Hardly a week goes by when I don’t hear directly or indirectly of a home renovation disaster.What constitutes a failed renovation ranges from the annoying to the disastrous. Either way, it’s pretty painful for home owners.
As home prices and general costs of living rise, many of us are look at updating and renovation vs. trying to “sell up.” But home renovations are stressful, even under the best of circumstances. How to avoid a total disaster? Some tips, based upon my own experiences.
Understand and Research Trades Professionals
First things first: not all projects can or should be completed by a person who is “handy.” That’s great when you need something simple. A home renovation is, in most cases, going to require the involvement of a variety of trades experts.
In some cases, home owners hire a general contractor who manages the renovation. Contractors are typically responsible for sourcing qualified tradespeople. Other times, you’re handling your own home renovation so it’s up to you to hire those folks. If you’re in charge, be sure to take your time in finding qualified trades.
We live in the information age and, at a minimum, I’d google a tradesperson’s name and business… do a bit of online snooping. Better yet, ask for references. If they are part of a red-seal trade, do they have a ticket? Are they insured?
Get a Handle on Costs
Before diving into a home renovation, get very clear on the scope of your project, and really think through costs. Always factor in a contingency budget because, as it happens, almost no home renovation goes according to plan and having some emergency reserves may come in handy.
Don’t jump in without a clear sense of the scope of the project. It’s impossible for you to budget without knowing exactly what you want. Once a project has started, changes typically equate to time and money. And, especially if you do not have a background in the trades, while you may think something looks simple, i.e. let’s just move that tub from one side of the room to the other, it actually might be significant and could raise costs considerably.
Cutting Corners isn’t Smart
Oh, the times I’ve had home owners brag about how they’ve done extensive home renovations and managed to get it all done without a single permit. Um, no.
Like many communities, Guelph has an easy-to-use web page where anyone can review the permit history for any property. When I’m working with Guelph home buyers, this is a tool I rely on heavily. That “professionally-finished basement?” No permits on file. At best, it’s a yellow flag.
Yes, permits and doing things “by the book” adds some time and cost to renovations, but the best trades out there won’t jeapordize their businesses by working outside of established building codes which, by the way, exist for the purpose of keeping people safe.
Be Prepared to Wait
As with most services businesses, the folks that are particularly skilled at what they do… they’re busy. Skilled trades professionals tend to book out – some, for many, many months in advance.
Sure, it’s frustrating when you’re raring to go to get a home renovation done, but consider the time you’re waiting as an opportunity for you to think the renovation through and go into the process with a clear sense of scope, budget, and desired outcome.
Be Careful and Be Visible
The most recent home renovation fiasco I heard of involved an owner getting some engineered hardwood flooring done. He had a trip planned and it made sense to get the job while he was away and wouldn’t be inconvenienced. The problem was that he returned to a job that was so poorly done that there was literally nothing to do but tear it out and start over. Of course, the guys he found online weren’t answering their phone and he had pre-paid for the whole job and… yeah, also please don’t do that.
Most trades professionals request a deposit or even a series of deposits for a home renovation. But paying in full up front in advance of the work? That’s not a normal practice. Exercise caution. You could find yourself in the same boat… unhappy and with your hard-earned money gone to waste.
Respect Your Trades
Lastly, treat you trades well. There are many very skilled, hard-working trades professionals. Honestly, I find it disappointing that many people still look down on the trades. These are hard jobs, and those who excel combine a high degree of technical proficiency and often a lot of artistic vision.
Working in a trade isn’t the easy way out; far from it. School is tough, apprenticeships are long and not typically well-compensated. A skilled tradesperson is someone you should respect. Treat your trades right!
Home renovations are a great way to enhance your enjoyment of a property – and often they can add great equity to your investment. Take the time to do your research. Exercise caution and do your due diligence. The process of home renovations is stressful, but the outcomes can be fantastic, if you’re careful.
