Looking for the upside of these sour economic times? It’s a buyer’s market. We picked the brilliant brain of architect Pat Hanson of gh3 design to find out what we should consider before starting a renovation.
What is the best way to plan a budget?
I suggest you spend money on infrastructure – the invisible but critical costs. That means a good heating system, well-insulated and sealed structure, roof and basement. Tend to any water damage and plan for options like soft landscaping to help with water drainage. In the interior, work to create good-quality spaces with proper ventilation. This may mean knocking down walls for a more open, uplifting and flexible living space.
How can I factor in unexpected costs and overruns during construction?
It all starts with a good, trustworthy architect and contractor who can help you predict costs and encourage you to build a contingency plan into your budget. I always suggest adding about 20 per cent to the cost. It may seem high, but this way you can accommodate unforeseen fees related to roof reframing, structure and moisture.
How long will the renovation take?
Again, it’s critical to work with a reliable team that can give you sound advice about scheduling. The most time-consuming stuff is usually excavation, foundation work and rough framing. The final finishes may slow you down, too. Be realistic about the schedule (which depends on the size of your project), and factor in an extra two months or so just in case. You can speed things along by being resolved in your decisions along the way. Some people also enter into a bonus penalty clause with their contractor as an incentive to get the work done in an allotted time, but be warned this can create some serious tension between you, the architect and the contractor.
What are some sustainable features to consider?
Start with the cheaper, common sense approach before you venture into more expensive technology such as geothermal heat and solar panels. Make sure you have a well-insulated roof, a sealed structure and windows. You may even want to remove baseboards and add caulking where the wall meets the floor. Also, account for a good cross-ventilation system so you can open doors and windows instead of using heating and cooling technology. Consider adding a skylight above the stairs to help extract heat in the summer months and warm floors with a radiant system for the winter. You can also plant deciduous trees outside your house; the leaves shade you from the sun in the summer, and bare branches allow for sun to stream in during colder times. Lastly, plan out how much natural light you get indoors so you don’t have to switch on lights until nightfall.
Pat Hanson is a versatile designer and a strong visual communicator who has directed the design of buildings of all scales. She has also served as an adjunct professor in architecture at the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo.