Author: Canadoo Admin

Home Renovation Checklist

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
Home Renovation Checklist

A home renovation is a big project, and sometimes the hardest part is knowing how to get started. Therefore, we’ve put together a home renovation checklist for you to follow as you plan your renovation. By following each step, you can be confident that you will not get too many surprises along the way.

Step one: Set your goals and your budget.

To begin, you should get an idea of what you want to get done and how much you want to spend. This is a time for a bit of research, to see what other people might be spending on a similar project, so you don’t end up with unrealistic expectations.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • why do I want to do this renovation? (For example: I am trying to increase the value of my home; my bathroom needs new fixtures)
  • what problems need to be solved? (For example: the bathroom only has a shower and I want a tub)

Step two: Decide on your priorities.

In any renovation project, there are some things that MUST happen in order for the renovation to be successful, and there are other things that would be nice to have, but you can let them go if you run out of money or time. For this reason, an important part of your checklist is a list of the “musts” and the “maybes”. For example, in a bathroom renovation, you might decide that the top priority is to replace the shower and the toilet, while replacing the light fixtures can wait if some unexpected costs come up. 

Step three: Choose your contractor.

Next, you want to hire your renovation team. There are many good resources online to help you choose a general contractor, so we won’t go into it in too much detail here. However, this is a very important decision to make, so don’t be afraid to ask for quotes from several companies, and make sure the team you choose is qualified to do, or manage, ALL of the work you need done. 

Step four: Write up your contract.

Your contractor will be in charge of making the actual contract, but, since you are following a handy home renovation checklist, you know that you want the following things included in the contract:

  • a communication plan (how you will check in, and how frequently
  • budget and payment schedules, including a cushion for unexpected costs (ideally 10-20%)
  • details about permits, insurance, and what will happen if something goes wrong
  • a plan for the post-renovation inspection and adjustments (once you have lived in the space again, you may notice a needed change)
  • projected timeline – when you expect the renovation to start and end

Step five: prepare for the project start.

If you are renovating your home, you must take time to figure out how the renovation will impact your day-to-day life. For example, if your kitchen is being completely overhauled, you might decide to move out for a few weeks so that you don’t have to live without a kitchen! In a nutshell, prepare yourself for the disruption of the renovation and do some planning to make things go as smoothly as possible.

You did it! Once you work to the end of this list, you should be ready to start your renovation project. 

Tips for Choosing a Builder

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Tips for choosing a builder

Tips for choosing a builder in Vancouver, BC

When you are planning a home improvement project, choosing your builder can be the most important choice you make. Therefore, you may be feeling some stress about this decision. What are the most important things to think about when hiring a builder? There are many different details that might affect your choice. Here are a few tips to help you make this decision easier.

  1. Start with a solid plan.

Even the best contractor can’t give you a good quote without details. If you want to get a good idea of what your project will really cost, don’t start to meet with builders until you have a plan for your project. This can include drawings and details that are important to you. Basically, the more information you can give to a builder, the more accurate the quote will be.

  1. Know if you need a generalist or a specialist

Depending on your project, you may want to hire a general contractor to plan and do all of the work, or you may just want to hire a specialist for a clear task. For example, if you just need a brick patio laid into the ground your yard, you may want to hire a mason instead of a general builder. Remember, though, that many general builders can do a wide range of tasks well. More importantly, they can also hire and manage those specialists for you, as part of their overall plan.

  1. Get a few quotes

Each different builder or contractor will have a different plan for your home renovation project. Therefore, getting more than one quote will let you choose the price and the plan that works best for you. You can also then ask questions about certain details of a plan, so that you understand it better or can help the builder understand your vision.

  1. Get everything in writing

Don’t start any work without a signed contract. Even if your project is small, you will prevent a lot of headaches by writing down, ahead of time, what to do if problems come up. It’s also a good idea to discuss how often you will be updated, who is responsible for permits, and to talk about and agree on insurance.

  1. Once you’ve chosen a builder, trust them!

You are choosing a contractor who you think will be able to manage and complete your project. So, don’t try to be too involved! It is the builder’s job to oversee the work and communicate to you about it. They can do their job better if you aren’t in the way. Sit back, relax, and trust in your good decisions.

Choosing the right builder is probably the most important part of your home renovation project. Indeed, it can make or break your project. However, it doesn’t have to be a hard or scary choice if you follow the tips above. With some planning and research, you shouldn’t have to worry about your projects success.

Emerging Home Design Trends

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
Emerging Home Design Trends

Emerging Home Design Trends

The way we use and live in our homes has changed dramatically in the past several years. Many of us have adapting to working from home part or all of the time, and have been spending a lot more time at home with our immediate family. Emerging trends in home design show that homeowners are prioritizing updates and designs that give us dedicated activity spaces in our homes, that make our homes seem bigger by blurring the boundary between inside and outside, and feel luxurious to live in. Here are some of the ways these trends are being implemented in design.

Activity Spaces

Rather than the ubiquitous “flex space”, homeowners are looking to carve out space for their work and their interests. Search trends show that people are interested in designating spaces in their homes not just for home offices, but for home bars and wine cellars, art studios, home theatres, and gyms. People in more modest spaces are still looking to “flex” their available space, by maximizing the ease and efficiency with which they can switch activities – such as with a combined home office and gym, or with a murphy bed that turns a study into a guest room.

Bringing the Outdoors In

Blurring the line between “inside” and “outside” space can make your home feel more spacious and invite in light and air. Many homeowners are now including in their kitchen renovation plans, options for large patio doors or fold-away windows to open up the whole kitchen and dining are into a large patio space. For homeowners will more restrictions on their renovations, it’s desirable to widen windows, brighten up indoor spaces, and bring in a feeling of greenery by adding lots of houseplants to the home, or even adding green-coloured décor.

Decorative Refresh

As we spend more time at home, homeowners are looking for quick, cost-effective ways to brighten up and refresh their living spaces. Search trends show a dramatic increase in interest in items like accent pillows, decorative rugs, display shelves, and couch and chair covers. Simply changing up accent items gives homeowners a way to dramatically change the look and feel of their living space without investing in major upgrades.

Luxury Materials

The desire to update our living spaces with simple accents, as well as more involved renovations, has shown a trend away from minimalism and towards sumptuous luxury materials and items. Fabrics like velvet and linen are popular choices for textiles. Warm-coloured metals, crystal and real wood are popular materials for furniture and objects of interest. Colours such as gold and rich jewel tones create glamorous palettes. The materials people are choosing for their homes are a feast for the senses.

Our homes have become central to our lives in every way, and home design trends show that people are looking to invest in making their homes functional, flexible, and comfortable in every way. Our relationship with our homes has likely shifted for the long term, if not permanently, and people are adapting to their new ways of life.

10 Tips for Renovating Your Bathroom

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10 Tips for Renovating Your Bathroom

If you are considering remodeling a bathroom in your home, there are a lot of details to consider. Below, we will look at ten tips that will help you smooth out the process and end up with the bathroom you are imagining.

1. Do you really need to renovate?

Before you do anything else, ask yourself if this renovation is necessary and what you are trying to accomplish. If you just want an aesthetic lift, or if you are a renter, you modernize a bathroom space really effectively with inexpensive refinishing techniques. Do you need a whole new sink and vanity, or do you really just need fresh paint and cabinet pulls?

2. Make sure you and your contractor are on the same page.

So you want to go ahead with bathroom renovation. Make sure there is a clear plan for the remodel, with cost estimates, timelines, and contingencies spelled out. Don’t assume that you and your contractor have an understanding about something unless you have clearly discussed it. And also – make sure you have a signed contract for the job.

3. Have a realistic idea of the cost of the project.

The worst outcome for a bathroom renovation is for your costs to spiral out of control during the work. Be aware that renovating your bathroom it likely to cost you more than you expect. Include this in your plan with your contractor: estimate of costs, and what to do if costs go up during the renovation process.

4. Do you want a built in or freestanding bathtub?

Freestanding bathtubs are very trendy right now, and they are often larger than built-in tubs. However, freestanding tubs are harder and messier to shower in, they are less well-insulated for long hot baths, and you have to be prepared to clean under and behind them!

5. Lighting matters!

It’s easy to underestimate the complexity of lighting a bathroom, which is often a smaller space, possibly without windows, with mirrors that bounce light around. Consider if you need to use the mirror for makeup application or other tasks, and discuss your needs with your general contractor.

6. Consider outlet placement.

You don’t want to have to fight your spouse for access to one single outlet when you are rushed in the morning, or find your electric toothbrush uncharged. Take stock of how many electric appliances you use regularly, and plan to accommodate them all with adequate, well-placed outlets.

7. Don’t get overwhelmed by tile choices…

You want sturdy, hard-wearing, easy-to-clean tile in your bathroom, so a lot of the decorative tile types on offer aren’t worth your time to consider. Focus on the following materials: porcelain/ceramic, glass, natural stone, and cement. This will narrow down the options you will have to choose from, and you can be more confident they will last.

8. … and don’t forget about the grout.

We’ve all seen bathrooms with dingy, stained, mildewed grout. Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, so make sure you or your contractor are using an appropriate product for the environment and the tiles. Grout is primarily a structural product, but consider the visual impact, and how easy it will be to clean.

9. Pick the right toilet for your space.

It will feel silly to do, but when you are toilet shopping, try to sit on the toilets! There are lots of variations in height and shape, and you may want a compact one for a small space or a higher seat for a person with mobility issues.

10. Plan for storage from the get-go.

Bathrooms are generally smaller spaces that need to hold a lot of items, such as toiletries and towels. To reduce clutter, plan good storage into your bathroom during the renovation planning process. You will be thankful for it later! You can get by with a lot of shallow storage in a bathroom as well, which is easy to plan for.

Basement Renovation Costs in Vancouver

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Basement Renovation Costs in Vancouver

The costs of a basement renovation project can vary widely, depending on many factors. Are you freshening up a basement office, or planning to install a self-contained suite? How many square feet of space will you be renovating? What features will you need to install, and how much do you plan to alter the existing floor plan? Let’s look at some of the projects you may be considering and get a sense of how they might impact your budget.

Big Budget Renovations

When you are planning your basement renovation costs, some projects are going to cost a lot more than others, and it’s a good idea to get a rough sense of how much you will need to set aside for “big ticket” expenses before you decide on smaller details. This is especially important for large projects like building in a basement suite. The most expensive costs you are likely to face are:

  • Plumbing: Installing plumbing for a full basement suite can cost as little as $10,000 to over $35,000, depending on your needs and what plumbing features already exist in your basement.
  • Foundation repair: If your basement has a solid foundation in good repair, this may not even be a consideration for you. However, if your foundation is damaged or not sufficient for the project you are considering, you may be looking at expenses upwards of $25,000. This is an important item to get a proper assessment and quote on.
  • Waterproofing: basements sit below ground level, by definition, and waterproofing is essential if you don’t want to face serious issues with flooding or water damage in the future. Again, if the existing structure is waterproof you may spend very little, but fully waterproofing a basement unit can again set you back up to $25,000.

Mid-level Costs

Other aspects of your renovation project will still be a considerable portion of your budget, but will be less than those noted above and you will have more flexibility in contractors and final costs. Mid-level projects include:

  • Framing
  • Electrical work
  • Insulation and drywall
  • Ceiling and flooring finishing
  • Installing built-in appliances and fixtures
  • Finishing

It’s possible for any of these projects to come in under $5000 each including labour and materials costs, and often much lower, depending on the scope of the work you need to complete and the materials and provider you choose. However, don’t forget that you will get what you pay for, so choose a reputable, licensed, and well-insured contractor.

Finishing touches

After you put in the big work above, the final touches in a renovation are mostly aesthetic, and will involve painting, decorating and furnishing the space. This is entirely up to you and your remaining budget, and how much you want to DIY versus hiring professionals.

Ultimately, a full basement renovation to a built-in suite can cost upwards of $100,000 depending on the size of the space and the scope of the work. Smaller projects will have substantially smaller budgets. Again, consult a good, trustworthy general contractor or three and get fair quotes for the work you want to accomplish, so you can plan accordingly.

Home Improvement Ideas on a Budget

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
Home Improvement Ideas on a budget

Upgrading your home can be like a daunting and expensive project, but not every home improvement needs to break the bank. There are many ways that you improve the look and livability of your home on a very frugal budget. Let’s look at a few ideas for home improvements that you can do yourself, for just a few hundred dollars.

Improve the look:

Painting

Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. Even in a tidy home, over the years high-impact areas will get damaged and dirty. The materials to paint a whole room can cost well under $200 – the trick is to take your time and make sure you are following tips from professionals to make your paint job look like it was done by a pro.

Updating wood features

Many older houses feature beautiful wooden doors, cabinets, railings and other features. However, like with paint, stained wood will experience wear-and-tear and trends change around what colours and types of stains are considered contemporary. Refinishing wood is a relatively easy home improvement project that you can do yourself. However, if you want to keep it even simpler and more budget friendly, just replacing hardware like door knobs and cabinet pulls can give a surprising visual lift.

New window dressings

Window dressings, like curtains and blinds, can get damaged and dingy over the years, and tastes can change as well. Upgrading your window coverings is a budget-friendly home improvement that can have a lot of impact without much effort.

Improve livability:

Ceiling fans

While they may feel a bit retro, ceiling fans are making a comeback as homeowners realize that they actually help you save money! By circulating air, ceiling fans help equalize temperatures and reduce your cooling and heating expenses. And since they are installed in the same bracket as your existing ceiling light fixture, they are a suitable DIY project since you don’t need to add any wiring.

Cork flooring

Cold floors are miserable on the feet and rough on your heating bill. Modern cork flooring is an attractive and easy-to-install material that will provide excellent insulation as well as a comfortable, springy walking surface. Many manufacturers now make cork flooring that snaps together without glue or nails, and can even be installed as a floating floor over your existing flooring. It may set you back $6 to $8 per square foot, but you can save on labour by installing it yourself.

Programmable thermostats

Never nag your family about their heating habits again! Programmable thermostats can save you hundreds of dollars a year in heating bills. Many systems can now be controlled by apps too, meaning that you can actually track your energy use and adjust the temperature in your home remotely, such as turning up the heat an hour or two before you arrive home after a trip.

Once you have an idea of what your needs and priorities are, an important tip is to consider hiring a professional design team for the planning process.

Tips For Planning a Master Suite Addition

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Tips for planning a master suite addition

Over the past few years, you may have found yourself spending a lot more time at home, and with a lot more of your family, than in years past. If this has caused you to start dreaming about a private hide-away in your own home, where you can relax and unwind, you may already be thinking about expanding your master bedroom into a master suite. A master suite can be a very enjoyable – and value-enhancing – addition to your home, so it’s worth your while to consider both how you will use the added space, and how it may be enjoyed by future owners.

A master suite generally refers to the largest, or master, bedroom of a home, that also has its own private contained bathroom. It can be this simple, or can include amenities like walk-in closets, a sitting room, a patio or veranda, or anything else your fancy and your budget can accommodate. If you are dreaming about or actively planning your master suite addition, here are some tips for where to begin.

  • Location

Here’s an exciting tip: your existing master bedroom doesn’t have to be the base of your master suite! You may prefer the view from another part of your house, or perhaps you plan to grow old in this home and want to relocate your bedroom from an upper story to the ground floor. Really switching up your floorplan might take extra planning and work, but if you are going through the expense and effort of adding an addition to your home, it’s worth choosing the ideal location for your needs.

  • Priorities

This question goes hand-in-hand with our first tip: your needs for your master suite will probably influence where you choose to build it. Decide what your priorities are. Some ideas might be: storage and closet space; a large, well-appointed bathroom; a private patio or sitting area; a secluded home office; accommodating your existing furniture; or space for the biggest, comfiest bed money can buy. What is important to you will influence how the master suite addition is designed.

  • Special Needs

Since this is your custom living area, you can and should accommodate any special needs you have. If you or your partner expect to need accessible living space as you age, you may want to add wider doors and lower counters now to save having to renovate again. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to include extra sound insulation, especially if you live in a noisy area. It is worth thinking about how you will use the space will change over the years, and plan for this now if possible.

  • Professionals

Once you have an idea of what your needs and priorities are, an important tip is to consider hiring a professional design team for the planning process. A designer can walk you through decisions about materials choices, how to integrate the new addition into the existing structure, how to lay out the space efficiently, and where you should splurge on luxury products or where you can save money. Furthermore, a reputable design will facilitate applying for permits and will make sure the structure complies with zoning laws; you don’t want to have your renovation halted half-way through because of an improperly zoned structure! Your team can also refer you to reputable contractors to manage the actual construction.

A master suite addition is an exciting project, and considering these tips will help you figure out where to begin.

Hiring a General Contractor in Vancouver

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Hiring a general contractor in Vancouver

Any renovation project should add value to your home or business, so for projects that are larger in scope or outside your experience and comfort zone, it makes sense to consider hiring a professional contractor to do the work. In a city like Vancouver, there are countless contractors advertising their services and competing for your business, so how do you go about hiring a qualified contractor? It will help to consider the following five questions as you look into your options.

Do they have experience or expertise in your type of project?
General contractors usually advertise that they are proficient in many different projects and repairs – after all, a range of skills is what one hires a “general” contractor for! However, make sure that the professional you are considering can demonstrate experience and competency in the specific type of project you have planned. Afterall, outdoor masonry is a completely different type of work than renovating a bathroom. Hire an expert for your specific project.

Are they licenced and insured to work in your area?
It is vital to check that the contractor you hire has the appropriate permits, licenses and insurance to work in Vancouver. This is both an indicator of professionalism and experience, and also can be protective for you. After all, if your contractor commits a serious error on your project, you want to know that they have liability insurance to cover the expense.

Do they come with good references?
An experienced and qualified contractor will be happy to provide you with examples of their work and references from satisfied customers. You should also take time to check online reviews and your local Better Business Bureau page for more information. If they come recommended by a friend or family member, ask if you can see the project they complete in person.

Are they willing to answer your questions and provide a clear and detailed quote?
A serious, knowledgeable and experienced general contractor should be willing and able to answer all of your questions, and provide a detailed quote in writing. Don’t be afraid to interview several professionals and get quotes that you can compare.

Will they provide a written contract?
It is essential that you sign a contract for the project that is going to be completed. A contract lays out the details and expectations for the projects, as well as stipulates what you both will do if the project starts to run over on costs or time. A contract protects both you and the contractor if things don’t go as planned.
In Vancouver alone, you can find hundreds of contractors advertising their services to consumers, and it can be overwhelming to try to choose the right person for your job. However, a well-done renovation or repair is an investment in your home or business property, and it is worth it to use the tips above to make sure you are hiring a contractor you can feel confident about.

Planning Outdoor Living Spaces

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Planning Outdoor Living Spaces

When people are buying a home, it’s usually the house itself that they are focused on, and the quality of the outdoor space is lower on the priority level. However, well-planned outdoor living spaces add not only to the “curb appeal” of a home, but also genuinely increase the livable, enjoyable space you and your family have access to. Therefore, it’s a good idea to set aside the time and the budget to make your outdoor spaces enjoyable and useful.

What goes into planning outdoor living spaces? Realistically, it has a lot in common with planning decoration or renovations in your indoor spaces: you want to develop your vision, make a plan that accommodates your budget and goals for the space, and then work with qualified professionals as needed to make your plan a reality. Let’s break down the process of planning your outdoor living spaces into some concrete steps:

  • Develop your vision.

What do you want to be able to do outside your home, and what do you want it to feel like? If your hobby is vegetable gardening, it makes sense to prioritize a well-designed garden with the facilities needed to maintain it, such as irrigation or a gardening shed. However, if you are planning to entertain outside a lot or want room for kids to play, you may opt for a large patio area and a well-maintained lawn. Make sure you are thinking about what is realistic in the space you have, and also think about how they space will look from inside your house, when you are looking out the windows.

  • Prioritize – and talk to professionals.

What needs to be done first, and where are you going to put the larger part of your budget? If you want to put in an irrigation system or a fancy stone walkway, you will want to get several quotes from qualified professionals so you understand how this will affect your budget. It can be helpful to work with a designer who is experienced in planning outdoor living spaces, to work your vision into a realistic plan. A well-regarded professional designer will also be able to refer you to contractors for specific parts of the job.

  • Think about maintenance.

Once you have a vision and have started to develop your plan, take a step back and make sure you understand what the ongoing maintenance needs will be for your outdoor living space, and if you will be able to do this work yourself or if you will need to contract professionals – for example, to maintain a water feature. Don’t let an unplanned maintenance burden derail your enjoyment of your outdoor living space for years to come.

Planning an outdoor living space can be as simple as adding a few nice plants along a walkway, to as complex and costly as a major indoor renovation. Whether your budget is a few hundred or tens of thousands of dollars, taking time to plan and consult a few construction professionals will help assure that you end up with a space that you love, and love to live in, for years to come.

Choosing home renovation contractors in Vancouver

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Choosing home renovation contractors in Vancouver

The home renovation and remodeling market in Vancouver is booking, and with the wide range of home renovation contractors and service providers offering services in and around our city, it can be overwhelming to know where to start! However, any home renovation project, small or large, benefits from experienced and professional help. When you are planning and budgeting for your project, it may be tempting to save money on your home renovation contractor, but you need to remember that you generally get what you pay for! So then, when you are trying to select a contractor in or around Vancouver for your renovation, how do you choose, and what should you look for? The following 12 tips may come in handy.

  • Know what you want to accomplish:

Many exciting projects get derailed when the homeowner doesn’t have a clear idea of their expectations around the remodel. To avoid unexpected delays and significant budget overruns, make sure you know what you want to accomplish, and that you and your contractor agree on the vision and scope of the project. 

  • Expand your network

We often reach out to family and friends for referrals to contractors, but your best references might be just down the street. If you see your neighbours getting work done on their homes, or you notice a feature you are interested in it might be worth your time to check in with them. Most homeowners are happy to talk about and even show you the renovations and upgrades they have done to their homes, especially if they are pleased with the outcome.

  • Don’t rush!

Remodeling your home is a significant investment of your money and time, and the outcome of the renovation will have lasting impacts on both the value of your home and your enjoyment of it. When we are excited about a project, it is tempting to just “get it done”, but it is better to wait for all the pieces to fall into place if you want the best chance of a satisfactory outcome. If your preferred home renovation contractor has a waitlist of several weeks or months before they can start your project, it is likely worth it to wait – they are likely in high demand for good reason.

  • There is no “right number” of quotes

“Common sense” advise tells us to get three quotes for a project before chosing a contractor. However, this isn’t a rule – get as many quotes as you want and need to feel satified that you have made the right choice  in your home renovation contractor. Conversely, you might meet one company and know that you have found a good fit. This isn’t necessarily a problem! It’s important to feel like you can…

  • Trust your gut

Home renovations aren’t always straighforward, and you and your contractor should both be willing and able to plan for what might go wrong. It’s a good idea to assess your rapport and trust with the contractor you will be working with – if something DOES go wrong in the process, do you feel confident you will be able to generate a solution together?

The home renovation market in Vancouver is competitive and it can be a real challenge to choose your contractor. At the end of the day, you are making a significant investment in your home and you should feel confident that your service provider is ready to do the work you want, and also be prepared to problem solve with you if issues arrive during the job. Hopefully these tips can help make choosing your contractor a little bit easier.