What to expect in a renovation: process, timing and investment
I do a lot of renovations. In fact, they are my favourite type of project. Marrying the old part of the house to the new part is exactly what I like to do. Last blog, we looked into how to prepare for a renovation. So now you’re armed with your Design Concept and your image binder or board and you have a very clear direction of where you want your renovation to go. So what’s next?? How do you now go about implementing this plan?
For starters, you need a great team. I have what I call my “A” team when I work on projects. Some projects need a contractor to see it from start to finish and they will likely have all the trades on their “A” list to work on the project. Sometimes, in a smaller project, you don’t need a full contractor to see to all the details. If you are doing a kitchen reno, use a contractor. A bathroom reno, use a contractor. There is just too much to organize with timing and ordering of product to do it yourself. I feel confident in saying if you have a great contractor, the project will be a lot less stressful.
A great contractor will document the details and take care of all the small details. Image: Sven Mieke
Word of mouth is the best way to find a good contractor. Ask friends and then meet with the contractor to discuss as many details as you can so you can get a GOOD idea of budget and how they work. The more informed you are at the beginning, the better off you will be.
If you are redecorating a living room, you likely won’t need a contractor but a list of good trades is worth its weight in gold. I have used the same painter for years now and I always feel confident recommending him. As a interior designer in Victoria, BC, I have slowly built a list of people who I feel good working with and whose work I have confidence. If you like a trade person, keep their number!!!
Keep communication open with your trades person, this way small details won’t be missed. Source: Charles Deluvio
If you are doing a renovation the contractor should be able to tell you an order of events ( called a schedule) -what decisions they need from you and when. The more decisions you can make ahead of time, the smoother the project will go. It can be quite stressful when the contractor says, “ I need the decision on bathroom floor tile tomorrow.” if you haven’t even thought about it yet! Try to pin your contractor down ahead of time for a list of decisions and then try to stay one step ahead of that list. A well-run project always comes back to organization.
Also, keep a binder of all the items, the contact person, delivery details, product details. This is way easier said than done. It can be challenging to keep track of all these details BUT it will save you a lot of grief in the long run. Trust me on this. Keeping organized is key.
Keep communication lines open with your contractor. They have done many renovations so it may not seem imperative to them to tell you the schedule. They know it will all come together but if you have questions, ASK. They will be happy to talk to you about the details but just may not have thought of informing you to the level you may need. I, for one, like to have frequent meetings to ask who is coming and when.
Plans do change so don’t be alarmed if the trade that was expected today doesn’t show up. If a couple or few days go by and there is a stall, ask the contractor what’s up. I like to be informed if a trade isn’t coming on a specified day but, to be honest, there are many times when this information isn’t passed on. They get tied up with another project and don’t seem to realize you are waiting on them at your project.
Renovating can be stressful period of your life, but can also be fun and creative with a good designer and construction team by your side. Source: Immo renovation
Be patient and flexible. They are working for you BUT it is a process and if you know going in that there will be delays and interruptions then you won’t feel as stressed. Also, know it will look really bad before it will look good again. This also can be stressful if you’re not prepared. Having your kitchen taken down to the studs can be quite an intimidating sight. You may wonder how it will all come back together again. Your largest investment is in ruins!
Remember it has to all be taken out so it can be re-built to today’s codes. Some of our old homes here in Victoria still have old wiring and old insulation so it is imperative to make sure that is all taken into consideration so it can be done to code.
If you pay heed to even a few of these ideas you will be in a much better position when you do start a renovation or redecorating project. Renovating can be a very creative, fun experience. If you are well informed you will enjoy the process all the more and you will reap the benefits in the end result.
Happy Renovating!!