5 Things First-Time Renovators Don’t Expect
Are you a first-time renovator? If so, I bet you are excited to get started on that project you’ve been itching to complete! Perhaps you have been walking into your kitchen dreaming of a fresh new backsplash and pendants. Or maybe each time you have wandered by your bathroom, you’ve dreamed of a spa-like feel. Now, you’re finally ready to get the renovation process started!
I’ll be completely honest with you...renovating isn’t like your favourite home improvement show, with kitchens going from drab to fab in 50 minutes. A real-life renovation takes time, is messy, and needs a budget. (Although they both have beautiful end results.)
That’s precisely why I’m here. With a designer holding your hand along the way, together, we can bring your dream home to life. Though I will certainly guide and support you through this process, I want to share a quick list of 5 things first-time renovators don’t expect. I little awareness can make a world of difference — and they may surprise you!
#1. Renovations take longer than you expect
Timelines vary greatly when it comes to home renovations, but you can almost always expect it to take longer than you originally assume. Depending on the renovation, timelines can take as little as 4 weeks, all the way up to 6 months or even a year for a full home. Timelines are often determined by the part of the house that is being renovated. For example, a typical kitchen or bathroom renovation has been taking an average of 8-12 weeks to complete.
When I start to create a timeline for a design project, the degree of customization also plays a factor in my planning. Ordering custom-built cabinets versus buying pre-made cabinets requires more planning and time. This includes the types of materials you would like to use. If you would like hand-painted or stained cabinetry, it will take much longer to produce than a laminated product, for example.
Another factor that influences a renovation timeline is if you will be changing the footprint of the space, which usually requires moving the plumbing and changing the electrical. The more that will be moved, the longer the project will take!
If you’re unsure how much time to allocate to your project, don’t worry. We will discuss all of these details together and map out a plan during our Initial Consultation.
#2. You need a design plan before you can get contractor quotes
Every renovation project, big or small, should begin with a plan. Starting with a plan not only helps with the budget, but it makes the process much smoother. Imagine going on a 6-week vacation (sounds dreamy right now, doesn’t it?). If you don’t have a plan, it would be stressful not knowing where you will stay or how much it will cost, wouldn’t it?
The same is true of a renovation. Most, if not all, of the work required is founded on the design plan, including: which trades you need to bring into your project, how much these contractors will charge, how long the project will take, how much it will cost, etc. See? Everything!
This is why every well-thought-out renovation plan should also include a desired materials list. Material choices could include laminate vs, stone countertops, or hardwood vs. laminate flooring, marble vs. porcelain tile, a stone fireplace surround, and more. You’ll also need to know which colors, finishes, and how much of those materials will be needed in your home.
Once you have these elements decided (ideally with a design professional who can create a cohesive, on-budget, and long-lasting plan), your contractors will be able to give you an accurate estimate for their scope of work.
#3. Trades aren’t always ready when you are
Transformation takes time, and so does getting the right people scheduled and in place to begin your renovation. Trades are busy and are often booked out several months in advance — especially the best ones!
Once you have a general idea for your project’s scope and preliminary design, you should begin to reach out to schedule trades. Better yet, ask your designer for recommendations. We have a network of tradesmen we trust and love to refer to our clients.
#4. Renovations require higher investments than most people expect
I will be completely honest with you, a renovation’s budget is almost always more than people expect. Following the above tips — like having a plan, a realistic timeline, and knowing the materials you want to use — will help save you money in the long run. Check out this blog post about How to Estimate the Cost of a Stunning Kitchen Renovation for more advice.
By the way, hiring a designer like me can help you actually save money! Designers usually have contractors and trades they already work well with. This means great communication and project efficiency. We also know how to handle unexpected scenarios or avoid mistakes before they start. Believe me, doing it right the first time always pays off in the long run.
#5. Every renovation comes with its surprises
Speaking of mistakes, they’re not just probable, they are almost a guarantee. Especially when working on older homes in Cranbrook, we just never know what we’ll find once walls open up or a tub is removed. Luckily, we are trained and experienced in handling anything your home can throw at us!
Managing a renovation is a full-time job, including juggling trades’ schedules, ordering materials, staying on top of shipping, delivery, and your budget. Not everything is in our control either. Orders may get filled incorrectly or show up broken and need to be handled with one (or several phone calls and coordination).
I know you can relate, waiting on hold, listening to Kenny G. serenade you as you wait for customer service and your time is being wasted, one song at a time. Instead, your designer (me!) will deal with any issues so you don’t have to. Now, that is priceless peace of mind. That is the value of a designer!
See the full design reveal of this custom kitchen renovation here!
Does renovating sound complicated? It doesn’t have to be! First-time renovations may take longer and cost a little more than you thought, but the end results are well worth a renovation done right.
Start with a design plan that you adore, and put the right people in place with a budget that matches what you can afford. As a first-time renovator, you may feel overwhelmed and that’s okay. Let’s chat about how I can help you save time, money, and headache.
P.S. Subscribe below to receive my Renovation & Design Planner and start your project off on the right foot!
Cheers,
Adrienne