The Renovation Issue: Decisions, decisions
While there is a wide range of reasons to renovate a home—enhancing functionality, adding space or elevating the luxe factor are some—the decision to proceed is only the first of many.
Every renovation requires a positive relationship between client and contractor, so selecting the right contractor is crucial. Ron Rapp, CEO of Homebuilders Association Vancouver, suggests the contractor be a member of an industry association and advises all the work should be included in a properly executed contract.
“Anyone considering a renovation of any serious scope and/or scale should ensure they are working with a qualified professional,” he adds.
Cheri Stefanucci of Abstract Homes and Renovations agrees that a good relationship is key to a smooth project.
“This is not a one-day event. You need to trust and feel confident and comfortable with your contractor,” she says. Getting referrals from friends or asking people in the neighbourhood who have recently had work done on their homes are good ways to find a contractor, she adds.
Rapp says the typical issue in budgeting for a renovation is expecting too much for too little.
“Any renovation carries an element of risk—you don’t know what you have until after you have it,” he says. “Unsound structure, bad wiring, bad plumbing and insects [infestations] often become a reality after the project has started. If something needs to be fixed before it’s improved—and this is not an uncommon occurrence with renovations—it is a good idea to establish a contingency fund to deal with the unexpected.”
Mike Richter, co-founder and president of Troico Home Solutions, says good quality drawings are essential to keep renovations on track.
“In many cases a homeowner sees a quote for the design component and wants to cut it because they think they don’t need that help,” he says.
But drawings are the foundation of the planning process and an interior designer’s work on issues such as lighting design, layout and material selection is essential, says Richter. He notes that while accurate and comprehensive drawings and a materials specification sheet are valuable for the contractor, they also protect the homeowner and ensure expectations are met.
Tina McCabe, principal designer at McCabe Design & Interiors, says the renovations that reveal the greatest potential of a home and come in on budget are those where the interior designer is involved from the very beginning.
The key to a successful renovation is knowing the client’s budget and then redesigning a space to meet it, she says. “It makes no sense to vault ceilings, design a very large kitchen with extensive custom cabinetry and custom storage if it’s not in the client’s budget.”
Derick RodRozen of RodRozen Designs says with kitchens being the focal point of many homes, some of the most asked-for renos are larger islands and prep spaces. “This allows space for the family to gather around and is also a place for homeowners to use while hosting parties or preparing food,” he says. “Larger islands also allow the homeowners to incorporate larger basin sinks that make it easier for prep and washing.”
Nancy Vornbrock, owner and lead designer of NNV Designs says most homeowners are aiming for a contemporary look for their new kitchen. “White kitchens are always popular, but natural wood finishes like walnut are now being seen in many designs, and mixing metals is still a strong trend,” she says.
Other items topping homeowners’ wish lists include: a clean look that requires designers to find storage space for countertop appliances; opening up the kitchen to the outdoors wherever possible; and adding extra storage in small kitchens, says Vornbrock.
Source: https://bit.ly/2SefVO2
