5 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Renovation Project.....

I often hear my friends, family, acquaintances, and even people I just meet for the first time tell me how they embark on a renovation project and find themselves frustrated, overwhelmed, and stressed out at the process. There is a science and a certain predictability to the unpredictable renovation process that only comes from experience. While most people will undertake a renovation project once or twice in their lives, and go through the painstaking process vowing to never to do it again, my goal is to help those people BEFORE they start a project. Whether a simple bathroom touch up, or a full on gut renovation of a home or condo is in store for you, below are 5 tips to help you better plan and prepare for your project.

5 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Renovation Project

1 - Budget:

Whether you are renovating a bathroom, a laundry room, or a larger more comprehensive project including several rooms in your home, having a detailed budget is key. Most people will have a round number in their mind that they want to spend, and will gather estimates from contractors but don't always think about certain items or take into account any issues that may arise. There always has to be a contingency budget, usually 10-20% depending upon the scope of project. Larger projects should have at least 15% added as contingency and smaller projects about 10%.

What could happen you ask? Well, take for example a very old house that is being renovated. Often times, during demo or walls or removing old cabinetry / doors/ structures, we find old vents, or unstable beams, a multitude of things can come up that aren't anticipated. Sometimes when a certain layout has been approved by your architect, during construction you might want to make changes, and these changes will cost you $$$. On smaller projects, I have seen clients renovate a bathroom and forget to incorporate the cost of new towel bars, toilet roll holders, and updating the doorknob on the inside of the bathroom to match the new interior. Small items add up and it's always better to have a detailed budget written out that includes every dollar you will have to spend.

Our company will work with your contractor to better understand what they will pay for and what our clients pay for by negotiating the best pricing.

2 - Timeline:

Regardless of the size and scope of your project, most renovation projects take longer than expected. For example, on larger projects, if a contractor provides a timeline of 6 months, it is imperative that you know if this includes inspections, obtaining a certificate of occupancy, and completing a 'punch list' at the end of the project. For smaller projects, timelines aren't usually as critical, but things may delay the project. Inspections, deviations from original plans, fixture/appliance availabilities/ deliveries, are all things that can add time to your project. Estimate an additional 20% to your timeline to be safe, Make sure that your living situation has a buffer for time if you are not living within your home during the renovation, and if you are, make sure that you are able to handle any delays, should they arise.

3 - Choosing Fixtures, Appliances & Aesthetics:

The renovation process can be a fun, creative and exciting time to pick and choose tiles, flooring, paint colors and trims that will be part of your new home. Make sure to keep delivery dates in mind. I always recommend to clients to spend time in the beginning of the project to familiarize themselves with tile and fixture options and preferences, and to have one or two back up choices in case a product is not available at the time of order. Also, keep in constant communication with the contractor so that you know what's ahead on the schedule and get an early start on ordering those items.

Many contractors simply won't wait several weeks for a product as they budget to start and complete a renovation project in a set period of time.

4 - Architects:

I am always asked by prospective clients, "Do I need an architect?"

The answer is not always a simple one. Legally, you need an architect if structures are changing and if you are adding new plumbing and electric lines in your home. You will also require an architect if city/ state inspections are required, and there are many criteria to determine these requirements. If you are adding a bathroom, you would engage with an architect; for a full gut renovation you would also engage and hire an architect. If you are simply renovating the inside of a room and not breaking any walls or doing major new plumbing and electric work, then it's most likely that you don't need an architect, particularly if you have a good contractor who is familiar with updated local construction code. There are ways to educate yourself by reading the public construction code in your town (usually online at the governmental agency website).

5 - Project Completion:

Toward the end of any project, put together a 'punch list' of small items that your contractor still needs to complete. Many contractors focus on the big ticket items and leave small details out. For example, baseboard trims get installed throughout the home once flooring is installed, but contractors often forget to caulk the bottom of the baseboards to the floor if there are gaps. It drives me crazy when I see one room caulked and one not, or gaps in the caulking. Other examples include finding paint drops on floors or fixtures, or when things are slightly crooked or not level. While it is easy enough to fix and clean a few things yourself, you are paying for a new renovation and deserve for it to be perfect. Make sure your list of ‘things to fix’ is completed before you make the final payment to your contractor!

Good luck, and here’s how to reach the Samsara Design House Team:

Anjali@SamsaraDesignHouse.com