The 10 Home Reno Questions Bryan Baeumler Gets Asked the Most

This is a frequently asked question that most in the construction industry hear time and time again. Kitchens and bathrooms is the obvious answer, but it’s not always that straight-forward. Assess the condition of your home before deciding. Look at what needs to be done and not what you think will add value. In other words, if you have a leaky roof, don’t renovate the kitchen first! Find more things Bryan Baeumler says you need to ask before starting a renovation.

This comes down to skill level. If you’re just starting out as a handy person or a total beginner, stop now and save yourself months of stress and bags of money. A large-scale renovation is not to be taken lightly, as there are a number of problems that could occur and trying to fix them yourself is probably not a good idea. Start with a small project and slowly grow your skill level. Check out these other reno projects you should never do yourself.

Budget! In my opinion when it comes to best practices, budget is the number one issue with the majority of jobs. We often prioritize our wish list over our wallet, which can lead to disappointment. It isn’t nice to watch people’s dreams evaporate after they find a major issue and have to take money from something they really wanted. So before you even think about a job, get the money ready and make sure you are realistic with your wants and are prepared to be flexible.

How you get the money is entirely up to you, but determining how much you need for the project is best done by getting at least three quotes and using an average to determine the price of a job. Once you have that figure, add 25 per cent at least for contingency. The more you allow for changes, the less surprises there will be. Check out Bryan Baeumler’s easy ways to save money on your kitchen remodel.

Probably! If you’re asking the question, the answer is likely ‘yes.’ Check with your local building code and talk to as many people as possible. Ignore those who say you might need a permit, but to not worry about it. Permits are there for a reason and shouldn’t be ignored. Read up on these important lessons before building from scratch.

Twenty-five per cent, minimum. As I said earlier, the more you can account for surprises, the better the project will run.

Related: 9 Home Renovations That Rarely Pay Off

Unless you are a certified electrician or plumber, no! Electrical and water are not something you want to play around with – both can cause major damage to your home and are a danger to you and your family. Get qualified experts to do the work, always. Read on to learn the most dangerous renovations to your health.

Our industry has a poor reputation and there are a few bad eggs out there that make it difficult for the rest of us honest workers to make a trade. But I understand that a customer needs to be wary. With the internet, it is much easier to find out more about the company you’re considering. Do your research and read reviews. Then ensure the contractor has the correct insurance. But above all, trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Related: Bryan Baeumler Shares 7 Signs You’re Starting Your Reno Too Soon

Permits are a common thread to the questions I get asked. Again, this is something you will need to check with your local building code. As a rule of thumb, if you are not tearing down walls, building new structures or cutting down trees, you should be fine. But don’t take my word for it – get an expert in or do your due diligence. Permits can be frustrating, but they are very important.

Haha! I’m not even going to estimate the number of times I have been asked this question. The answer is often the same: I would love to, but it’s unlikely. Working on people’s homes is my passion, but I have many other commitments that make it difficult to be on every site. However, if you are near my offices, then you might be in luck!