With dozens of television shows on what can be achieved, it’s no surprise we’re a little renovation-crazy. But actually undergoing a renovation can be a lot.
Between suppliers, hiccups, finances and more, this type of overhaul has the potential to be chaotic and stressful. Here are tips for managing a successful renovation.
Choosing the contractor
The most important step is finding the right person for the job. Do your research. Check sites like HomeStars.com for homeowner reviews, the contractor’s site for examples of their work and ask for a list of current references. Investing time up front could potentially save thousands.
Get it in writing
Equally important is documenting the agreement. Things to include, aside from contact information are total costs (including a contingency) and payment schedule, outline of responsibilities from both parties (e.g. who is responsible for permits), code of conduct and daily work schedule.
Check-ins
Depending on the duration and scale of the renovation, consider weekly check-ins with your contractor. This will help ensure everything is on track and mitigate any potential issues early.
Contingency plan
A thorough contingency plan addressing potential issues like work stoppages due to permits or bad weather will help guide next steps. This plan goes hand-in-hand with the contingency budget.
With some simple advance preparation and research, homeowners can achieve their dreams through a relatively pain-free renovation.
More information is available at www.homestars.com.
Source: News Canada
