The 12 Most Polarizing Design Debates You’ll Have During a Reno, Solved by Bryan Baeumler

If you have to decide between renovating your kitchen or bathroom, which one do you choose? If both are equally in need of an update, then I would refresh the kitchen. The kitchen is the hub of the home, and when it comes to adding value, a functional cooking space is essential.

Countertops are a key component of a kitchen renovation, so it’s important to select a material that best suits your needs. Natural stone is more delicate and higher maintenance, but it has a beautiful aesthetic. Quartz (not to be mistaken for quartzite) on the other hand, is a man-made material that is more durable, and its design has come a long way over the years. There are many quartz patterns that closely resemble natural stone. Both are good options.

This decision depends on your lifestyle. If you have young children, then a bathtub is desirable. But I tend to gravitate toward showers. If you have two bathrooms, perhaps have one with a bathtub and the other with a modern walk-in shower. If you only have one bathroom, then it all comes down to preference.

Carpet has a bad reputation, but it can really add warmth to a space. However, hardwood is ideal for spills and wear and tear. Just as with the bathtub debate, if you have young children, choose hardwood or laminate for easy clean up.

Open-concept is certainly on trend right now. The modern home seems to require large open spaces, but having more designated rooms and cozy nooks can have its benefits too. There are many upsides and downsides to open-concept living that you need to consider before making the decision – some of which might surprise you.

Pot lights have almost become a prerequisite for a home renovation. They are a great way to brighten up your house without taking up space. They also help conceal blemishes on your ceiling. But stylish ceiling fixtures (from pendants to chandeliers) give off a warmer glow and make a larger design statement. I would recommend a combination of both.

This one comes down to budget. If you can afford ICF, then I recommend it. We used it when building our current home and I found it to be a great choice. Stick framing is perfectly acceptable, but ICF is the higher quality option.

If you can afford to go with spray foam, then I highly recommend it. It might cost more upfront, but the benefits (such as better energy savings by combatting heat loss) will equal out over time.

Adding a pool while renovating can be such a fun addition, but choosing between an above and in-ground pool is more difficult. Both options are great – it really just comes down to your budget and the permanence factor. If you can afford an in-ground pool and want this feature long-term, then it’s definitely the best choice.

I’m biased with this one: I always go with a wood-burning fireplace. It might require more work, but the overall feel of an authentic fire with its crackling sound and woodsy smell is hard to beat.

This will depend on the architectural style of your house. Siding on an older home can look very quaint, but natural stone is normally the choice for a more modern space. Both work practically, so it all comes down to aesthetic. We opted for a stone exterior when designing the Highview property from Bryan Inc. season one.

I’m a sucker for real wood and prefer it when building decks. However, composite decking has improved over the years and it does last longer. Composite costs more, but you won’t have to worry about replacing it as early as a wooden one.

Home renovations can be challenging, but if you understand your budget limitations, you can make the right calls. Choose what’s important to you and have your budget work around it. Just remember: You can never overpay on materials that stand the test of time.