Proper planning is the key to a successful renovation project and will save you both time and money.
Know your home
What's the general condition of your home? Has it been renovated previously? How much did you pay for the house, and how much is left on the mortgage? Answering these questions will give you a preliminary idea of what can be done to your home.
Inspect the premises. Walk through every room. Cast a critical eye on all aspects of the house, not just the areas you want to renovate.
Think about what effect the renovation work will have on the basic systems of your house (such as heating, plumbing, electricity) and about what might cause problems, mainly in terms of compatibility.
Finally, if this is a major project, such as renovating the basement, kitchen or bathroom, take measurements of all the areas involved. Knowing how much space you have available will make it easier when it comes to selecting the elements to go into those renovated spaces.
Do your homework
After determining both the strong and weak points of your home, read up on renovations in books and magazines. (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has published scores of documents on the subject.)
Question building suppliers and talk to friends or neighbours who have done some home renovating.
It is also possible that your renovation project requires a very specific strategy, in which case you should consult a qualified inspector (contractor, technician, engineer or architect).
Shop to compare the various types of wallcoverings, flooring, doors and windows. Look not just at prices, but at quality and durability as well, so that you can make smart choices. For instance, you might decide to go with high-end durable flooring for the areas of the house that have the heaviest traffic.
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