`If a Vancouver home renovation is something you and your significant other have been discussing around the kitchen table, there is a good chance finances have come up. While most homeowners consider budget when planning for a renovation, only a few contemplate the unexpected. This exuberant optimism and lack of prudent cautioning might make the numbers look small when you are thinking about what it will take to get your dream kitchen or that new en suite bathroom, but it can also land you in a lot of trouble.

Hiring a General Contractor

Once you are past the kitchen table conversations and on to the next step, hiring a Vancouver general contractor, you might feel a little less experienced than some of the other people in the room. There is always a strong desire to trust the experts and simply go with the one who offers you the lowest number when bidding on the project, but keep in mind that that number might not be exactly accurate and can lead to unexpected surprises in the midst of your renovation.

To get an idea of what this means, think of your favorite home renovation show and how many lessons about blowing the budget you see in every episode. The scenario is a familiar one where the homeowner envisions the perfect house and sets a specific budget, but the general contractor finds something unexpected once they open up the walls, and the end result is a blown budget, less than complete renovation or unhappy homeowner.

By now, you are probably wondering how you can avoid this scenario during your own Vancouver reno. The answer starts with receiving an accurate quote from your general contractor. The best quotes contain line by line items for the renovation. They are clear and concise and never contain hidden fees.

Staying in Control of Your Renovation

Your Vancouver construction professional should also discuss contingencies with you. A recommended amount is 15 to 20-percent of your budget. This gives you some flexibility if prices creep up because of problems behind your walls. While most homeowners find that they need at least some of this contingency money, if you find that it is unnecessary, you have added money at the end for extra high-end finishes or whatever luxury you have been dreaming of.

Another way to avoid breaking the bank during your Vancouver home renovation is by maintaining control of your project throughout the construction process. Keep the lines of communication open with your project manager, and ask if the company has a system in place that allows you to continuously review the budget, watch the timeline and make materials and sub-contractor selections. While some homeowners relinquish all of this control to their Vancouver renovation specialists, remember that nobody has as much of a vested interest in keeping you within budget as you do.

Remodeling your Vancouver home can be stressful, but you increase your chances of feeling satisfied throughout the construction process when you stay within budget and reduce or eliminate unexpected surprises. At Alair Homes Vancouver, our goal is satisfied customers. With the use of our proprietary online system, our clients have the ability to maintain total control over their projects. To learn more about this system and the many other advantages that only Alair Homes can offer, contact us to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.