Taking on a home renovation is one of life’s biggest challenges. From contractor bidding to choosing finishes to dealing with delays, the whole process can seem overwhelming and get very expensive. The experts at Alair Homes Forest Hill Toronto outline 10 unexpected costs of an upgrade.

Making Changes

Homeowners are often surprised that the biggest hidden cost is themselves. In many cases, this because of “scope creep,” or when there are too many change orders during the course of the job. Have a firm plan in place to avoid this problem.

Structural Surprises

Whether it is a weak beam or a wall that cannot be removed, there will be structural surprises that can bloat the budget by up to 15 percent. Work with a professional remodeler and provide an extra cushion for these scenarios.

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Code Issues

Older homes often present building code problems. If a code issue is found during a remodel, that problem has to be dealt with before work can continue. Be sure allow extra time for these situations.

Bad Practices

A house may look solid from the outside, but once work begins, unseen problems may begin to surface, such as poor wiring or sub-standard materials. The remodel will need to pause at this point for repair or replacement.

High Bills

Electric bills often rise substantially during a home renovation. Contractors use many power tools that can add $10 to $15 more per month. A large job that involves any kind of mitigation can add up to $40 per month.

Pet Boarding

During the chaos of a remodel, pets may need to be boarded for their safety. There should be an allowance in the renovation budget for this expense.

Restaurant Expenses

If a kitchen is being remodeled, it is not possible to cook meals each day, leaving no choice but to eat out. This can lead to substantial daily costs. One solution is to have the builder create a temporary kitchen to use until the primary one is finished.

Pest Damage

While work is in progress, it is possible the contractor may find pest damage from termites or rodent nests that require removal. This will add time and expense to the job.

Lost Time

A homeowner will need to take time away from work to meet with contractors and designers before the job starts and many times after it begins. The potential loss of income from this down time can add up quickly.

Moving Out

During a remodel, most people will need to move out for a period of time, incurring rent and storage fees. This should be worked into the budget as a buffer, especially if the entire house is being redone.

A home renovation does not have to be an expensive nightmare. By considering the above points, planning carefully, and working with Alair Homes, a dream home will soon be a reality.