Personalizing Your Space...where to start?

Home renovations...for some people it is the last thought on their mind as they can take over your life for a time, however for others, it can be a time for you to put your style "stamp" on your personal living space to make it "your own". 

Recently I was part of the BC Home and Design Show with my husband, showcasing his construction business and in talking to people, I realized that many people don't have a clue where to start!

Here are the basic first 6 steps to consider: 

Step #1 - Consult with an Architect or Draftsman to create a design style for your home.  This may not be necessary if what you are doing is just paint and floor covering replacement, BUT if you are completing a MAJOR renovation with additions, etc, you will definitely want a plan.  Also consider that you will need a design plan to ensure that what you want to do is conveyed to the Contractor and the city permit department.

Some cities require you to follow along with a "street scape" design plan for the community you live in, while others will allow you build any style, as long as it fits onto your allowable lot footprint.  This is where it is best to consult your local building permit department for the the details. (A good contractor will do this for you)

Now what if you don't get permits for your renovation?  This is something that many people do hoping that they don't get caught.  However, you do run the risk of being served with a "stop work order" or even worse, forced to tear down a new structure if it does not meet the allowable guidelines.  

The permit process may be long and tedious, but in the end, you have peace of mind knowing that you followed the rules.  Also, something to consider if you wanted to sell your property after the renovation, you can declare that all "improvements" were completed with full permission from your local municipal planning department.  This shows a potential buyer that you did things properly on the property, therefore conveying a sense of security for them too!

Step #2 - Find a reputable Contractor to get a projected budget based on your plans from the Architect.   This can be done by first consulting with your local Builder's Association (in the Lower Mainland of BC it is the Greater Vancouver Homebuilder's Association)   They can offer you a list of Contractors based on your needs.  From here you will have to do your due diligence with checking websites, meeting with Project Managers, and following up with references.

Step # 3 - Get a budget that works for you.  Plan for more than the budget...always.  Unfortunately there is always cost over-runs.  From a nicer faucet in the bathroom to upgrading flooring, it all adds up and the Contractor generally will offer you a middle-of-the-road estimate, to base costs on.  A good Contractor will inform you when you are going over your budget and suggest ways of making it up elsewhere (if possible).

Step #4 - Contact your Mortgage Broker or bank to see about the financing based on the budget.  Most lenders that do construction mortgages will require plans and a budget to base their lending amounts on, so again, you will need these in place BEFORE heading to the bank.

Step #5 - Finding an alternate place to live while the work is being done.  Believe me, you do not want to live in the house, through a major renovation.  This is not smart.  Think about it, power and water disruptions, lack of privacy, major drafts from open spaces...the list can go on.  Save your marriage and your sanity and move out.

Step #6 - Happy renovation!  With a good Contractor, you should have a fairly smooth process.

If you don't like how things are, change it!  You're not a tree.  ~Jim Rohn

Liz