Summertime is prime time for soaking up all that Canadian summers have to offer. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, roasting marshmallows on a campfire, or diving headfirst into lake water up north, it’s an excellent time to take advantage of warm weather.
Summer is also quite popular for renovations. This year, some of us have cancelled our travel plans due to the global pandemic, so have begun to look at improvements around the house.
If you’re thinking of undergoing some home renovations, we’ve assembled some tips for how to best prepare.
Make a List of Where You Want To Renovate
You most likely have an idea in mind for where you’d like to renovate your home. It could be something you want to improve the appearance of your home, or maybe it is something that is needed, like replacing your windows or installing a new door. Maybe your bathroom is beginning to look outdated or you’ve been wanting a new backsplash for your kitchen. Maybe the shingles on your roof are worn and your roof is starting to leak. Whatever the case may be, create a list of areas that you would ideally want to renovate.
If you’re wondering whether your windows should be upgraded, check out a previous blog we wrote where we outlined warning signs that your windows may need replacing.
Set A Budget
After you’ve created a list of potential renovations, the next step is to create a budget to determine your available financing. Your budget should include the cost of permits, building materials, labour costs, and the cost of any decorations.
Some budget building tips:
- Decide how much you want to spend. Make sure you set aside 10% of your budget for unexpected expenses
- Obtain cost estimates from the professionals
- Price out the required materials
When deciding which contractor to choose for the job, get a variety of different quotes from different contractors.
How To Choose A Contractor
Choosing the proper company for the job is important. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when deciding to choose a contractor:
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they offer the job details in writing?
- Are they willing to provide references?
- Do they have insurance?
- Do they communicate well?
If the company is reputable, the answer to these questions will be “yes.” If the company refuses to provide references or they want the full payment upfront, those are some red flags.
Set a Timeline
Once you know what renovations you want to have completed, what you can afford, and who will be completing the job, set up a timeline for when you want the project to be completed. If you’re feeling more impatient, here are a few renos you can complete in a weekend.
Prepare For Your Renovation When The Time Comes
Once you’ve scheduled your home reno project, it’s time to prepare for it. Renovations can cause temporary disruptions to your normal day-to-day living, so it’s best to be prepared whenever possible.
How disruptive the renovation is depends on where inside or outside the home the renovation is being completed. If the renovation is taking place in the kitchen, for example, you’ll have to set up a “temporary kitchen” elsewhere and you will most likely have to remove kitchen utensils, dishes, or equipment. If you’re renovating your master bedroom, you will have to find alternative sleeping arrangements. Planning for these disruptions in advance will help prevent any scrambling or stress in the long run.
Is a Window Replacement Your Next Reno Project?
Kempenfelt Windows and Doors has been providing award-winning service for over two decades.
If you have questions about window installation, give us a call. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have!
Give us a call at 1-800-841-7469 or send us a message online.
