Cabbagetown Renovation

How to Make Your Next Home Renovation Project Less Stressful

For many homeowners, a renovation project is usually accompanied by a great deal of stress. This definitely isn’t out of the ordinary since it’s natural for people to worry about staying within budget and getting things done right and on time. In addition, their home may be a bit of a mess during the work and some things that are taken for granted such as running water and electricity may be temporarily put on hold.

Here in Toronto, the housing boom and low-interest home equity loan rates have caused an increase in the number of home renovation projects in the GTA. Everyone dreams of a newly remodeled home but dread the prospect of having to live through a several weeks long home renovation project. Nobody likes to live day to day in a stressed-out state, so let’s look at some ways to get through your next home renovation project with the least amount of anxiety possible.

Be Realistic

One of the best ways to relieve the stress is to simply be realistic. As mentioned, it’s normal for your house to be in a bit of mess when it’s being renovated and you may have to sacrifice some of the luxuries from time to time. The sooner you come to terms with this the easier things will be. In addition, you should also realize the job may go slightly over budget even though you’ve planned it out as meticulously as can be. It’s generally a good idea to add approximately 10 percent to the planned budget to cover unexpected costs.

Find a Dependable Contractor

If you’re going to be hiring outside help it’s well worth taking the time to find a home renovation contractor who’s trustworthy and dependable. But don’t forget the contractor also needs to be good at what they do. There’s nothing worse than hiring somebody who doesn’t show up when they’re supposed to and/or whose work is sub-par. Try and get some good leads from your friends, family, your real estate agent, co-workers and neighbours when looking for a contractor. You can also do your own research and search the internet to read online reviews from previous customers.

Once you’ve contacted somebody you’re interested in hiring don’t be afraid to ask for references and to see examples of their work. You’ll also need to make sure they’re fully registered, licensed and insured to work in your region and find out what type of guarantee they offer on their work. In addition, get all agreements in writing and be sure the payment schedule and structure is fully understood by both parties. Basically, you’ll want to make sure you know exactly who’s responsible for what, including the acquisition of permits and the cleanup.

Work out a Satisfactory Payment Schedule

Be sure to work out a fair payment schedule you’re satisfied with. You’ll need to make a down payment before the job begins, and will either make milestone payments during construction or pay the final balance as completion of the work nears. Be sure to have these conversations and agreements in place before work is started.

Staying on Schedule

There’s much less stress if you know the work’s all being completed on schedule. When hiring a contractor it’s advised that the two of you discuss a realistic schedule and print it out. If each step of the renovation is being completed on time you’ll have a lot less to worry about. Communication is very important so work with a contractor you feel comfortable speaking with.

Be Patient

Once in a while you’ll just have to be patient when undertaking a home renovation project. Sometimes it takes time for appliances, cabinets, flooring, countertops, lighting, and fixtures to arrive after being ordered. The same may go for skilled labourers such as electricians and plumbers. The really good ones are often busy and it may mean you’ll need to wait a few days before they can meet your requirements.

Make the Best of the Situation

You might as well make the best of the situation you’re in and enjoy it as much as possible. For instance, if you’re smack in the middle of a kitchen renovation you can gather up the family and make a night of it outdoors around the barbecue. If it’s the middle of the winter you may want to try ordering from the town’s newest pizza parlour or paying a visit to your favourite relative or restaurant.

Don’t Panic

It’s natural for your home to get cool, dusty and a bit dirty during a renovation, so there’s no need to sweat about it. It’s typically just dust and can easily and quickly be cleaned up with a mop and/or vacuum cleaner. Be sure to work out with your contractor ahead of time who is responsible for what when it comes to cleaning up the job site.

Be Flexible

If you hire a contractor to do the work you need to realize you’re more or less going to have several strangers coming and going. Everybody has their own quirks, habits, and personalities since all humans are unique. If the contracting crew is a talkative bunch and you love the silence or vice versa, communicate that with your contractor to minimize stress while they are working in your home. In many cases like this, there are going to be minor things that may bug you but remember it’s only for a short period of time and will be worth it in the end.

Novacon Construction

Novacon Construction is a Toronto based home renovation contractor and custom builder commitment to personalized service and a world-class building experience that is difficult to match. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Novacon Construction