Author: doo_master

A kitchen renovation can revitalize your home. As one of the most important rooms in your home, the kitchen is a place where families and their friends come together.  From daily meal preparations and dinner parties to homework time at the kitchen table, a bright and pleasing kitchen can have a huge impact on your day.  So, whether you are considering renovating your kitchen because its style is outdated or its fixtures and features are showing signs of aging, you probably have a lot of questions about kitchen renovation costs in Vancouver.  Let’s take some time to address those questions.

First, it’s important to understand that kitchen renovation costs can vary widely from one home to another.  In fact, kitchen renovation costs are impacted by a wide variety of factors from the costs of labour in Vancouver to the materials you use and will even depend on the size and scope of your project.  For these reasons, it is vital that you clearly plan every step of your kitchen renovation.  Start with a checklist of what you need to do – some renovations include a complete overhaul of cabinets, appliances, flooring and lighting while others are simple and may feature minor upgrades like new paint and a backsplash.  Ask yourself the following questions before you start budgeting for your renovation:

• Can I salvage any materials or appliances from my current kitchen?
• What are my “must-haves” and where can I compromise if necessary?
• Where will my family stay during the kitchen renovation, and how will we prepare and store food?
• Am I going to do the renovation on my own or will I need to hire a contractor?

Ultimately, once you have a clearer picture of the type of renovation you’re doing, you can start to organize your budget and plan the details of your renovation.  Remember, renovation costs can add up quickly, particularly in Vancouver where an active housing market often translates to increased labour costs.  On average, a kitchen renovation in Vancouver costs around $50,000 with high-end kitchen renovations easily exceeding $70,000.  If you start considering elements such as custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, marble or granite countertops, you’ll notice your renovation costs rise very quickly.

If you want to maintain a tighter budget for your kitchen renovation, there are ways to keep your costs in check.  Maintaining affordable kitchen renovation costs in Vancouver doesn’t need to be difficult – consider the current features of your kitchen and try to reuse as much as possible.  Keeping the same layout in your kitchen can also help you manage costs, as can refurbishing your current cabinets.  Another tip is laminate flooring or countertops which can still be very attractive and bring new life to your kitchen.

It seems everything costs exponentially more today than it did even 10 years ago. The price of food, heating, and energy has steadily risen over this time period and there are no signs of an end to rising costs. So then, it should not come as a surprise that remodeling your home will likewise cost more. But why? The impact of an expensive housing market, labour shortages, and material costs are just a few of the factors that influence the bottom line when it comes to remodelling your home. By delving a little deeper into each of these issues, you can begin to understand why remodelling your home will cost more today than in the past.

Housing Market

Today’s housing market is expensive and competitive. While there are fluctuations in market trends between and within geographic regions, experts note that particularly in popular areas, housing prices have increased significantly since the early 90s. Given the cost of purchasing a new home, many homeowners are opting to remodel their current home in an attempt to save money. This may or may not be an effective approach – experts point to labour shortages and rising materials costs as having a significant impact on the cost of a remodel.

Labour Costs

Speaking more specifically to labour and the obvious (and not-so-obvious) costs associated for remodelling, homeowners are commonly reporting that their budget for labour is much higher today. Additionally, many projects experience delays in completion which has an added impact on the budget for a remodel. For example, larger projects tend to be associated with even larger increases in costs. In 2018, homeowners remodeled their kitchen at a cost 10% higher than in 2016. In just one year, the median kitchen renovation increased by more than $3,000.

Materials

Similarly, material costs are steadily rising – likely because of increasing costs associated with manufacturing and transporting materials. Many homeowners indicate that though they set a strict budget at the outset of their remodel, almost one fifth of these projects came in over budget. And even this represents a significant jump from just 2 years ago where closer to 15% of kitchen and bathroom renovations ran over-budget. Industry professionals highlight the influence of material costs on budget overruns – in most remodelling projects, experts recommend factoring a contingency for unexpected costs into your budget, but with rising material costs it is much easier to overshoot even this contingency.

Nevertheless, the potential for an improved resale value on homes entices homeowners to undergo home remodelling projects. New homeowners see remodelling as a financial investment that also allows them to personalize their home; whereas, longstanding homeowners likely value the investment potential as well as an opportunity to revitalize their home.

Setting a budget is possibly one of the most important aspects of a home renovation.  Without a properly researched budget, costs can easily overrun what you can afford. More importantly, developing your budget can actually help you plan your house renovation.  So, how do you budget a house renovation?  Here are some tips.

Your Bottom Line

Ultimately, your budget will reflect what you can realistically afford – so start by asking yourself how much you have to spend. Whether you have money on hand, or you’re seeking financing, knowing your bottom line will guide all your budgeting plans.

Wants versus Needs

You might be renovating because you really want a new décor, a new room, or a new vibe; or, you may be renovating because things are in dire straits.  In most cases, a home renovation incorporates a little of both – your wants and your needs.  Before budgeting, make a clear list of all the things you absolutely need to achieve in the renovation and a list of items that are desirable but not necessary.

Once you have a sense of how you want your home renovation to unfold, start by getting a ballpark figure of costs.  For major upgrades to a bathroom, kitchen, or for additions, you’re generally looking at around $150 per square foot.  Working with a contractor or designer can help you nail down some of these more general figures.

Contractor Quotes

Unless you are a proficient DIY star, you’ll want to start researching various contractors in your area and get quotes for the work you want done.  Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations for contractors and do a bit of online research.  Once you have at least a trio of contractors identified, ask for information about their recent work (pictures speak a thousand words!) and check their references too!  After you have selected a contractor, add at least 15% to their quote for contingencies – there are always unexpected costs in home renovation projects.  ALWAYS.

Adjusting your Budget

You’ve already clarified what is necessary from what is desirable, so if your budget does not fit the project you’re considering, you’ll need to trim the fat.  You can start by seeking lower-cost alternatives, repurposing or keeping features/fixtures that are functional, or reducing the scope of your project.  Your contractor should also be able to help you identify ways to reduce your costs.

Remember, home renovations are costly and time consuming – by setting a budget in advance, you’ll find that a lot of the leg work gets done before your project begins.  Additionally, carefully researching your costs helps you make the right decisions for you and your family and also facilitates a smooth and stress free home renovation.

Home renovations can be stressful – they are time consuming, costly, and sometimes difficult to organize, especially for homeowners who do not have expertise with construction projects.  Still, regardless of the type, size, scope, or cost of your home renovation project, there are ways to make the process less stressful and more manageable.  Let’s take a look at a few home renovation tips that will help you keep your project in perspective.

Set a Budget

Not only do you need to set your budget, but you need to stick to it.  Regardless of how much money you have to spend, spending that money wisely and with purpose can help you achieve a successful home renovation project.  A small budget doesn’t need to equate to a cheap renovation, and vice versa.  So, when planning your project set your budget in advance and then make your choices based on what your budget allows.  When you are pricing fixtures and materials, for example, your budget will facilitate the choices that work best for you.  Your budget should include line items for everything you know your project will need from plumbing, countertops, and cabinets to flooring, lighting, and paint.  Also, always allow for at least 10% of your budget to cover unexpected costs – there most definitely will be unexpected expenses during your renovation.

Exercise Patience

You may want to get your home renovated today, but sometimes it makes more sense to wait until you have the budget and resources you need to ensure the project is completed to your satisfaction.  Even if money is no object, it’s advisable to plan your renovation project carefully and preferably with the assistance of experts.  Taking your time to properly plan your home renovation will ensure that you achieve a cohesive renovation that reflects your personal style and the functionality of the space.  Additionally, patience will allow you to carefully reflect on every detail of your renovation project and that can ultimately save you money in the long run.

Get Involved

Ok, you may not confidently manage certain aspects of your home renovation, but consider where you can do it yourself and where you’ll absolutely need the help of experts.  Particularly if you’re looking to save money, a DIY approach can make a huge difference.  Even small jobs like preparing a space or demolition and clean up are jobs that don’t require a lot of skill but can save money that can be better spent on other aspects of your renovation.  If you have more construction or design experience, you can likely contribute in other ways – but the take home message: if you can do it yourself, do it yourself!

Home renovations are exciting, confusing, fun, and stressful, but the end product can make it all worth it.  Follow these tips and home renovation is sure to go smoothly!

Are you sitting down? On average, a bathroom renovation can cost upwards of $10,000.  Now that you’ve been sufficiently shocked, take a few deep breaths.  Bathroom renovation costs can vary significantly depending on many factors including the size and scope of the project, your style, and obviously your budget.  A minor renovation may cost as little as a few hundred dollars whereas a total overhaul with top-end features and fixtures can exceed $15,000.  So then, how can you calculate your bathroom renovation cost?

First, you need to carefully plan your renovation.  Whether you work with a general contractor or plan the renovation on your own, you need to account for every detail and carefully consider your budget before you begin a renovation.  While it may seem that working with a contractor will add to the cost of your renovation, they can also save you money.  Contractors will help guide your bathroom renovation project by asking the right questions and providing accurate cost estimates.  In fact, a contractor’s expertise can help you establish realistic expectations so that you get the bathroom you want for a price you can afford.

You bathroom renovation budget must include considerations of the size of your bathroom, the fixtures you need, materials involved, and whether floor plans or plumbing changes are necessary.  Obviously, using your current fixtures and using your current floorplan will be the most affordable approach to a bathroom renovation, but if you want a new tub, cabinets, toilet, and countertops, the cost of your renovation can add up quickly.  So then, what do you need to account for in developing a budget for your bathroom renovation?

A few features that may be included in your bathroom renovation are faucets, showers and bathtubs, flooring, countertops, cabinets, and lighting.  Additionally, plumbing and electrical work, construction, permits, and labour costs must be incorporated.  Of course, there is also a range of prices for each of these elements – on the low end of the price range a new bathtub may cost around $500-$800 installed whereas a high-end bathtub may cost upwards of $7,000 installed.  Pricing for cabinets can also range from as little as $1,000 to more than $10,000.  This all depends on the size of your bathroom, the quality of materials, and the labour fees involved.

Remember, you don’t always need to choose the most expensive fixtures for your bathroom, so carefully consider your budget and your vision when planning your bathroom renovation and you’ll likely find that you can remodel affordably.  You can even consider cost-saving approaches such as refinishing your current cabinets, painting your bathtub, and basically picking and choosing where to make the big changes.  By working with an experienced contractor, you can effectively plan your renovation so that you get a beautiful new bathroom no matter your budget.

When you are on the market for a new home, you essentially have two options – you can choose to build a custom home or you can look for prebuilt homes.  Obviously there will be pros and cons to each of these options, so it’s always helpful to gather some information first and then make the choice that’s right for you and your family.  Depending on your unique needs, your budget, and sometimes even your preferred neighbourhood, you will likely find that a prebuilt home or building a new house is more appropriate for you.

So, let’s start by discussing prebuilt homes.  One quick point of clarification should be made – a prebuilt home and a pre-fabricated home are not the same.  Pre-built homes are those in neighbourhoods that developers have constructed on site.  Pre-fabricated homes are those that feature parts that are manufactured in a facility and then shipped and assembled on the owner’s land.  Pre-fabricated homes will not be discussed here further as their construction differs significantly from prebuilt and custom built homes.

When it comes to prebuilt homes, costs can be significantly less than those associated with building a new home.  Prebuilt home prices include the cost of construction, appliances, and even landscaping, but your input or unique needs would not be considered in their construction.  Nevertheless, as the homeowner, you would have the option of renovating your home to meet your unique specifications if you can’t find a prebuilt home that suits your family.  That being said, renovation costs can be significant and may erase any savings you enjoy when purchasing prebuilt homes.

Another advantage of prebuilt homes is that they would be found in an established community; and quite often, they are in a neighbourhood with many other new, prebuilt homes.  This means you can evaluate the quality and character of the neighbourhood before you purchase the home.  And, as you would expect, prebuilt homes also come with the land they are built on which makes the process of securing your home a little more straightforward.

Alternatively, building your own home gives you total control over the build.  These are custom homes where you can work from the early design phases right up to determining the finishing touches on the home.  If you are looking to find your dream home, building your own home might be the best option for you.  Keep in mind however, there is a lot more work to be done and the process can be lengthy.  You have to secure the land on which the home will be built, hire architects, contractors, and other professionals, and you’re ultimately responsible for every decision in the construction process.  If you’re looking to get into a new home quickly, the custom route may not be best for you – but if you have a vision of your perfect home, building your own provides incredible flexibility and control.

A lot of hard work goes into an office renovation, and I’m not talking about the construction work here.  If you’ve ever coordinated any kind of renovation, you likely know that it can be a very stressful and overwhelming process.  That being said, with a clear vision, a well thought-out plan, and skilled craftspeople, the results of renovation projects are well worth any headaches that come along the way.  So then, when it comes to renovating an office, planning is crucial to ensuring a happy outcome.  The planning process essentially includes three components – the design, the budget, and the schedule.  So, let’s talk a little more about scheduling an office renovation and attempt to answer the question, how long does it take to renovate an office?

First, a disclaimer – every office renovation project is different and many factors will influence the amount of time the project will require.  The size and scope of your renovation, the availability of tradespeople to complete the project, and even the expertise of your contractor can influence the duration of your renovation.  But, assuming things all go well, schedules for a typical renovation can be broken down into the planning and construction phases.

During the planning phase, your designer essentially oversees project development to ensure the business owner’s vision can be realized.  The designer or architect will work closely with the owner to establish project timelines and looks to organize the project so that errors or oversights will not negatively impact schedules during the construction phase.  More specifically, the planning phase usually requires several months or approximately 16 weeks.

In the first couple weeks of the planning phase, detailed measurements of your current space are recorded.  The location of walls, windows, doors as well as structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing schematics is identified.  Project sketches begin to take shape based on the owner’s vision and the structural components of the office.  Throughout the remainder of the planning phase, stakeholders review and edit design drafts and zoning and permit applications are initiated.

During the construction phase, the length of the office renovation will depend on the scope of the project.  A simple redesign that relies on existing structures will be faster than a major overhaul where electrical or HVAC systems are replaced, for example.  Your contractor will be your point of contact for determining construction phase schedules.  Ultimately, the owner will collaborate with their contractor and designer/architect to ensure the project is progressing on schedule while also keeping the final renovation goals in sight.

Remember, each office renovation project is unique, so it can be difficult to estimate how long it will take.  Still, with that in mind, careful planning and effective communication among stakeholders can ensure that renovations are conducted on time and on budget.

On a recent drive in the Vancouver area, I noticed a sign that boasted “Custom Home Builders!”  The only problem with the sign is that it was parked on the lawn of a home that was clearly not custom.  In fact, there were several homes in a row on the same street with identical facades – so at least from the outside, the only thing that appeared custom was the exterior paint.  So then, what exactly makes a custom home and how do you choose a custom home builder in Vancouver?

First, let’s define custom home.  Ultimately, it should be one-of-a-kind.  A custom home builder works closely with each individual client to build a home that is specific to that client’s needs.  While there may be some similarities between custom homes, the best custom home builders work on unique designs that meet your unique expectations.  One thing to note when considering building a custom home, is they can be quite expensive, but you have complete control over every aspect of the build (if you want it).

How does one choose a custom home builder in Vancouver?  Whatever industry or business, when you are hiring a professional, you should always start by asking friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations.  Advice from trusted people in your life can help you assess important qualities in your builder.  How is their communication style?  Did they provide accurate quotes for the work?  Were different aspects of the project completed on time and on budget?  You can gather a lot of information by speaking to people you know about their experiences with custom home builders.

Still, if you don’t have friends that can recommend custom home builders, you can also do a quick internet search and check for online reviews.  Well-regarded contractors will have a website that outlines their professional services and should also include a portfolio of previous projects.  After engaging in early information gathering, you can narrow your list of potential home builders to your top 3 candidates.

Next, you want to contact these candidates and ask for references to get a sense of the quality of their work and service.  You not only want to hire a custom home builder with expertise, but also one that has a professional style that suits your needs.  Communication is key because you’ll be working with your contractor for quite some time.  You’ll also want to ensure that your builder can oversee the entire project from early planning phases through the finishing phases including landscaping.

Ultimately, you want to speak to each of your shortlisted candidates to determine if the quality of their work meets your expectations and that you can work effectively with that individual throughout the course of your home building project.

So, you’re renovating your home and you’re excited to install hardwood floor.  You head to the local flooring supply and you discover that there are more options than you realized, and now you’re trying to decide whether to choose solid or engineered hardwood floor.  What’s the difference between these options, and what are the pros and cons of each?  Of course, installing new flooring can be expensive regardless of the materials you choose, so you also want to be sure to make the right decision for you and your home.  Let’s discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of solid and engineered hardwood flooring so you can make an informed choice.

We’ll start with solid hardwood.  What is it?  Essentially, solid hardwood flooring is made from one piece of solid wood (from the top to bottom surface of the strip of wood).  Solid hardwood flooring is typically available in a range of thicknesses from ¾” to ⁵/₁₆”.  Solid hardwood flooring can usually be used on or above grade and makes a great choice for high traffic areas such as family rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.  However, seasonal temperature and humidity changes can have adverse effects on solid hardwood floors.  Extreme changes in relative humidity can cause solid hardwood floors to expand and contract causing cracks between floor boards.  Similarly, excessive moisture can be damaging to solid hardwood floors, so experts generally recommend choosing the hardest materials available (e.g. oak and ash) for areas such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Alternatively, engineered hardwood floors are constructed by layering real wood with veneers.  In other words, engineered hardwood floors feature stacked layers of wood where the grain of each layer runs perpendicularly in order to promote durability and stability.  This means engineered hardwood floors are more resilient to humidity, temperature, and moisture changes.  Additionally, engineered hardwood flooring can be installed over a subfloor or concrete which means they are suitable for basements.  Like solid hardwood, engineered floors can be installed on or above grade, but also below grade.  Though they cannot be sanded or finished like solid hardwood, they are also less likely to crack or dent due to changes in humidity, temperature, or moisture.  Solid hardwood floors are certainly easier to refinish when cracks and dents appear, but engineered hardwood can usually easily be maintained by replacing damaged strips as necessary.

When choosing between solid and engineered hardwood, it is always advisable to consult with an expert.  Some of the factors you need to consider are durability and maintenance requirements for the materials you choose, and of course your budget.  There are so many beautiful flooring options for both solid and engineered hardwood floors that you’re sure to find the ideal material for your home.

General contractors are professionals that oversee all aspects of construction projects.  This includes hiring and managing tradespeople, sourcing and purchasing materials, and coordinating communication between professionals and clients to ensure the seamless progress and completion of the project.  As a homeowner, you likely want to work with a general contractor to manage larger home renovations as specialized skills and knowledge will be required to manage the project.  For example, general contractors would be responsible for negotiating salaries, obtaining permits, scheduling all elements of the project, and managing budgets and timelines.  Large renovation projects can actually be quite difficult to oversee, and general contractors are made for the job.  But, how much do general contractors charge?

From initial meetings and early assessment all the way to project completion, a general contractor is a valuable resource in any home renovation project.  Especially if you are not familiar with the construction industry, general contractors are integral in organizing every nuance of your project and helping you stay on time and on budget.  The best contractors have generalized knowledge that allows them to apply their expertise at every stage of your home remodel – they can answer your questions, help you make adaptations as the project progresses, and generally handle all the stress that may come up in the project.  For these services, general contractors will usually charge a percentage of your total project budget.

What should you expect this rate to be?  As a rule of thumb, general contractors will charge between 10 and 20 percent of the total cost of your renovation or remodel.  This rate will likely depend on the size and scope of your project, your geographic location, and the materials, labourers, and permits required for the job.  There are also some general contractors that will charge a flat rate for their services.  Ultimately, it is very important as a homeowner that you negotiate general contractor fees before you sign a contract.

So then, what are your responsibilities as a homeowner when working with a general contractor?  First and foremost, you want to protect your interests.  This means you want to communicate clearly with contractors about your expectations and get quotes from at least a few different contractors before you settle.  Seek referrals and references, but also take some time to get to know your general contractor to ensure you can communicate effectively.

Additionally, it is important that you treat your general contractor with respect.  Negotiate payment terms and timelines in your contract and make sure to adhere to these terms throughout your working relationship.  At the end of the day, establishing and maintaining a positive working relationship with your general contractor will help to ensure your home renovation achieves your expectations.