Home Renovation: What You Need To Know Before Starting
Your home renovation is more than just visuals. The whole point of a remodel is to get it to look better, but there are some key steps to ensure you achieve your dream home.
Ero Build has curated those steps and a smart approach to renovation planning in this article. Keep reading to discover what you need for a successful luxury home renovation in Toronto.
What Do You Want to Change?
The renovation of your Toronto house starts with this step. Are you looking to update a bathroom or kitchen, or do you want to do a complete makeover?
The extent of changes you make depends on how well your contractor utilizes your budget. That’s why you need a clear outline of changes that fit into that budget in the first place.
Which things are nice-to-haves and which are necessities? The latter will be addressed first, and the former can be carried out if funds remain.
While you can draft a design for smaller cosmetic changes, we recommend working with architects or designers to maximize your space and include your preferences. Ero Build will also step in to ensure that every design is practical for construction.
How Much Will Your Home Renovation Cost?
This is the million-dollar question to consider for your GTA home remodel, literally.
Setting Your Budget
Once the design is settled, your architect provides a clear illustration to guide material selection. This helps your contractor to suggest quality materials within your budget and preference. So, you can set a realistic budget that covers potential emergencies.
Saving for the Unexpected
You know that saying, “expect the unexpected”? Well, it’s never been more relevant, as your home renovation will come with. This could be anything from finding mould behind existing walls to encountering unexpected foundation issues that need immediate attention. This is why we recommend an additional 10-20% on your budget as a contingency plan.
The surprises are unavoidable, but you’ll save yourself the stress of halting work when you factor the “emergency” into your home renovation budget.
Do You Need Permission to Renovate in Toronto?
Renovating your home in the City of Toronto will most likely require permits. This isn’t in every case, particularly for small cosmetic changes (e.g., paint; no one’s bothered about your paint). However, most structural, electrical, or plumbing work requires permits.
What Happens if You Don’t Get a Permit?
You’ll hire a contractor, purchase materials, start work, and if the changes don’t meet the zonal laws… You’ll get a fine, or worse, you’ll be made to undo all the work you’ve paid for. To avoid moving multiple steps back, Ero Builds handles all the necessary permits for your home renovation in Toronto, whether it’s a full remodel or just for the kitchen or bathroom.
Finding the Right People for Your Home Renovation Job
You can DIY if you’d like to make a small change, like painting an accent wall. However, leave any plumbing, electrical, or structural work to the experts. But who exactly do you need to hire and for what?
Who You’ll Need to Hire
The first people you’d need to work with are architects or designers. They ensure that a realistic representation of your desired home is illustrated. Next is the construction team, who will bring this vision into reality.
How to Pick a Good Contractor
Hiring a contractor is the step that makes or breaks your home renovation process. Carefully review past work, testimonials, and licenses of any suggested contractors. If they can’t provide a clear image of previous renovations but quote an unrealistically low price, it might be a pointer that they’re not right for the job.
Once you’ve chosen a contractor, contact them on time to ensure the pre-construction for your home renovation begins early. Most reputable contractors are booked months ahead.
What Happens During Your Home Renovation Process?
We’ve covered necessary pre-renovation considerations, but what happens during the process itself? Understanding this is vital for your Toronto home renovation.
The Usual Order of Things
A typical home renovation will follow this order:
- Design
- Permits and approval
- Demolition and site preparation
- Structural work
- Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical rough-in
- Insulation and drywall installation
- Finishing work
- Kitchen and bathroom fit-out
- Painting and final touches
- Final inspection
Picking Out Your Materials
The specific materials for your home renovation depend on your design, taste, and budget. Your contractor will suggest suitable options, and in most cases, you will place the orders. You can get stock materials like cabinets or have custom ones made in local or international stores. Whatever the case, we recommend that all your materials be on the ground before starting any work.
How Long Will It Take?
As with budgets, your home renovation may take a little longer than initially estimated. This can happen due to unexpected fixes that surface along the way. Also, summer allows for a more consistent workflow, while winter may cause delays to your home renovation due to harsh weather.
Living Through the Renovation
Small changes, like a cabinet replacement, might only have you setting up a mini-kitchen elsewhere in your home. But you’ll need to prepare temporary outside accommodation for a full-scale remodel. The alternative accommodation is especially necessary if you have pets or kids because of the noise, dust, and the need to avoid a construction zone.
Keeping Things Safe and Clean
To ensure all your items are protected and kept as dust-free as possible, communicate clearly with your contractor. They should seal items properly, clean regularly, and you may even need a separate storage option for fragile items.
What to Know After Your Home Renovation is Done
Checking Your Home Insurance
Contact your insurer as soon as your home renovation is complete. This is because your home value may have increased, and existing policies may no longer adequately cover rebuilding costs unless updated. Prepare necessary documentation like cost estimates, building permits, and photos of completed work for a thorough discussion.
Keeping Your New Home Looking Good
At this point, you have your dream Toronto home looking spick and span. To ensure it stays that way, regularly clean and conduct professional inspections.
Your Home Renovation Checklist
| Checklist Item | Complete |
| Define Renovation Goals (Full vs. Partial) | |
| Set a Realistic Budget | |
| Include Contingency Fund (10-20%) | |
| Secure Necessary Permits | |
| Hire Architects/Designers | |
| Select a Reputable Contractor | |
| Get Everything in Writing (Contract, Costs, Schedule) | |
| Procure All Materials Before starting | |
| Plan for Renovation Timeline (Expect Delays) | |
| Arrange Living During Renovation (If Needed) | |
| Discuss Safety and Cleanliness with the Contractor | |
| Update Home Insurance After Completion | |
| Plan for Ongoing Home Maintenance |
Conclusion
Before you start your home renovation in Toronto, there are some important things to consider. This article talks about how to define your budget, set a realistic budget, get the necessary permits, and hire the right people. Following the guidelines will help you feel more sure about your home renovation. Call Ero Build today to make your dream home a reality.
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