The process of completing a successful renovation is critical and every professional renovator or builder has a process that works for them and they all have the same or similar steps.
By the time most clients contact a renovator they have already started the process by looking at photos on-line or visiting suppliers to see the various products to use in a renovation. This is the “dreaming” stage of the process. Many home owners have a vision of what they want and many others have no idea, but they know what they don’t want, which can also be helpful.
Start with a good plan, which may require the assistance of a designer or planner who can help the home owner get ideas from their head onto paper. This will allow the renovator to provide an detailed and accurate estimate based on a specific design. A designer can assist with everything from basic floor plan to selecting all the products and paint colours. This stage of a process is certainly worth the investment of time and money as it will save in the long run with having the details required to ensure your project is completed as your envisioned.
Hiring a professional renovator can appear challenging, however in todays world a simple google search should result in several prospects. At this stage is it critically important to do your homework to ensure the renovator is a professional and someone you can work with. Checkout their website and social media links. Are they members of any associations, such as Canadian Home Builders, Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, which is an indication of professionalism. Contact 2-3 potential renovators and be prepared to meet during regular business hours, Remember these professional usually start early, running projects and coordinating crews and asking them to meet nights and weekends seriously impacts their families. Plan to provide each renovator with the same scope of work and set of plans to ensure you are able to compare the estimates “apple to apples”. Remember pricing is only one factor in hiring. A professional should have a detailed estimate and you should request references and call them. I sometimes chuckle when a potential client will question the validity of a high estimate, yet will accept the low estimate without question. Said best by Benjamin Franklin: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”
Once you have selected a renovator, coordinating the project is made easy with good communication. A professional will provide a list of items required from the client and what is expected, a signed contract will be required, a scheduled start and completion date will be established and typically the timing will be very close, weather and other factors can have an influence. The renovator will arrange selection, purchase and delivery of materials, organize sub-trades and completing of work with their own crews. All professional treat the client’s homes with respect and curtsey, including the pets, locking the doors, controlling dust as much as possible and always communicating with the client on progress and any changes.
During the project, unknowns can and most likely will occur. Common unknowns are rot, hazardous material discovery, improper structure, wiring or changes due to the request of the client. These unknowns and changes will often create the dreaded “EXTRA”. Nobody like the price of their project to increase, however a professional renovator will be communicate the change, be fair on the cost and ensure your home is repaired and any changes made to make your renovation the dream you envisioned.
Complietion of the project should come with a final inspection with the renovator and the client to ensure any and all items are completed and satisfactory. If there are any warranty items to address the renovator should address them promptly to ensure the client can fully use the renovated space. If all is satisfactory, then the renovator has done a good job and will be paid upon the completion of the project.
These is a simplified overview of the renovation process, however there are many products and people involved in most project and each step must be personally handled by a professional to ensure your renovation is a success. The main point to remember, always hire a professional and half the battle is won.
Dan Monk, P.Eng. / Red Seal Carpenter
Owner – MONK Renovations
