25 Things to Know Before Renovating Your Home

Hardwood or vinyl flooring? Brass or matte black hardware? Double or single vanity? Before getting started, look at a lot of inspirational images to get a good idea of what you want... and what you don’t. While some changes can be accommodated along the way, others may be very expensive or even impossible for the project.

To make the project sustainable and to avoid friction, make sure the whole household is on the same page before you get started.

Taking measurements is not only something anyone can do, it’s also essential. During the planning and budgeting stage, take all measurements accurately and precisely so that there are no surprises when purchasing materials and no problems when the work is being carried out.

…but keep all your invoices, just in case!

To-do lists help prevent forgetfulness. Plus, checking off the boxes is so satisfying!

To avoid any surprises or misunderstandings, always make sure to have a written contract that properly details the work to be done and the materials to be used.

Even on private property, permits for activities such as building, excavating, or remodelling may be required. Be sure to check with your municipality before you start!

If you expect to make noise during construction, consider notifying your neighbours to ensure that you’ll have a good relationship with them for years to come.

You never know what is hidden under the floor of your bathroom or between the walls separating the rooms. You may find unsafe materials, discover non-compliance, and even realize that your original plan is not realistic. Be ready!

…without changing everything as you go!

Bad weather (or even a heat wave) can make some work very difficult, especially outdoor work. Keeping an eye on the weather will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and plan well.

Always keep your budget in mind. If unexpected events keep happening, be prepared to make choices or sacrifices.

Many projects and techniques are accessible to everyone. However, taking risks can result in unexpected expenses, incidents, or injuries. When in doubt, always call a qualified professional.

In addition to being expensive and time-consuming, renovation projects are often messy and noisy. To avoid disruption, some people choose to rent a home or stay with relatives. Think about it!

All home improvement projects are associated with outages (e.g., electricity and water), so make sure you plan accordingly!

Never allow small children or animals to enter the work area. In addition to dust and small materials (e.g., nails and washers), building supplies and tools can be hazardous.

Always keep safety in mind and make sure to wear the proper protective equipment:

• Safety boots: risk of foot injuries
• Safety goggles: risk of projection of objects, particles or liquids that can damage eyes (e.g., electrical work, welding, and use of a saw)
• Gloves: hand injury risks, chemical or biological hazards, physical or thermal hazards, electrical and electrostatic hazards, etc.
• Hard hat: risk of head injuries; work at a construction site
• Hearing protection: risks associated with noise (prolonged use of a drill or saw)