TORONTO Whether you’re about to tackle a do-it-yourself project or enlisting the support of professionals to carry out the job, there’s a lot to consider before embarking on a home renovation.
“It is a fairly complex process and (with) lots of decisions to be made as the homeowner,” says Jill Greaves, who has specialized in interior designfor about 15 years. At the recent Interior Design Show in Toronto, she led a seminar on ways to draw maximum benefit from home renovation projects.
She has five things she wants you to think about before breaking out the tools — or cracking open your wallet.
1. Determine goals and inspirations. “If you want a new bedroom for a new baby or if you want your house to be more Zen, that should guide you through the process.”
2. Space planning. Whether it’s a new build or a fixer-upper, Greaves says it’s important to take note of the prominent features that distinguish your property.
“If you’re looking at redoing your living room, do you have beautiful light that comes in? Do you have a nice view of your back yard? Is the house already in a good location? Or are you trying to maximize the potential of the house?
“Looking at your assets and determining how you can best use those (are) part of the space-planning process.”
3. Budgeting. While determining how to divvy up funds is typically top of mind when it comes to renovations, allocating how to devote your time is just as integral to the process.
“If you have a certain budget in mind for your home and time, you need to communicate that to people you’re working with.”
For those who enlist a consultant, Greaves says clients should clearly communicate that the task needs to be completed within the timelines and budget agreed upon and that there’s no stretching beyond the margins.
If homeowners want an alteration midway through, they should be prepared to see potential changes in the completion date — and the final price tag.
“That rolls everything back a few steps, and it will cost you more to make decisions twice.”
Greaves says having a wants vs. needs conversation early on can determine which items on the project list are realistic and which fall outside of the realm of possibility.
4. Finishes. Now comes the fun part — choosing the flourishes that will form the result.
Individuals ready to rip out their carpet or revamp their flooring have several options and wood flooring may be among them.
An unfinished wood floor that’s finished on-site will take several days for the finish to harden enough to walk on — and is still a bit fragile for a week, she notes.
“If you have a crew waiting to do other work for one week or you have other accommodations, that’s a week worth of cost.
“If it’s prefinished in the factory, install it and walk on it right away.”
For tiles and hard finishes, Greaves says porcelains are less expensive than natural stones.
“You’ll get a different look. It can be very stylish and very contemporary or timeless as well; but you’ll pay less and it will be less maintenance.”
5. Furniture. Costs can quickly mount if you replace your loveseat, armchair and sofa all in one go.
When opting to invest in the largest pieces for your space, Greaves says it’s best to select classic shapes and styles that have more longevity.
“Accessories are where you can go trendy with colours (and) patterns.
“Keep the larger pieces, the more expensive upholstered pieces or some of your cabinetry a bit more classic unless you have the budget to change those big things all the time to keep on the trends.”
Fresh linens, toss cushions, European shams and a throw over the end of the bed will instantly alter the appearance of the bedroom less expensively than a full room overhaul, she notes.
If you are splurging or investing in a big-ticket item, consider selecting something that will be the centrepiece of your space.
“Nobody sees the chairs when you’re sitting down for dinner but everybody sees the chandelier. It’s a great place to have an accent piece.”
The Canadian Press
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