There are two types of homeowners that normally emerge when it’s time to renovate their homes in Toronto people who have a clear-cut plan and realistic expectations, and others who have absolutely no idea of what they are doing or what they are expecting. It’s hardly ever a question of budget size between the two. It’s usually all about getting ready.
The planning stage of any project, whether it’s a kitchen upgrade or a complete bathroom remodel or a larger project such as a whole home renovation, will decide a lot of the project’s subsequent steps. If it is done correctly, the renovation goes fairly smoothly. Even a well-funded project can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor if the skip it.
Before you Even Begin, Have a Clear Scope
The one thing that is common across all renovations is scope creep – which is a gradual creep up of the project from the original scope, typically with a corresponding increase in budget and time. It may begin innocently: as the kitchen is being renovated, it’s decided to replace the kitchen floor with flooring in the adjacent living room. The baseboards would probably look good updated along with the flooring, if it’s to be done while the flooring is being replaced. And so on.
While scope creep can’t always be avoided, it’s much easier to manage it when the scope is clearly defined before work starts. This involves detailing precisely those parts that are undergoing renovations, and those that are not, and the reasons for such differences. This document is there as a reminder when the inevitable “while we’re at it” discussions come up.
This is helpful here because a good home renovation contractor will communicate scope expansion before it’s agreed upon as an addition and allow the home owner to make a conscious decision as opposed to a reactive one.
Know What Your Budget Buys
There are different budget items for renovations that are not always included in the initial budgets. The cost of materials, labour, permit costs (if applicable), design costs (if applicable), and a contingency reserve for unexpected issues.
That’s the last one that needs attention. In Toronto, in particular, where much of the housing stock has been constructed decades ago, renovations often reveal that there are conditions in the home that can’t be seen prior to the start of work such as outdated wiring that must be updated, water damage behind bathroom tiles, or poor insulation in walls being opened for other purposes. These findings are not due to contractor mistakes. These are the facts of life for living inside older homes.
For this reason, it’s widely accepted that a contingency of 15 to 20 percent of the total project budget should be used as the planning standard. Owners who plan for this as part of their home construction do not consider it a crisis; rather, it is a cost that is planned for.
The Permit Question
Building permits are usually required for renovations that include structural alterations, electrical, plumbing, and/or changes to the building envelope within Toronto. This is not a matter of choice, this is not a red tape procedure in the bureaucracy. Options are available to make sure that work is properly inspected and is up to current building code standards, safeguarding the homeowner and any subsequent purchaser of the property.
Unpermitted work will result in issues when resale, may make insurance claims difficult and may in some instances have to be cut out and replaced if it is found during a resale inspection. A good renovation company will apply necessary permits as part of the job. If the contractor offers to forego permits to save time and money, it’s a good reason to keep shopping.
Planning for the Long Haul
The design of a home renovation trend also comes in waves, and the exciting and fresh design of the first year after buying the home can become outdated after 10 years. When renovating a home that will be lived in for many years to come, it is best to consider a balance between style and quality which will lead to lasting satisfaction.
This is not about settling for average and commonplace options. It involves investing in quality and not succumbing to the lure of features that are only in vogue at the moment. A kitchen, which is well designed, made from good quality material and has a good layout, will be better for a household in the long term than a stylish kitchen of low standard.
With the real estate market in Toronto being competitive, well-done renovations that are done well can often retain their value as well as those that were done for looks.
Your Contractor’s Responsibilities
One of the biggest factors in whether or not a homeowner feels like they are in control of their renovation is the relationship between the homeowner and the contractor. Good communication at the outset, a written contract detailing scope and payment, and in-built processes for decision-making and change all help to ensure a successful working partnership.
Decide with your contractor how they want to communicate while working on your project. Determine a plan for decision making for the unforeseen. Know Payment Schedule and what each payment is for. It’s not a suspicious inquiry. They are the signs of a professional project relationship and they’re appreciated by seasoned contractors.
A successful renovation is a team effort. The house owner is responsible for bringing the vision and the understanding of how it will be lived in. The contractor has the experience, the trades co-ordination and the technical expertise that comes from solving problems that arise from renovations. The project is likely to be successful when both parties are on the same page regarding roles and expectations.
