Getting Home Renovation Ready - Keys to Renovation Readiness

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Keys to Renovation Readiness

Am I Ready to Renovate?

Once you have decided on what you want to renovate in your home, you simply have to go through the following five-step checklist eRenovate.com has compiled in order to ensure your home renovation is well planned and executed:

1. Plan six months in advance – Give yourself enough time to come up with a plan to what is needed to achieve your goals. Acting too quickly on your renovations may cause stresses – often costly and dangerous ones!
2. Come up with a realistic budget – Renovations are expensive, particularly ones that need lots of material and labour. Work within the money you have and what you can afford.
3. Search for a casaGURU – A good contractor is both technically skilled and has strong inter personal skills. They are also familiar with the legal aspects of their trade and are insured. Ask friends and family members for recommendations to help you find the best possible contractor available. 
4. Ensure you have a building permit – Most large scale renovations need a building and/or demolition permit. You can get information from this from your municipal government office and/or on their website.
5. Put Everything in Writing – Keep a well organized file with copies of all your expenses, contracts, and payments. This will help knowing what jobs have been done and making sure you meet your budget.
    

Hiring the Right Professionals

Hiring a good contractor is the most important job from the above list. Like any homeowner, the thought of a stranger doing work to your home can cause worry. But follow the list provided by eRenovate.com below and you will have no problem finding the contractor you need for the jobs you want to do.

• Look for the best – You want someone who is technically proficient, with good interpersonal skills. Someone insured and who knows what tools are needed for whatever job you want to do. You want the best contractor. Remember: this is your home. There is no substitute for a complete and thorough job.
• Test the waters – The only way you can find a good contractor is to look and ask. Look around you own community. Ask friends and family for referrals. Find the ones with the best track records and whose customers were satisfied with their work.
• Ask, Ask, Ask – Once you meet the contractors, do not be afraid to ask them everything related to the job. How much will the job cost? What are their work schedules? What permits are needed? What jobs have you done in the past? All of these questions will help you find the best possible contractor.
• Get an estimate – A good contractor will give you a realistic estimate of what is needed for the job. Not just the cost, but the materials, work schedule, and specifications necessary. An estimate can often take a contractor up to two weeks to do, but a good contractor can explain everything with such a well planned estimate. It is also a good rule to get at least three different estimates beforehand. This will allow you to see which contractors are the best and will give you an idea of your job’s cost.
• Put it in writing – It can’t be stressed enough: ensure all jobs you do are put into a formal contract with your professional. You will know what jobs have to be done and can save potentially stressful legal situations in the future. Get copies of your contractor’s public liability and property damage insurance. And always keep a file of all your contracts and documents.
• Work With Your Contractor – Once your renovations have started, try to assist your contractors anyway you can. Leave room in your driveway for them to bring their vehicles and materials. Inspect the work once it’s complete and point out what needs to be finished. And if the work is satisfactory, offer a letter of recommendation to the contractor. This will help them secure work in the future. Remember: it’s important for you to get the best renovation possible. It’s also important to reward good work.

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