So, you’re thinking about a major home renovation? Here’s what you need to know
Planning and diving into a home renovation project can be both exciting and intimidating. Understanding the process and what to expect can help make the whole experience smoother. Here’s a guide to help you navigate a major home renovation journey from timelines and planning to living without a kitchen for weeks – and everything in between.
The Importance of Proper Planning
Proper planning is the cornerstone of any successful home renovation. This includes everything from realistic timelines and trade management to obtaining necessary permits and preparing the workspace(s).
Ask your contractors for realistic timelines and be sure to ask how many other project they’re working on at the same time. At Gilded Design + Build, we focus on one project at a time so we can respect timelines and ensure an efficient renovation project.
Securing permits ensures that your project complies with Ottawa by-laws and building regulations, preventing potential legal issues. We manage permits and ensure compliance for all of our projects, but the City of Ottawa online building and renovating resources are a good place to start if you need guidance.
Preparing the workspace involves protecting existing structures and furnishings, and ensuring a safe environment for our team and the homeowners. A clean, safe and organized work space makes the entire renovation process less stressful for everyone involved!
Clear Timelines and Expectations
Setting clear timelines and having realistic expectations are crucial for a seamless renovation process.
At Gilded Design + Build, we focus on one project at a time, allowing us to provide accurate timelines and undivided attention to each client. This approach minimizes delays and ensures that your project receives the dedication it deserves.
If your contractor works on multiple projects at a time, you may need to buffer in more time than anticipated.
Minimizing Disruption
We understand the importance of minimizing disruption to your daily life. That’s why we aim to schedule work during the day when kids are at school and adults are at work, leaving a clean and safe worksite between visits. This approach helps to keep the impact on your routine to a minimum.
Choosing Materials with a Design + Build Contractor
Selecting the right materials can be overwhelming, but working with a full-service design and build contractor like Gilded Design + Build in Ottawa can simplify the process.
Our integrated Design + Build approach to home renovations means that the design and construction teams work closely together, alongside you, ensuring that material choices align with both the aesthetic and functional requirements of your project.
Clean and Safe Work Sites
Maintaining a clean and safe work site is a top priority. Our goal is to keep everyone safe, keep disruptions to a minimum and work in a clean environment. We take pride in our cleanliness, organization, and respect for your home, ensuring your space is well-maintained throughout the entire home renovation process.
Reviewing Work and Addressing Issues
Before your project is completed, we conduct a thorough review of the work to ensure that everything meets your expectations. This is the time to address any issues or make any final adjustments, ensuring you are completely satisfied with the outcome.
Warranty Information
We stand by our work and offer a comprehensive warranty for your peace of mind. Our warranty includes a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials, a five-year warranty on structural elements, and a seven-year warranty on major systems.
Learn more about our home renovation warranty here.
Renovating your kitchen?
Tips on How to live without a kitchen for weeks!
Kitchen renovations can be particularly challenging, especially for families.
Here are some tips to help you plan and manage the process:
- Set Up a Temporary Kitchen: Before the renovation begins, set up a temporary kitchen in another part of your home. This could be in a dining room, basement, or even a corner of the living room. Equip it with essentials like a microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker, hot plate and a small refrigerator.
- Plan Simple Meals: With limited cooking facilities, plan simple and easy-to-prepare meals. Try a local Ottawa prepped food delivery service like The Red Apron to make kitchen-less life a little easier. Don’t forget to stock up on non-perishables, food that doesn’t need to be prepped and snacks. You could also consider using compostable plates and utensils to minimize dishes.
- Use Outdoor Spaces: If the weather permits, take advantage of outdoor spaces for cooking and dining. A barbecue or camp stove can be a great alternative for cooking hot meals.
- Communicate with Your Contractor: Keep open communication with your contractor about the timeline and progress of the renovation as the kitchen may be partially usable at times throughout the renovation. This can help you plan around critical stages when the kitchen may be completely unusable.
- Set Up a Washing Station: If your temporary kitchen doesn’t have access to a sink, set up a washing station with a large basin, dish soap, and drying rack. Many clients use their laundry sinks for this.
- Maintain a Flexible Attitude: Renovations can be unpredictable, so staying flexible and adapting to changes is important. Remember that the temporary inconvenience will ultimately lead to a beautiful, modern, and functional kitchen.
See more tips in our How to Survive a Kitchen Renovation resource.
STRESS LESS WITH THE RIGHT TEAM BY YOUR SIDE
Embarking on a home renovation project is a significant undertaking, but with the right planning and the right team, it can be a rewarding experience. At Gilded Design + Build, we are committed to making your renovation journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. If you’re ready to transform your space, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Request a quote here or give us a call at (613) 618-9121.
