Living through the reno

February 11, 2011

By Glen Peloso

When it comes to renovation, the most important thing to do is plan. Whether you hire a designer to help with the plan or you’re going to work on your own, when the planning part is left out, it can spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R for both your renovation and pocketbook.

The first step is to decide the purpose of the renovation. Are you simply trying to update the look of that space, are you trying to create a more functional space, or do you want to change the function of the space all together?

Start by drawing out the space you have on a sheet of graph paper where one square on paper is going to represent six inches in your space. Then decide where you are going to place the major pieces in the room to function the way you want them to. Consider doorways, windows, plumbing and drains, and lighting requirements 
as you draw up the new floor plan.

Next, create a realistic budget. Do some research online to make sure that you are being reasonable – a kitchen renovation of $8,000 is likely not going to get you what you want if you’re planning on changing cabinets and appliances! The budget will help enormously while you are shopping for materials. In most renovations, there are many, many elements and when you start to overspend by even $100 per item, your over-budget total can be several thousands of dollars.

In your budget, leave a little cushion for what I like to call the “oh crap” list. These are the things you won’t know about until the walls are down and the renovation has begun. Finding out your subfloor is rotted or your pipes are still the original lead from 1910 can add costs to the project and once you’re in the middle 
of it all, it’s too late to turn back. Having a bit of cash in reserve (such as 10 to 15 per cent of the budget) is just good planning.

Once you have a plan, including all the materials you want 
to use and making sure they will work with your budget, get a contractor involved with the project. Ask for references and actually call the people on their list. Get a few contractors to give a quote on the work and let them see your plan and list of materials so you can compare the quotes. Be clear about what products you will bring and what they are responsible for. Get the quote in writing. When you make changes along the way, find out how they will affect the cost and create some paperwork to account for the changes (this is where the “oh crap” budget comes in handy).

Finally, create a realistic time frame for the project to be completed with your contractor that you can both agree on, with the understanding that the “oh crap” list 
can add to the time required.

The whole renovation process can be a bit like what I understand child birth to be – an incredible amount of pain while it is happening but an endless source of joy when it 
is all complete. Keeping a good focus on the end result will help you through the painful bits and then you can move on to enjoying the new space!

Plan, plan, plan!

•  Use a design firm to lessen the burden 
of work and renovation
•  Create a realistic budget before you shop
•  Stick to the budget
•  Add 10 to 15 per cent to budget to hold 
in reserve for the “unforeseen”
•  Get a few contractors’ quotes
•  Call contractors’ references
•  Be sure of stock and availability 
of your materials before you start
•  Plan for a mess and a somewhat 
non-functional home for a while
•  Enjoy the new space and the finished result!

Glen Peloso, design editor at Home Décor and Renovations and principal designer of Glen Peloso Interiors, has been designing spaces for commercial, corporate and residential clients for more than 15 years. You’ll recognize Glen as the host of such television design shows as Restaurant Makeover, Take This House & Sell It and Renovate My Wardrobe, to name a few, as well as from speaking engagements at home shows across Canada. Visit glenpelosointeriors.com

Filed under: FROM THE EXPERTS, RENOVATIONS