Renovation Checklist
Renovations are exciting yet daunting. Chances are, you have been waiting for ages to start a renovation and more and more items are getting added to the list. Some people choose to completely remodel their home in one go while others prefer to do it in small phases. There is no right or wrong as long as you have direction! If you don’t even know where to begin when planning a renovation, keep reading. We have outlined a renovation checklist for you to help you get started.
Have A Plan
Step one is to always have a plan. The three key components of this plan is a wish list, budget, and a timeline. Sit down and create a wish list – one column for what you want and another for what you need and number them according to priority. If you do not live alone, we highly suggest you do this with your partner as you will discover that your priorities may differ. The next step is to determine your budget. This is really important to do before you meet with a designer or contractor and be sure to build in some padding – at least 10% for anything unexpected. You will find that if your budget is tight, then you might only be able to knock off a couple items on that wish list or maybe it will mean that you will have to settle with a more affordable laminate instead of engineered wood floors. And of course, you need to figure out your timeline. If you only have one month before Christmas, then maybe tearing down the walls from your dining room to the kitchen isn’t the right item to tackle on your list.
Do Your Research
If you are not doing the renovation yourself, you will need to find a contractor and/or an interior designer. When looking for an interior designer, make sure they are reputable. We suggest hiring a firm or individual who is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) with experience. This important as they are not only trained and passed examinations, but also carry practicing insurance. We have two RIDs on our team here at Area 3 – Brenda and Kulpreet – who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to every project. Experienced interior designers will also have relationships with reputable contractors that they have worked with and can recommend. This can save you a lot of time. Do a walkthrough or consultation with the interior designer and contractor of your space before a contract is drawn up. There may be an initial consultation fee for this, however, their knowledge and expertise will indicate any red flags, and help you identify what needs to be taken care of. It’s also a great opportunity to see if the designer or contractor are a great fit for you and your project (after all you will be working closely together). Finally, read through and understand your contract before you sign on the dotted line! Contracts can be based on a fixed fee, a fee plus mark up, hourly or even design-build. If you have a family member or friend who has had a successful renovation ask for a referral.
Be Prepared
Before your renovation can start there are always a few things to take care of. If you are doing a large renovation in your home you may need to move out for a duration of time. A building permit, or simple electrical or plumbing permit may be required. Be prepared this can add weeks to your project while you await approval. What will be your living arrangement? Maybe you can handle living in only half of your home, but where will the existing furniture go? You may need to rent a storage space to house those pieces until the renovations are complete. Can you function without your kitchen and if so for how long? If you live in a Strata, be sure to clear your renovations with them. There may only be a certain time that construction is permissible due to noise and waste might need to be stored in a location. Some food for thought before you get going!
What is on your renovation wish list? Let us know with the hashtag #area3designrenovation
