Homebase.ca Feature Article: Ask the Home Theatre Expert

document.write("

document.write("

Clipboard

Feature Article

Jim Caruk's Reno Tips

What to Expect When You’re Renovating
By Sarah Bromberg

…and you thought your headaches were over? Sure, you’ve finally decided on the perfect flooring, the right shade of backsplash and have found the ideal paint color for your walls, but quite honestly, you’ve only just begun. Yes, research and making decisions is tough work. But you’re not home free. Now come the actual renovations, and that’s a whole different headache.

Having a realistic picture of what your renovation will be like will save you hours of annoyance, ire and confusion. But don’t trust me trust Jim Caruk, - master contractor and past host of Life Network’s Real Renos.

Jim Caruk’s Top 10 Tips for the Soon To Be Renovation

1. The right contractor is not the cheapest contractor. “The right contractor may not always come at the cheapest price,” says Caruk, “but it’ll cost less money in the long run.”

2. Check out who you’re hiring. Checking out and talking to previous clients of the contractor is a must. So is talking to current customers. Not only can you then see the current body of work, but also you can gauge a realistic timeline and actually get some insight on what really to expect.

3. Make sure the drawings have enough detail. Don’t leave anything to chance. Sketch the finest details so both you and the contractor know what the job entails. The less surprises the better.

4. Make sure all permits are in place. Apply for your permits before you start your renovation…unless you don’t mind being out of house and home for months on end, of course.

5. Make sure your contractor has his/her own "I"s dotted and "T"s crossed. Your contractor should not only be insured, but so too should his workers/sub-contractors. Ask your contractor about Workers’ Compensation benefits, too.

6. Be realistic. If you’re building an addition to your home, or doing anything that involves the outdoors, expect delays—the sun doesn’t shine every day. Also, because there’s a shortage of skilled trades, you may have to wait for certain jobs to get done. It’s unavoidable, so don’t complain.

7. You’re going to change your mind. “Chances are you are going to change your mind during your renovation,” says Caruk. Just know that a change of mind means a change in the renovation’s timeline. “Allow for extra time to do the work.”

8. Your contractor must be compensated for his/her time. Every time you change your mind, there’s a change in cost. There’s no way around it.

9. Pick quality fixtures. Buying quality fixtures may cost more upfront, but will definitely save you money down the road. As the proverbial will say, “If you’re going to do it, do it properly.”

10. MOVE OUT! Caruk warns: “If you’re doing a big reno, move out. If you can’t move out, delay the reno.”