10 Things to Think About When You're Renovating
1. Live in the home first to assess how your family functions in the space.
Write down your needs & special requirements and collect images of what you like to help you communicate your wishes to your designer.
2. Study magazines and books to get an idea of the "look" you want. Visit home shows, display rooms and model homes and your designer can help you determine your style and show you options.
3. Find out how much you can afford before starting the design process; there are many financing possibilities, from personal loans and line of credit to home equity loans and homeowner's mortgages.
4. Don’t under-estimate the importance of good planning in avoiding costly mistakes. All aspects of the design & reno should be planned before any work begins including electrical, plumbing, furniture layout and finishes.
5. With your designer produce a detailed list of work required and floor plan designs in order to get comparable quotes from qualified contractors. Consider quality of work, time lines & check references.
6. Carefully consider all the contractors’ estimates; sometimes the lowest price turns out to be the most expensive in the end. A written contract should outline all the required work in detail.
7. Be prepared for surprises and resulting additional costs. Existing structural, electrical & plumbing can’t be seen until the walls are opened-up.
8. Plan how you will live during the renovation. If possible, isolate a liveable portion of your house: set up a temporary kitchen, have take-out menus on hand and set up recreation space for you and your kids. Otherwise, consider moving out.
9. Try to stick with your first choices. Once work is underway, changes should be kept to a minimum in order to stay on schedule & within budget.
10. With your designer, choose the finishes, fixtures, furniture and window treatments – allowing sufficient lead-time for timely delivery.
Manuela Gobbato
Engaging Perspectives - Space Planning & Design
Office: 416.521.9206
Cell: 416.558.5621
manuela@gobbatomourtos.com
www.engagingperspectives.com
