PLANNING FOR YOUR RENOVATION 
​Every home deserves a little awesome.

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BE PREPARED!


On average, a homeowner will spend two to six months planning a renovation before beginning the project!

This part of the process varies greatly from person to person and ranges from thoughts of "We need to do something about this room!" to extensive research, material selection, sketches and budgeting. Regardless of how far along you might be with your decisions, there are things you should be prepared to discuss with your project manager before our first meeting. Some will save you time and money. All will help ensure you get the updates you really want!

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BUDGET

Your budget will determine the extent of your renovation, the quality of materials and the amount of customization you can expect. Decide what you are willing to put toward your project(s). Be prepared to share your budget with your project manager at your first meeting and he or she will be able to help you decide where best to spend in order to create the space you want.

SCHEDULING

Are you hoping to have a project completed by a certain date? Would you like most of the messy work done while you're on vacation? Remember that most medium to large-scale renovation projects are scheduled to start weeks or even months after you and your project manager have confirmed the scope. Materials will need to be ordered, permits applied for and trades will need to be lined-up. The further in advance you plan, the more likely it is that you will enjoy your updates when you hope to!

DESIGN

You may not think you have a personal style but there's an excellent chance you know exactly what you don't like! The more thought you can put into the types of colors and finishes that speak to you, the less you will spend on design services. Search on-line, go to open houses or visit furniture stores. Save photos and take notes of the things you like. Pick-up samples of flooring, tile and paint. Save everything and present it to your project manager.

PREPARE YOUR QUESTIONS

If you have never worked with a General Contractor, you will undoubtedly have lots of questions about the process. Even if you have hired out renovations in the past you will find that each company has a different methods for communicating with you and managing your project. Part of the preparation for your first meeting should include writing out a list of your questions and concerns. If you have any special requirements (for example, a temporary sink during a kitchen renovation or limited access to the site during a certain period,) note these too!

WHAT TO EXPECT

The degree to which your living space will be disrupted during a renovation will vary greatly depending on the area(s) of your home where work is taking place. Be prepared for dust, noise and the potential for limited access to both the work area and other parts of the home.

There will also be changes. You and your project manager will need to address issues uncovered during demolition or construction as well as any alterations you might want to make to the layout, design or materials along the way. 

Prepare for additional costs as well. Your project manager will suggest a contingency fund at the outset of the project to deal with any surprises encountered along the way. You may also want to set aside funds for things like eating out (particularly in the case of a kitchen remodel) or activities outside the home for when you feel the need to escape the construction zone!

You will need to set aside space in your home for the temporary storage of tools and materials. Discuss this with your project manager before work begins.

Of course the renovation process isn't all negative! There will be exciting moments along the way; the installation of your new cabinetry, flooring, paint, tile... Each day you will see your space transforming. And when the updates are complete, you will have a brand new space to enjoy for years to come!

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