PLANNING A HOME RENOVATION IN TORONTO

Whether you are looking to update your current home with a home remodeling service, bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation, add space for a new member of the family, or simply increase the resale value of your property, planning a home renovation requires careful consideration and planning. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to create your dream home renovation, home remodeling, bathroom renovations remodel kitchen, bathroom shower remodel, or basement finishing plan that is both functional and beautiful within your budget.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The first step in planning your home renovation, home remodel, remodeling contractors in Toronto is to create a list of needs. This means that you should consider the space requirements of your home, your comfort, and the durability of the various parts of your house. You mustn't forget to consider the aspects of your home that aren't pretty like roofing over 20 years old and aging windows that show signs of wear and tear. This is an essential consideration, particularly when it comes to matters of safety, energy efficiency, and weatherproofing.

When creating your list of needs, think about what elements in your home currently suit your needs and which areas are falling short. Perhaps you need more space and are planning a kitchen renovation, a larger bathroom, or an extra bedroom as part of a home addition. Whatever it is, list out the must-haves that will make your home more functional for your life and your family.

Next, consider your wants. How would you like to personalize your space to make it more comfortable and unique to you? This could include things like adding more cabinetry space, adding a double oven, or expanding a bathroom to create a spa-like oasis. Take the time to list all your desires, no matter how extravagant, first. Later on, in the planning stage, you can identify which ones to keep and which ones will need to be removed.

NEXT STEPS

Once you have created your list of needs and wants, it's time to decide on a budget. Renovations can be costly, so it's essential to have a clear picture of what you can afford before you commence any work.

Factors that may affect your budget might include the size of the project, the amount of labour required, and the quality of materials and finishes you choose. If you are renovating your house as part of a way to add income to your home, perhaps by renovating a basement, this may affect the amount of money you will want to invest into the property because it won’t be part of your primary living space.

Whatever your reason is for renovating, we recommend allocating a minimum of twenty per cent over your initial budget as a contingency fund, as unforeseen issues can arise throughout the project's progress.

Before you start looking for a general contractor in Toronto to help you carry out your renovation vision, you must either get financing pre-approved or arrange funds for the renovation. Don’t worry about looking for an architect quite yet, your general contractor will have a partnership already with several architects and will know which one will be the best fit for your project. Financing options may range from mortgages and loans to lines of credit or personal savings. Financing can take time, so it's essential to get this in order as early as possible.

TIME TO CALL A GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Once you have a clear picture of your budget, needs, and wants, it's time to start reaching out to a general contractor in Toronto. An experienced general contractor will be your ally throughout the renovation process. They can help you decide what is possible within the parameters of your budget, and then help prioritize the work to be completed in a manner that works for you.

When choosing a general contractor in Toronto, there are several factors to consider. You want to ensure that the contractor you hire has a solid reputation and can deliver quality workmanship. Ask for references and look at the contractor's experience, both in working within your budget as well as their experience with materials and equipment. It's also essential to ensure they have insurance, a license, and the relevant certifications to perform the work. Most importantly, though, make sure you hire a contractor that you feel most comfortable with.

Your general contractor will have access to an architect and an interior designer, who will help you create a plan for your renovation. They will listen to your needs and wants, then provide you with design options, taking into account your budget, style, and vision for your space.

Once a plan is in place, it's time to start the actual work. Keep in mind that home renovations don't have to happen all at once; you could complete your project in phases. This will allow you to have a break between projects to save more and recharge after the work gets finished.

IN SUMMARY

Planning a home renovation in Toronto requires careful consideration and planning. It's essential to create a list of needs, consider wants, decide on a budget, and then find the right general contractor in Toronto to help you bring your vision to life. With these steps in mind, you can create a beautiful, functional, and unique space that you will love coming home to each day.