10 Steps To Succesful Home Renovation
Do your homework
Advance reasearch is the key to getting what you want. Study magazines and books to get an idea of the look you want. Visit friends, family members and colleagues who have renovated recently. Consider your life style and the needs of your family, both in the short and long term. A professional renovator can help assess the feasibility.
Find out how much you can afford
Once you have a firm idea of the kind of renovation you would like to undertake, it is time to decide how you are going to pay for it. If you are thinking about using outside funds, discuss your borrowing needs and options with your lender. You will probably find that there are many financing possibilities to consider , from personal loans and lines of credit to home equity loans and homeowner's mortagages.
Look for a professional renovator
For appropriate service and high quality results, hire a professional renovator. Call the GVHBA at 588-5036 for a list of member renovators in the Greater Vancouver area. Ask family and friends for recommendations. Drive around your neighbourhood to see who is renovating, then talk to the homeowners about their project. Most people are delighted to share their renovation experiences.
Choose your contractor
Once you have acquired names of several professional renovators, interview them. Be sure you have listed all the items that are important to you. Choose a couple of the renovators you feel most comfortable with. If you have plans and specifications have the chosen renovators provide you with a proposal.
Check references
Don not omit this step just because you are too busy or " They seem like the right person for the job" Call the GVHBA, the renovator's previous clients, the bank and the building supply store to ensure that you are making the right choices.
Work out a contract
Don't automatically take the lowest bid, unless you are certain that the renovator has properly understood what you want. Sometimes low bids turn to be the most expensive in the end. If you accept the renovator's offer, it's time to write up the contract. Even the simplest jobs should be outlined in writing because the contract is the basis of understanding between you and your renovators. have a lawyer examine the contract before ou sign it.
Plan how you will live during the renovation
Careful planning can greatly minimize inconvenience of living in the midst of a renovation. Talk to your renovator about the schedule of work to be done and how your daily routine might be affected. For instrance, will the water be turned off for any length of time? Do you need to set up a temporary space? discuss your expectations of the work crew and determine the work environment.
Establish a good working relationship with your renovator
Mutul trust is essential. Keep lines of communication open at all times. Expect a brief report on the progress of your job at regular intervals, perhaps every evening. Be available to make decisions when they are needed so work is not held up, perhaps costing you more money. Don't hesitate to bring your concerns to the attention of the renovator.
Try to stick with your first choice
Once work is underway, changes should be kept to a minimum. The details of your project, described in the contract, down to the finishing touches, form the basis of both the price and the schedule of your job. Changes could affect both significantly.
Be prepared to enjoy the results
Research, good planning, a professional work crew and open communication and trust, a recipe for a home renovation that you will enjoy for years to come.
Source: CMHC