Everyone has heard some sort of renovation-related disaster story. Whether it’s blown budgets, decimated timelines, or shoddy workmanship, it seems like we all have a friend, relative, or acquaintance with some tale of renovation mayhem to share.
And while many of these horror stories are based on some truth. Unexpected issues creep up just about with every renovation and there are steps you can take to help reduce the stress and worry that comes with taking on a large-scale home renovation project.
Set Up a Realistic Budget
People are almost always surprised when they learn the cost of major renovation projects like kitchens, bathrooms, and home extensions. The average bathroom upgrade starts at about $8,000 while a brand-new kitchen typically clocks in over $35,000. Having a realistic budget conversation with your partner and home renovation services specialist can help you plan for what you need to spend to get the results you want.
Remember, it’s all about planning. If your dream kitchen will eat up most of your available budget, you can continue to save until you have time for that laundry room upgrade. Alternatively, you can explore ways to reduce costs with your renovation contractor. Just make sure you have a plan, a budget, and a contingency in place before you start ripping out cabinets and smashing the walls.
Set Up a Home Base (Away from Home)
If you can make it work within your budget then one of the best things you can do to reduce stress during a reno project is to move out of your house. Really! It might seem counterintuitive, like don’t you want to be close by in case any issues pop up? Well, that’s what cell phones are for.
Chances are you’ve already pegged a home renovation services provider in Vancouver to work on your project and it’s their job to manage the details of your renovation. If they need your input on something significant they know how to contact you. You’re also free to visit the site as often as you want but you’ll be a lot happier not sharing your morning coffee with the drywaller.
Get Organized
If organization is not one of your strong suits, now is the time to work on it. Major home renovation projects come hand in hand with piles of receipts and bills. Take a typical kitchen renovation where you have cabinets, counters, tiles, flooring, appliances, fixtures, in addition to about a dozen different trades. There’s nothing worse than skipping a week of bill counting only to find a surprise plumbing invoice you haven’t paid.
You can download or buy several easy-to-use apps or even a good old excel spreadsheet will suffice. Just make sure to spend a little time a least once a week sorting through your bills and receipts.
Hire a Home Renovation Contractor You Trust
A lot goes into choosing a renovation contractor; however, price should not be at the top of that list. Yes, affordability is essential, but experience, communication, and transparency are more important than cost. There is nothing more stressful than dealing with a contractor who doesn’t show up when they say they will, a parade of trades working unsupervised, and unexplainable delays.
Look for a renovation contractor with strong communication skills and a solid reputation to back it up. Home renovation services are in high demand in Vancouver, so you might need a little patience and you will not regret waiting for the right contractor.
