Home Renovation - What Should You Know for Project Success?

Renovation projects are famous for being extremely stressful for those involved. Time, money, and uncertainty—all factors that can potentially lead to an anxiety-ridden situation. With that in mind, let’s move into problem-solving mode. The word "renovation" doesn’t have to be synonymous with “concern”! In this article, we’ll rather pair it with "preparation" and "organization." You read that right! There is a way to execute a renovation successfully and have a pleasant experience simultaneously.

Let’s start the process with a few questions often asked by those embarking on a renovation project. We’ll tackle the following in the article:

• Why renovate a house?

• How much should you budget for a home renovation?

• How to hire the right renovation contractor?

• What are the key steps to a renovation project?

• How much time should you set aside for renovations?

Why Go Through a Home Renovation?

Renovation work can affect all areas in a home, from the structure to the finishes with the layout in between. The goal behind home improvements varies based on individual needs, but the most common objectives are updating, refurbishing, and optimizing.  

What Should You Renovate to Modernize or Transform a Home?

Typically, homeowners choose to renovate based on a need to change a space, updating it with current trends (especially when putting the house on the market afterwards).

Examples:

• Remodelling a kitchen, especially if the cabinets scream 1990s and aren’t suited to your current aesthetic

• Updating wall colours since they no longer appeal to you

• Changing the house’s exterior siding because it’s old and hinders curb appeal

What Features Should You Renovate for Restoration or Compliance?

As soon as you realize that a part of your home is in disrepair or failing to meet current standards, the need for renovation becomes more pressing. There’s less flexibility and not enough time to define needs. 

Examples:

• Electrical work is needed, the panel and wires date back several decades

• The plumbing needs to be changed, especially since the pipes leak or contain lead

• You have a wood-burning stove needing removal since it’s now banned in certain regions

• You’d like to increase the resale value by repairing a few flaws before putting it on the market

What Should You Renovate to Optimize a Space?

Whether your house is tiny or extravagant, efficient use of space is unwelcome! No matter your situation, lack of storage seems to follow us around, and when a room’s layout is as dysfunctional as it gets, it’s an entire space that goes to waste.

Room optimization examples:

• Build attic storage

• Set up a home office beneath quarter-turn stairs

• Commission custom furniture that’s perfectly suited to the space in which they’re found

What Should You Renovate to Cut Energy Costs?

Although it might seem contradictory, spending money on a remodel can lead to long-term savings. Some projects target improving a home’s energy efficiency, which offers an excellent return on investment.

Below are a few scenarios:

• Your heating system is inefficient and needs changing

• Your home is poorly insulated and experiences significant heat loss

• You’re looking to carry out eco-friendly renos like installing solar panels

• Your water heater uses too much electricity

All these projects can help you save money every month. Additionally, energy efficiency initiatives often come with government-offered grants, inciting homeowners to make such alterations. It’s an option worth considering.

Other Reasons Behind a Home Renovation

This article provides a general overview, so if you already have a room renovation in mind or are looking to remodel a certain feature, feel free to browse through our 100-plus blog articles, which tackle each theme in greater detail. From our theme-specific articles, you’ll be able to further consider your renovation project goals. The more clearly and concisely you can define your ideas, the better you can organize your next steps.

The Different Types of Residential Renovations

When it comes to home renovations, a lot of people are tempted, but few know where to start. You can feel the need, yet the idea of moving forward is blocked by uncertainty, which only delays the process. Operating as such can only cause stress from the onset, which you’ll want to avoid at all costs! That said, we’re going to brainstorm with you. While not all-encompassing since the possibilities are nearly endless, below are some helpful guidelines.

Interior Renovation Ideas:

• Repaint the walls

• Update the flooring

• Upgrade the kitchen

• Complete basement overhaul

• Remodel the bathroom

• Reconfigure room layout and decor

• Hang new interior doors

• Refurbish interior staircases

Exterior Renovation Ideas:

• Update the home’s exterior (siding/cladding)

• Install new windows

• Change all doors for high-end models

• Upgrade the landscaping

• Restore balcony, deck, or veranda

• Add a storey

• Renovate the roof

Once you’ve settled on a project or a list of repairs to carry out, then you can get into planning mode! But first, here’s a list of steps to guide you through your project.

What Are the Key Steps to a Home Renovation?

Whether you’re planning a small transformation or a large-scale remodel, it’s important to follow these steps to limit the odds of unexpected hurdles and skyrocketing costs. Let’s go through the primary phases of a project to clear everything up. 

Home Renovation: Where to Begin?

Here’s a sneak peek at the steps, which we’ll discuss in greater detail down below:

1. Initial planning

2. Meeting with renovation contractors and other industry experts

3. Project design

4. Getting the necessary building permits

5. Project execution

How to Approach Planning a Renovation Project

First and foremost, get organized! Consider the different aspects and factors associated with a remodel and pick and choose what to prioritize. In a nutshell, we’re circling back to what we already mentioned in the earlier paragraphs. This step is crucial and shouldn’t be overlooked since it’s the foundation on which your project will stand. If your renovation plan is rushed, the risks of unexpected hurdles, missed deadlines, and overspending are more likely to occur.

Here’s another article to peruse for more information about proper renovation project planning: 

From the Ground Up: Stages of a Renovation Project

How Can You Go About Choosing the Right Contractor for the Job?

When the time comes to hire a contractor, our only tip is to do your research! Below are the criteria to consider to increase your chances of finding the right contractor for the job, one who’s skilled and experienced:

• Make sure they have the proper, valid certifications

• Request references from former clients

• Take a look at their project portfolio

• Gauge the vibe; good first impression

• Make sure they answer all of your home improvement project-related questions clearly and concisely

• Meet with several renovation businesses and get at least 2–3 quotes for comparison purposes

To streamline your research efforts, feel free to use contractor referral services, such as RenoQuotes.com. Members of our network have already been through a screening process, and we prioritize those who’ve received the highest ratings from our customers. Our platform could facilitate the process and save you the trouble and stress!

How to Design a Home Improvement Project

Designing any home improvement project becomes much simpler when you’re supported by the right professionals. Depending on your needs, you may choose to collaborate with an interior designer, architect, general contractor, or specialized contractor. These experts can even manage much of this phase and subsequent ones if you prefer. 

When it comes to design, we include the following:

• Drawing up the plans

• Selecting materials

• Exploring various options for layout, design, and more

• Assessing project feasibility

What Is There to Know About Building Permits?

Odds are that you’ll need to apply for a building permit to legally carry out your project. Below are a few aspects to keep in mind to streamline this step:

• In most cities, you can submit an online request

• Building permit costs vary according to the municipality and the scope of the work executed

• Gather all required paperwork (these will differ based on the type of work ordered)

• Once the permit is issued, the work must be done within the allotted deadline

• The permit must be displayed clearly on-site

How Long Does a Renovation Project Typically Take?

Probably more time than you think! We’d like to reassure you by saying that deadlines are respected, but we’d be stretching the truth. That’s not to say it never happens, but more often than not, one or more unexpected events stretch the timeline beyond what was initially agreed upon.

Examples of building-related contingencies:

• Weather conditions and time of year, especially if the work focuses on exterior surfaces. Some work, such as painting and staining, can’t be done during unfavourable weather conditions.

• Hold-up in building permit issuance: Plan ahead to avoid stressing about it!

• Material delivery: This is more of a challenge during large-scale projects for which several items are ordered separately. If you can, opt for material that’s in stock or can be shipped quickly. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait.

• Unforeseen circumstances, such as finding mould, asbestos, or a water leak in the walls.

Don’t let it discourage you! You just have to be able to adjust, that’s all. Managing delays is one of the foremost stressors during a home improvement project. Whether painting walls, remodelling a kitchen, or building a balcony, talk it through with your contractor. Ask them how long they think it’ll take and manage your expectations accordingly. Plan for a buffer, though! That way, if the project goes over schedule, it won’t cause you too much anxiety or frustration. 

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a House?

Anything budget-related is always a sensitive topic. Can you afford your project? The key to sticking to an established budget is knowing how much money you can spend realistically, from start to finish, without risking your financial security.

Some tools allow you to gauge project costs; you can also check out our 2024 Home Renovation Price Guide, including our article Renovation Budget - How to Establish a Realistic Budget for more information about project cost calculation methods.

Once you have a number in mind, you can validate it by requesting multiple quotes from various contractors. Add a certain percentage of the total amount, serving as a cushion in case the unexpected happens. That way, unforeseen circumstances won’t be as anxiety-inducing and won’t compromise the work being done.

Lastly, note that you can contact your bank to determine if you could be eligible for a loan and how much you’d receive, whether through remortgaging your house or obtaining a home improvement loan.

Home Improvement Financing: Where to Get a Home Renovation Loan?

You have several options to increase your initial home improvement budget, which is divided into two categories: financing or grants.

Grants

Several grants or subsidies are available to reduce home improvement costs, offered at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. They change year after year depending on tax periods, so listing accurate numbers is impractical. Your contractor may have more information on the matter but don't bet on it, especially given that such programs appear to be ever-changing.

Contact all government levels by visiting their websites, as they have sections dedicated to grants and subsidies. Then, fill out a request form and respect all criteria. While it might seem like a daunting task, it allows you to stick to a predetermined budget, and that’s well worth the trouble!

Your Financing Options

In terms of financing, options aren’t what’s lacking. The best course of action is to contact your bank and see what your options are. Here are some examples:

• Home equity loan

• Personal loan

• Line of credit

• Savings

• Credit card

• Remortgage loan

All these options can be worth it, provided they don’t push you into financial hardships.

Lastly, beware of friend and family loans, as well as private money loans; they tend to be quite risky. It’s not worth going bankrupt for a home improvement project.

Is It Worth Heading the DIY Route?

There's this notion whereby DIY jobs cut costs. While not untrue, in most cases, the opposite happens. It’s not for nothing that people hire home improvement specialists to carry out their projects. These experts are experienced, skilled, fast, and have the necessary knowledge to ensure projects are executed efficiently and without a hitch. If you consider some work well within your wheelhouse (painting, tiling, landscaping) and can legally do so (excludes plumbing and electrical), by all means, give it a go.

However, more often than not, people end up hiring contractors to correct jobs afterwards. All that time and money you thought you’d be saving is wasted and stress levels are tenfold. On that note, nothing beats expert advice.

Additional Info to Guide You During Your Renovation Project

Ever since this blog came about, we’ve written a myriad of articles and created handy tools to guide you through various home improvement projects. Here are a few links to some of the most useful articles, guiding you a little further into your big adventure: managing a renovation project:

Our brainstorming articles:

• 6 Tips for Managing Renovation-Related Stress

• Main Mistakes to Avoid During Renovation Projects

• 5 Things to Do Before You Renovate Your Home

Our checklists, so you don’t forget anything:

• Checklist of the Steps to Follow: Basement Renovation Project

• Home Addition Project: Checklist

• Landscaping and Outdoor Renovation Projects: Your Go-To Checklist

• A Checklist to Follow: Exterior Siding Renovation Guide

• Checklist: Roof Renovation Guide

• Floor Renovation Reference Guide: What Are the Key Steps?

• Your Go-To Kitchen Renovation Checklist

• The Bathroom Renovation Checklist

Be sure to have the right support during a residential renovation project. The more informed and prepared you are, the better the outcome and experience will be!

FAQ on a Home Renovation: How to Manage Successfully

Where should you start a home renovation project?

To start a renovation project the right way, you first have to focus on planning. Define your needs, establish a budget, and gather your ideas. This is one of the foremost steps to any project, whether minor or large scale.

What kind of financial assistance is there for renovating an old house?

The different government levels offer grants and funds that allow homeowners to renovate older homes or heritage houses while preserving their historic characteristics. If you choose to move forward with your project, contact your municipality, including the provincial and federal governments to find out which programs will be available at the time of your renovation.

What home renovations add the most value?

Renovation projects that are most likely to yield a good return on your investment include kitchen and bathroom remodels, painting, window installation, and re-roofing.