Expanding the size of your Toronto home is a massive endeavor that takes time, money and patience. While most homeowners who take on such a project are more than satisfied once the job is done, getting there is a process in and of itself, and surviving that process takes a bit of work. Here is some advice from homeowners who have been there.
Plan in Advance
Any home renovation involves planning, and this is especially true if your project involves knocking down exterior walls or raising your roof line. Make a list of your must-haves for the job, and be sure to account for what your family hopes to achieve by completing this renovation. Also, take the time to plan your budget and project a desired timeline. Use the Internet, home decorating shows and magazines to compile pictures and articles to help with this process, and share all of your information with the Toronto general contractors you interview.
Expect the Unexpected
When you arrive at the renovation stage, know that delays are likely to happen. These might be due to the inspection process, something unexpected that shows up behind the walls or even weather conditions. While you probably will not be able to avoid all delays, hiring a knowledgeable Toronto general contractor can help you to minimize unexpected surprises. By having a professional on your side, you will have a better chance of passing inspections the first time and taking care of any problems that arise in the correct manner so as to avoid further setbacks.
Pad the Budget
While hiring the right Toronto general contractor will help your renovation to run smoothly, it is always a good idea to pad your budget with a contingency. Most experts recommend about 10-percent. Having extra money for any unexpected surprises can help to keep your stress level down and might prevent setbacks that could occur if you run out of funds. If you happen to get through construction without using the contingency, the funds can be put back into savings or used for outfitting your Toronto home addition.
Stay Involved
No matter how good your Toronto general contractor is, it is advisable to keep your eyes and ears on your home renovation throughout the design and construction phases. Nobody is as invested in your home as you are, and nobody understands your renovation visions in the same way that you do. Visit the construction site, ask questions along the way and keep the lines of communication open with your project manager. Your general contractor should encourage this and invite your participation to help ensure that you stay on budget and the finished product turns out the way that you want it to.
Taking on a major renovation in your Toronto home is a great way to improve your family’s lifestyle and add value to your house, but it can be stressful and expensive if you do not properly plan and map out your expectations. Working with Alair Homes Toronto will help you to do just that. Our expert construction team finds creative ways to save you time and money, and we share that information with you in a completely transparent way. To learn more, call us and request your free, no obligation consultation.