Who doesn’t love a good home renovation? There is nothing quite like having the opportunity to rethink an existing space and breathe some new life into it. But as with many projects, a good home renovation requires good planning. That’s why today we are talking about the five biggest mistakes people make when planning a major home renovation and (most importantly) how you can avoid them!
Mistake #1: Not Planning Your Budget
Before you speak to a builder or designer about your renovation, you will need to know your budget. The single biggest mistake clients make when planning their home renovation is to either underestimate their budget or to refuse to set one. However, it is important to know what you can afford and what you would like to spend on your renovation, keeping in mind that these two numbers may not be the same.
Once you have decided on a budget, it is important to then share this information with everyone involved in the design process. By discussing your budget openly with your builder at the beginning of the project, you’ll be able to find out if what you’re after is achievable. This will help to set realistic expectations for your renovation right from the start, so you don’t find yourself constantly redesigning and struggling to hit your target budget down the road.
If the size and scale of your renovation are not within your budget, your builder will be able to make recommendations on where you can adjust the scope, based on your priorities. Planning your budget and sharing that information with your builder from the start, will ensure that they can help you plan your renovation to align with both your vision for your home and your budget.
Mistake #2: Not Planning Your Team
It may surprise you to learn that over 80% of designs never get built. Why? They came in way over budget.
The reason for this is simple. Architects generally design major renovations that meet their clients’ preferences, rather than their budget. While budgets are generally discussed briefly with architects in the beginning stages of the design, they don’t always have an in-depth knowledge of building costs. As a result, they generally underestimate the cost to complete a major renovation. Then when it comes time to tender the project, the renovation costs significantly more than anticipated, which is why these designs never see the light of day.
The solution to this problem is quite simple: involve your builder at the design stage.
By involving a builder early on, you can make plans for your renovation that will be both update your home and fall in line with your budget. Only a custom home builder has the experience to foresee the potential cost implications of a difficult site or architectural features. By engaging your builder in the design of your renovation, you will be able to get the design and specifications right from the beginning, saving you thousands of dollars in potential redesign fees and months of wasted time.
Mistake #3: Not Planning Your Deadline
Do you have a hard and fast deadline for your renovation? Do you need to finish your renovation by the end of summer or before a new family member arrives? If you have a deadline for your renovation, it is important to share that information with your builder before you start the design process.
Something to keep in mind is that the entire design process can take between 3-6 months to complete, depending on the complexities of your renovation and the approvals required. Your builder will provide a design schedule, which will enable you to visualize how long all the different parts of the design process will take. They will also present you with a full project schedule once the design is complete, which will give you an accurate picture of the start date and ultimately the completion date of your renovation.
Mistake #4: Not Planning Your Living Situation
Depending on the size and complexity of your renovation, you may have to move out of your home partially or completely for the renovation to take place. If you are able to live in a section of your house during construction, be prepared for subcontractors to access the site throughout the day and for the construction noise and dust that will accompany their work.
For many clients, the noise and inconvenience of living in a construction zone can start to take a toll on them after the first few weeks, especially when the initial excitement of the renovation wears off. Discuss your living situation with your builder prior to the start of your renovation and consider what options may be best for you and your family.
One thing to note is that all furniture and personal belongings will need to be completely removed from the renovated areas of your home. This will ensure that subcontractors can easily access the parts of your home required for the renovation and can carry out their work as efficiently as possible. It will also minimize the risk of damage to your belongings during construction.
Mistake #5: Not Planning Your Selections
While it may appear that there is no rush to decide on the color and style of your bathroom tiles before they are going to be installed, it is important to realize every selection decision has the potential to delay your project. For instance, some tile may need to be ordered up to 4 months in advance to ensure it can arrive on time, so it’s important to make all your selection choices prior to the start of your renovation.
Once a building contract is signed, your builder will place hundreds of orders with subcontractors and suppliers, so they can lock in pricing and guarantee timely delivery of products and materials. Making changes to your selections after signing a building contract may incur delays to the renovation schedule, as new orders will need to be placed for those products, which in turn further prolong delivery times.
About Us
Planning a major renovation? Braemyn Homes is Calgary’s preferred builder, specializing in custom homes and custom renovations. From concept to completion, our clients can expect the highest standard of excellence delivered with exceptional craftsmanship and superb customer care. Call us at (403) 606-2923 or fill out our contact form to see how we can help you make your dream home happen.