Guide to Whole-House Remodelling: Where to Begin?

Aug 8, 2022 | Blog

Are you thinking about renovating your home? The first thing you need to consider is where to begin! A whole-home renovation entails many aspects and you’ll need to make a lot of decisions—big and small—before the first hammer is swung! Not to mention, there are so many details to consider during the renovation and after the project is completed.

To help you save time and money, we’ve put together awhole-house remodelling guidefor major renovation projects at home. If you are eager for a change to your existing home but don’t want to leave the neighbourhood, keep reading to learn how to plan a whole-house remodelling.

Determine Your Budget

When determining your budget, do some research on the average cost of a whole-house remodel in your area. What are your main goals for the renovation? Noting the purpose of the renovation will help you narrow down which aspects are most important to you, and therefore where you should allocate the most funds.

Your budget should include an estimate of materials, labour, and time. Leave some wiggle room of at least 10% of the total budget for any unforeseen issues.

Decide the Scope of the Remodelling

Create a layout that outlines the scope of the project. Having a clear renovation plan can ensure both the homeowner and the contractor are on the same page. By defining the goals of the renovation, the contractor can determine if the project will meet the homeowner’s expectations before the work begins.

Some structural changes and transformations may or may not be feasible. From extending the structure with an addition to demolishing rooms, knowing the scope of the work can also help finalize the budget and establish an appropriate timeline.

  • Minor Remodelling: Minor remodelling refers to changes within an existing space without having a structural impact on the home itself. This can include painting the walls, replacing floor surfaces, upgrading sections of the electrical or plumbing systems, and adding a home automation system.
  • Major Remodelling: For major remodelling projects, a contractor will make repairs, changes, or additions to the structure itself. This can include but is not limited to, a home extension, building an addition, installing new plumbing and electrical systems, and modernizing insulation throughout the home structure.

Plan for the Short-Term

Next, plan for the short-term. A major renovation such as this requires months to complete. Consider where you plan to stay during the renovation project. Will the renovation affect your lifestyle? Will you be able to live in your home during renovations or will you need to make arrangements to live elsewhere?

Make sure you factor this in during your initial budgeting.

Create a Timeline

Work with your contractor to establish a timeline and stick to it as best you can. Your timeline should be slightly flexible as unforeseen issues can arise, so factorin any potential setbacks such as the need to rebuild walls or replace electrical or plumbing. The timeline should outline demolition time, expected delivery of materials, and the hours and days the contractor will be on-site.

Creating a timeline with the contractor will also allow you to schedule a move-in day, especially if you are unable to remain in the home during the renovation.

Make an Energy-Efficient Home

During a renovation, consider making the home more energy-efficient. From upgrading the HVAC system, adding insulation, replacing older windows and replacing wiring to installing energy star appliances, now is the perfect time to bring your home into the 21st century.

The additional costs to replace or add materials and devices to design an energy-efficient house will be offset by not having to hire workers to return at a late date. Plus, you will likely save money on your energy bill in the longrun.

Decide if Your Plan Is DIY or if You Need Professional Help

When planning a whole-house remodelling, some homeowners might consider doing some of the work themselves. While smaller jobs such as painting or changing cabinetry hardware may be undertaken by the homeowner, some aspects (e.g., plumbing, electrical work, and drywalling) are best left to the professionals.

A whole-home renovation project requires the skills and knowledge of trained and certified trades people. Not only will hiring professionals save you time and money in the longrun, butmany home insurance policies and warranties require proof of certified work.

Get Permits 

Almost all whole-home renovations will require permits or licenses before any work is to be started. Modifications to the structure, plumbing, electrical, and windows tend to need a permit in most urban centres.

If you’re not sure where to start or how to get the required permits, your contractor can help you determine the type of permit you need and the best way to obtain all the required documents.

Get the Required Insurance

One of the most common misconceptions when it comes to renovations is that all contractors have the appropriate insurance, and should there be an accident, the homeowner will be covered. Sadly, this isn’t always the case and there are a lot of fraudulent companies out there claiming to be reputable. Before hiring a reputable firm, ask what type of insurance they have such as liability, property, and workers’ compensation insurance.

It is also recommended that you contact your home insurance agency and notify them of any changes and/or work that you plan to do to your home. You may need to add temporary renovation insurance to your policy and may need to adjust your policy if structural changes are being made (e.g., an addition or basement is added).

Contact Elite Construction and Renovations for Whole-Home Remodelling

For all of your whole-home renovations, contact the building experts at Elite Construction and Renovations. Our two-year workmanship guarantee and quick timeline offer the highest standards of craftsmanship with no compromise on quality. Call us today and see why homeowners in the GTA have chosen us for more than 15 years to design their dream homes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jay McDonald

Jay McDonald

Jay McDonald, general contractor and owner of Elite Construction & Renovations, has over 20 years of construction experience. He has completed various Ontario Building Code and Business Management courses from George Brown College and has managed over $50 million-dollars-worth of construction in his career.