I just bought a house that needs an extensive renovation and I take possession at the end of March. I’ve never been through a renovation before, so I’m looking for some tips about the process. Is there anything I should keep in mind?
Jane L. e-mailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca; and our renovation expert, Howie Track answered:
The more renovations I do, the more I realize that no matter how well intentioned people are or how well they plan, there will always be problems. I always try to explain to my clients that a renovation can be a very stressful undertaking for both the contractor and the client. So be as prepared as you possibly can, but also be prepared for problems.
Before you get started, decide on how much money you have to spend and then design a plan that fits your budget and not the other way around. I have had clients show me a plan that would cost over $200K,and then tell me that their budget is $100K. This is where problems begin. In construction, you get what you pay for! An honest contractor will tell you what you don’t want to hear. He will tell you that to get the finished product you want, you will have to spend more than you want.
Mike Holmes is not famous because he is the world’s best contractor; he's famous because people are constantly getting involved in renovation projects with unrealistic expectations and poor planning.
If you want to start a project in spring 2009, start planning now! Ask people who have been through a renovation about who they used as a designer and contractor. Drive through your neighbourhood and look for signs in front of houses that are similar to yours and are doing work similar to the kind of work you want done. Interview contractors and designers and only work with someone you feel comfortable with. Ask to see past and current projects. Check references. And always get permits! There is a building code for a reason. It's to make sure that work performed meets a minimum safety standard. A good contractor will not be worried about permits because he will always do his work to meet the minimum code requirements, if not better. Plus, you get the added comfort of knowing that a city inspector has seen the work and approved what has been done.
Howie Track is a Contractor and Owner of Traxel Construction. For more information, visit www.traxelconstruction.com