during the renovation process, we can’t eliminate all dust and it can travel through the vents. Be sure to cover up your furniture and other valuable items to keep your home as dust-proof as possible.
Order as much as possible before the job starts
One of the frustrations that many people fear during a remodel is a delay in the timeline. The construction phase of a kitchen renovation takes an average of 6 weeks, sometimes longer depending on the extent of the remodel. Don’t forget the complete timeline – it can take weeks or months to plan and order supplies before construction even starts. Things like faucets, cabinets, handles, and lighting fixtures can take weeks to arrive, so it’s best to have these items on hand once the remodeling begins to minimize delays in construction.
Remember the big picture
While the noise, dust, and inconvenience can be frustrating, just remember that this a very short period of time in the grand scheme of home ownership. The temporary hassles of a kitchen renovation will be a blip on the radar when you look back on those times from your beautiful new kitchen!
If you are ready to remodel your kitchen, or have questions about the kitchen remodel process, schedule a conversation with us today!
Kitchens are the heart of the home and the centre of your family’s day to day living. But when you start to notice that it’s not as functional as it could be, or it has simply become outdated, it may be tempting to take a sledgehammer to everything in sight.
There are so many variables that go into planning a kitchen remodel and you need to truly understand how you would like to live, work and entertain in a new kitchen. So, before you pick up that sledgehammer, here are five questions to ask yourself to make sure you get the kitchen of your dreams.
#1. What bothers you about your kitchen?
Is there a cabinet and drawer that can’t be opened at the same time? Does the refrigerator door open away from your work area? Is your dishwasher too far from the sink? Not enough storage space?
If this is the case, you have a functionality problem. Luckily, there is a concept called the kitchen work triangle that makes it easy to understand how to get an efficient kitchen layout. Here are the principles:
- Each “side” of the triangle (e.g., the distance between the sink and fridge) should measure between 4 and 9 feet, and the three sides of the triangle should not exceed 26 feet in total.
- The work triangle should not cut through an island or peninsula by more than 1 foot.
- If the kitchen has only one sink, it should be placed between or across from the cooking surface, preparation area, or refrigerator.
- No major traffic patterns should cross through the triangle.
If your kitchen is perfectly functional and you feel like it just needs to be updated, what exactly needs to be updated? Would refinishing the cabinets give your kitchen the look you want? Or would you have to completely change the cabinets, flooring and countertops?
Decide if there’s anything in your kitchen you’d like to keep – this will be easier on your wallet too!
#2. What are your must haves?
Some people are entertainers who enjoy gathering their friends and family together for happy hour and appetizers and then moving to a big dinner table. If this is you, perhaps installing a kitchen island with comfortable bar stools and extending the dining space is important.
If you’re big into preparing everything from scratch and have all sorts of kitchenware, your kitchen remodel would prioritize storage so your dutch oven and canning supplies don’t take over your counterspace.
Maybe you’re the type that sees the kitchen as just a means to an end for cooking a simple meal with as little hassle as possible. If this is you, look into lighting options and personal touches like a pop of colour in the backsplash to make your space more appealing.
#3. What is my style?
Interior design can be tricky. Once you decide what design style suits you (e.g., traditional, contemporary, mid-century modern, etc.), you’ll need to determine what colours, textures, and materials best suit that style to pull the look together. Hiring an interior designer can take a lot of the guesswork out of this step!
#4. How much do you want to budget for your kitchen remodel?
A kitchen remodel can cost in the low five-figures for a small kitchen or a kitchen refresh, while a full gut and replace with new appliances and high quality materials can cost well over $50,000.
While you may have an extensive wishlist for your kitchen remodel, it may have to be pared back to fit within your budget. To get an idea of how much you should budget, check out this Ontario Contractor’s guide.
#5. How long are you planning to live in your house?
A lot of people ask us how remodeling will affect future resale value. While this is great to think about, you should remodel for your needs if you plan to stay in your home long-term. If you are simply looking to update your kitchen before putting it on the market in 12-24 months, consider what is selling in your area and use neutral colours.
If you are ready to remodel your kitchen, or have questions about the kitchen remodel process, schedule a conversation with us today!
When it comes to home renovations, we find that Hamilton homeowners often debate whether they should use a contractor or a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. While DIY-ing renovations may be appealing to some, working with a professional contractor alleviates a lot of stress, and ensures that your vision is transformed into a reality. With that in mind, here are the top 8 benefits of hiring a contractor for your next home renovation.
#1 Save money.
DIY may seem cheaper in terms of upfront costs, but working with a professional contractor will greatly diminish the chance of surprise expenses that blow your remodeling budget. Not only can a professional contractor help you avoid unexpected expenses, we can also help you weigh the pros and cons of construction materials based on price and quality so you get the most bang for your buck.
#2 Save time.
From initial consultation to construction and completion, there are many timelines that rely upon each other and need to be coordinated properly to keep your home renovation project on schedule. If you choose a DIY approach, you may not realize that some remodeling processes won’t work in the scope of the entire project. Working with a contractor ensures that missteps are minimized, and if there are unexpected issues, they can be corrected quickly. Plus, a contractor can help you make informed decisions in a reasonably quick time frame, preventing delays from indecision.
#3 Get what you want the first time around.
We value strong relationships with our customers, suppliers, and within our own team so every home renovation project runs smoothly from start to finish. Fostering strong, positive relationships allows us to give our clients what they want, and helps guide them through the renovation process with compassion and understanding. We are home owners too! So we always put ourselves in your shoes to make sure you’re happy with the final result.
#4 Capitalize on expert buying power.
Whether you choose a contractor or you do the renovation yourself, the cost of materials can add up quickly; testing the limits of your renovation budget. One of the most notable benefits of hiring a contractor is that you can take advantage of their buying power. Professional contractors possess tremendous buying power in the home renovation market, and are able to acquire materials in a shorter time and at a much lower cost than you would be able to if you chose the DIY route. This not only helps keep your project on time, but it will also help you get higher quality materials for a lower cost.
#5 It’s easier to bring your vision to life.
We’ve heard from customers that two heads are definitely better than one when it comes to bringing a beautiful renovation vision to life with a realistic budget. Home renovation experts work to establish a level of understanding so a tailor-made solution can be created to address your immediate needs and then sequentially apply the right solutions to achieve your desired outcome.
#6 Be just as involved in decisions as a DIY (minus the hard labour).
When a client wants to be an active participant in the renovation process, it helps a home renovation contractor to create the exact outcome that the client desires. It has also been our experience that clients who are involved in the renovation process find that participation to be inspiring, and it gives them a lasting sense of pride about their newly renovated home.
#7 Get professional guidance.
Home renovations can easily turn into stressful, chaotic, and exhausting events if you don’t have access to a professional that can guide you through the renovation process. Working with professional contractors like the team here at Cornerstone Select involves working with a qualified team of pros that will each bring their specialized talents to the process.
#8 The renovation process is managed for you.
A professional home renovation contractor is accountable for everything, including the end result, so much more attention is paid to pricing in the planning phase, and scheduling in the construction phase. Fees, material costs, construction costs, and all other expenditures are carefully considered from the start of the project so you can be comfortable knowing the cost of the entire scope of work.
To learn more about how hiring a professional contractor can help save you money, time, and give you peace of mind for your next home renovation project, schedule a conversation with us today!
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