Category: Home Renovation

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

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
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.

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.

Planning Outdoor Living Spaces

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
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

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
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.

The Cost of House Renovation in BC

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How much does it cost to renovate a house in BC?  While there isn’t a hard answer to this question, there are tried and true approaches to estimating the cost of home renovations in British Columbia.  Of course, the cost of the renovation will include factors such as permitting, design and architecture, materials, and labour, but there are hidden costs to house renovation as well.  Indeed, when determining the cost of renovating your home, you must also consider incidental costs such as the cost of meals, temporary housing, and even fluctuating building costs. 

A Gross Estimate

Before we dig into some of the details, let’s consider a gross estimate for the cost of house renovation in BC.  Generally, contractors will quote somewhere between $100 and $200 per square foot of your renovation depending on the space being renovated, the scope of the project, and your own design preferences.  In fact, in 2021 the CIBC polled Canadians and found that the average budget for their home renovations hovered around $10,000.  Keep in mind, renovating your kitchen and renovating a bedroom are very different projects that will reflect very different costs.

Factors that Influence Budget

There are many factors that will affect the cost of home renovations in BC.  For example, the age of your home is a major consideration.  Older homes may have asbestos and the cost of abatement can be significant.  Larger renovations will also cost more not only because of material costs but also the time required to complete the project.  Even the quality of materials and labour are going to influence your home renovation budget. 

How to Budget

Obviously, you may have many reasons for renovating your home.  On the one hand, you may want to make your space more livable and you have money set aside to make upgrades.  On the other hand, you may be investing in your resale value in which case you want to be sure to spend your money wisely.  If you’re cultivating your dream home, resale value may not be at the forefront of your mind; but, if your goal is to increase resale value careful budgeting is important.  Real estate experts usually recommend that homeowners set aside approximately 1% of their home’s value each year for major repairs or renovations. 

When it comes to the cost of specific renovations, the following figures can help you know what is appropriate to spend:

  • Kitchen renovations usually cost at least 10% of your home’s value.
  • Bathroom renovations cost around 5% of your home’s value.
  • Basement renovations can have s significant impact on resale value but also come with a hefty price tag – expect the costs to range from $10,000 to more than $50,000 depending on the scope of the proect.

As you can see, there are many factors that will impact the cost of home renovations in BC.  Always work with an experienced contractor who can  help you plan a renovation that meets your goals and your budget.

Makeover Ideas for your Bedroom

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
Cheap Makeover Ideas for your Bedroom

Makeover Ideas for your Bedroom

A bedroom makeover doesn’t need to be expensive without looking cheap.  Indeed, there are many cheap makeovers for bedrooms that can bring comfort, coziness, and even luxury to the space.  Best of all, many budget bedroom redesigns are DIY-friendly.  So, if you’re looking for some ways to update your master bedroom or other bedrooms in your house have a look at these bedroom makeover ideas that are kind to any budget.

A Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint is the number one house makeover that is affordable but makes a big impact.  Your bedrooms or any room in the house can undergo a stunning transformation on a small budget and with a short timeline.  New paint makes bedrooms feel cleaner and can make a bold impact depending on the colour you choose.  Softer, natural tones are popular at the moment but you don’t always need to go with the trends.  Let your imagination guide you.  One low-budget tip is to consider your current colour palette – think about your bedding and furniture and pick a wall colour that matches well.

New Bedding

Speaking of bedding, investing in new pillows, sheets, and comforters can be another cheap way to makeover your bedroom.  There are a wide variety of colours and patterns available for bedroom linens and they can really freshen up a space. 

Reinvent your Furniture

You can either invest in inexpensive second-hand bedroom furniture or you can refinish the items you have already.  Sometimes all you need is some sandpaper and a paint brush to reinvent your bedroom furniture.  You can replace hardware on cupboards and drawers, too.  These furniture projects can make a great weekend hobby and you might find yourself creating “new” furniture in all your rooms.

Window Coverings

Drapes, blinds, and shades are readily available second-hand or on the cheap if you want to update your bedroom window coverings.  Linen drapes are elegant and add brightness to your space.  Wooden blinds can be expensive if you buy them new, but there are faux wood options or even used options that can bring texture and sophistication to your bedroom.  Or, if you’re looking for clean lines, window shades provide a contemporary appeal that doesn’t need to be expensive.

Invest over Time

Obviously, you’re reading this because you’re looking for inexpensive bedroom makeover ideas; but, have you ever considered investing in feature items that cost more but doing so over a longer period of time.  Sometimes, rather than making many small, inexpensive updates, you can invest in one or two pieces that you love and plan to keep.  Over time, you can achieve your ideal bedroom look without ever breaking the bank. 

Remember, however you decide to makeover your bedroom, you don’t need to spend a fortune.  Think carefully about what would make the biggest impact and follow some of these ideas to update your bedroom inexpensively.