Five Steps of a Successful Renovation
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely been there. Tired. Overwhelmed, over-budget, and underprepared; anxiously peering up at sawdust skies, feeling the sandy sensation in your eyes as soft wooden splinters fall, somewhat mockingly into your tear ducts, like a million little eyelashes. How is there still so much sawdust? You hate sawdust. The walls feel like they’re closing in on you as you choke on the dusty air that swirls around them. They feel like they’re closing in on you, because, well, they are. With each deafening bang, that “probably not load-bearing” wall becomes closer and closer to its eternal demise, sacrificed in the name of an open-concept living. How is there still so much sawdust? You find yourself questioning every decision that’s led you to this moment. What was once your affable, early 2000s, breakfast nook, obliterated; replaced with plastic tarps and painter’s tape. Tarps and tape, that, with formidable force collapse onto you; covering you, rather thoroughly, in sawdust.
Camel’s Back, meet Straw.
Renovations are rarely seamless, but nightmarish is avoidable, and smooth-sailing is attainable. As someone who’s been around a renovation or two (million, it feels like), I’ve created 5 steps to ensure a successful renovation.
Create a Plan
Yes, you too, you non-A-type personality. Listen here. Flying by the seat of one’s pants is a sure-fire way for a renovation to go awry. Impulse is fun, and last-minute changes are welcome, permitted they fall into the structure of a plan. Think of it like you’re back in school. From 9:00-10:00 you’re in science class. 10:00-11:00 is math. 11:00 is recess. Go wild, be impulsive, spend too much time looking in the bathroom mirror, but be ready to get back into English class at noon. Am I making sense?
Hire the Right People
Research (this can be part of your planning phase) the kinds of people you’d like to hire. Start by choosing your Designer/Project Manager. Do you need a contractor? Architect? Builder? How about an engineer? A decorator? Ensure you discuss their experience, process, style and fees. Surrounding yourself with the right people will make your entire renovation process smoother.
Budget Thoroughly
It’s important to remember you’re budgeting for more than just materials and labour. Where will you be living while your home undergoes the reno? Are you braving the sawdust and staying put, or do you need to budget for a temporary rental? Contractors will provide the budget for the renovation, and create allowances for items that have not been decided on yet. Renovations can cost around $100-$200 sq. ft. VS. New build ranging around $500/sq. ft. Have you budgeted for decor? A typical A typical Living room or Family room is 300 sq. ft. Based on $100 – $150/sq. ft. you can predict to spend $30,000 – $45,000 on furniture and décor.
Know the Process
Hiring a designer is a huge asset to help you understand the process. Their skills and expertise will ultimately save you time and prevent costly mistakes. From demolition to inspections, to furniture and decor, a designer will assist you in painting a realistic picture as to what your renovation process will look like.
Establish Your Timeline
Being realistic about your timeframe is imperative to maintaining your sanity through your renovation. Your designer will help you through the “planning” phase. Things like permits and general construction will be tackled by a contractor, who will provide you with a schedule.
With these steps in mind, you’re ready to renovate. Sure, a little sawdust is inevitable, but it’ll seem significantly more tolerable when everything’s coming together exactly as you like it, precisely when it’s scheduled to.
Want to Work Together?
Let’s talk about my process. It is imperative to hire a designer (that’s me!), before the renovation start date. We’ll work together to determine when the best start date will be, but at minimum, eight weeks is required to complete a design package you’ll love. After revisions and ordering, your renovation can begin!
