Perhaps you have recently bought a house that needs some fixing up, or perhaps you think it is time that your house had a facelift. Whatever prompts your guide for home renovations, here is a list you will not want to miss as you embark on your home renovations Toronto:
Understand Flow
Contrary to what you might see on HGTV, only extremely well-versed contractors should embark on a home renovation immediately after purchasing. The best thing to do is to live in the house for a short while and learn the flow of the layout. What works for you, what does not? Where are the choke points, which way does the rain slant? All of this will help inform you how you want to change things that will work for you and your lifestyle in your new home.
Budget
It is a truth universally acknowledged that when it comes to home renovations Toronto, they will always take longer and cost more than you expect. To be on the safe side, always add 20% to the estimate of the project so you will be prepared for any unexpected but important hiccups along the way.
History Is Everything
Toronto is full of beautiful, old historically important homes as well as sleek and modern new builds. It is important to remember that any home renovations you perform on a new build will have a different set of expectations than with an older home. Building codes have changed dramatically over the years and you never quite know what you are opening up when you start work on an older home. Always be prepared for things not to go according to plan regardless of what kind of home you have, but especially if you are working on a heritage home.
Estimates
Getting estimates on work is incredibly important. However, going for exclusively for the lowest bid on a project may not be the best decision for your home. When it comes to home renovations Toronto, you get what you pay for. While you do not necessarily need to go for the most expensive bid, the reason why some estimates are as cheap as they are is because they are willing to cut corners to get your business. Be willing to pay for a good contractor.
Ask Questions
You might get blueprints, you might be told words you have never heard before. Do not be afraid to ask questions. You are paying for a service done to your house – to be polite and avoid questions for fear of looking ignorant only hurts you. Tape out your space, sketch drawings, and ask how things will fit so you are getting exactly what you are envisioning. Additionally, if you have an idea that you would like to change in the design of your home it would be best to ask your contractor first how much that would cost. While in your head it may sound like an affordable adjustment, it might actually cost you $1000 or more to move a light switch by even a few feet!
Home renovations are always a roller coaster of a time. You will end up with a beautiful space that truly has your touch on it, but along the way you might encounter a few loops. If you like to learn more about home renovations Toronto please reach out to me here. I would love to help you ensure you get the house of your dreams.
