Oasis Renovations

A renovation is a journey you take with your contractor – preparation is everything.

Notify your neighbours
Talk to your neighbors well in advance if you are planning a major renovation. They’ll appreciate knowing about potential construction noise and when to expect extra vehicles parked on the street.

Set a timeline
Talk to your contractor about the various steps and stages of the renovation. Usually, with an addition, the foundation is dug first, then the floors and walls are roughed-in and the roof is shingled before breaking through to the existing part of the house. Be aware that exterior work goes fairly quickly relative to the more detailed work inside.

Get an outline of work involved
Ask your contractor to outline what the work involves and present a realistic timetable. Experienced contractors know to build in a time-cushion for the unforeseen, and you should include a 15-percent cushion in your budget as well.

Try to move out
If possible, move out during major construction or part of it. Perhaps you could you live with relatives or rent a place nearby. It might be a good time to take a vacation or send kids to camp. Also, consider boarding your pets at a kennel or having them stay with friends until your house is settled.

Plan your meals ahead of time
Set up a temporary kitchen with a hot plate, microwave and a small fridge. Many people choose the laundry room so they have a water source and can wash their dishes in the sink. Plan your meals ahead of time, especially if you are having a kitchen renovation, even if you are not, there will be days you cannot bear the clutter and disorder and will not want to cook. Make food ahead and freeze it. Stock up on plastic and paper products so you do not have to worry about clean up. Call family and friends to plan meals out of the home

Be family-friendly
Try not to make any major life changes, such as starting a new job or having a baby, during a major renovation. If a big change does occur just before a planned project begins, consider postponing the work.  Involve older children in the planning stages so they feel part of what is going on.

Work with your contractor
Make sure you have solid communication with your contractor. You trust this person with your major asset and your sanctuary. You need to know that he or she will be there for you if a problem arises.  Be sure to check in with the site supervisor on a daily basis. If you have a partner, run all major questions by each other before giving the contractor a final answer. Discuss concerns with your contractor as soon as they arise. Don’t wait for ‘the right moment.’

Keep up communication with your contractor.
It is easy to get frustrated, when your home seems to be inside out. Your contractor surely wants a satisfied client, as well as a job well done. It is your responsibility to express any concerns you may be having right away. Then be open to what your contractor has to say. There are many variables that go into home remodeling; it is not a science, it is an art.

Make choices in advance
Choose everything before the work starts — sinks, cabinets, toilets, tiles, colors. You don’t want to have to take time off work at the last minute to run around to design stores. Are you considering talking or hiring an Interior Decorator – we offer Interior Decoration and Colour Consultation Services, he or she can advise you on how to choose paint colors that harmonize with tiles and cabinetry, and how to ensure colour flows from area to area.

Post plans and keep an objective mind.
It is very easy to lose sight of the end product when going through a renovation, so tape up your plans so you can remind yourself why you are putting yourself through what feels like a calamity.  It is so easy to lose patience over how long a project is taking or not wanting to wait the extra week for the perfect vanity. However, when you keep in mind the expense of home renovations, and the amount of YEARS you will be enjoying the new room, level, etc… it is important to do it right the first time.

Construction dust is inevitable.
On most large jobs, a renovator will build a temporary wall and put in a plastic doorway between the new and existing part of a home. But don’t expect it to keep out all of the dust. Take down your drapes and cover, or even store, your good furnishings.

Take pictures of your home
Be sure to take pictures before you remodel and the throughout the renovation process, and of course after the project is complete. This is a good way to keep your spirits high during the renovation, and a great way to show off your new kitchen after the remodeling is complete.