1. PLAN – This first step may seem totally obvious but it’s worth emphasizing!

• A plan of WHAT your renovation ideas, dreams and goals are is the first place to start!
• WHERE is this reno? Do you have an entire house to renovate or are you doing one room?
• WHEN do you want this to take place? Are you hoping to start in the next few months in a year, in two?
• Do you have sufficient criteria to warrant a renovation? This is your WHY! And by this I mean, do you require a renovation? Why are you doing this? List your reasons and be sure!
• HOW will this work for you? Do you have a family with younger children? Do you live in a condo or townhouse? I’m talking about impact – Renovations are impactful on your life! You must have a plan!

2. BUDGET – Again, I say this may seem a basic step – but consider this:

• SCOPE is how big is your project? Following the lines of ‘What’ your reno is, are we looking at painting the walls and sanding the
  floors, or knocking down walls and reinstating the plumbing? Maybe you’re thinking of an addition? Extra storey to your
  rancher or sunroom off your kitchen… This is your scope- and is a major consideration of your budget.
• MATERIALS is how you want to start and finish your project. You know that ‘Champagne taste and beer budget’ adage! This is
  where you determine if you will be budgeting for marble countertops and hardwood floors to crystal chandeliers and Sub Zero Appliances! You get the idea! The range is huge here!
• MUST HAVES. Once you have established that budget, how flexible is it? And this doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker or massive emotional drain. I simply recommend that from the very beginning you determine where you will have some give and take in your materials and finishes. Ask whether or not you must have the “Fill in the blank”!
• DIY- are there any areas of the renovation that you can do yourself, or have friends and family enlist? This is helpful in determining where you will be spending the money – So, make a budget!

3. PROFESSIONALS – People, pretty please, hire professionals!! And this is really important; you must do homework!

• RESEARCH your General Contractor! Look at their website, read reviews. Check out places like Yelp and Houzz for their star,
  quality rating, and history.
• INTERVIEW these people! Do not just rely on those reviews! Meet your potential Contractor, Architect, Interior Designer etc.
• Do you feel that you have the RIGHT FIT? Sometimes, the price might be right, but the feeling isn’t. If you’re not ‘feeling it’ in your
  interview(s), listen to your feelings. I know this sounds really airy-fairy, but I’m telling you the truth- We instinctively know when we like someone or not and the fit is there or is not! Due diligence is necessary in hiring the right Professional for your home renovation!

Lastly, don’t be afraid to start a big home renovation! The end results will be worth it. If you would like some guidance for design, feel free to reach out to me and inquire about our services.