7 Things Bryan Baeumler Says You Need to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Renovation

I have seen homeowners halfway through a renovation and in way over their heads. This is usually a direct result of not being prepared, not having a plan or not having the necessary skills to continue with the project. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are 7 questions you need to ask yourself before starting any renovation.

Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Island of Bryan, Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.

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What is Your Timeline?

Allow yourself a flexible timeline in case you can’t meet your initial deadline. Make sure that each timeline in your project takes every aspect of the renovation into account and is specific to each phase of the renovation.

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What is Your Budget?

Setting a realistic budget is a definite key to success. I suggest sitting down and planning out what needs to be done and where the money will be invested. Do the research on costs for everything, from the demo to the price for finishes. Don’t leave out any hidden costs. Make sure you have a rock solid budget before starting.

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Are You Prepared for the Unexpected?

More often than not, things don’t go according to plan. With any renovation, I suggest being prepared for the unexpected. A basic rule of thumb is to set aside one to three per cent of your home’s value in case of an emergency. This will provide a good cushion to fall back on in case you encounter any problems.

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Will You Hire a Professional?

When it comes to any structural, electrical or plumbing changes, I always recommend hiring a professional. This should be considered before beginning the project to ensure that they can inspect the scope of it and determine the correct method for getting the job done.

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Do You Have the Necessary Permits?

Before undertaking a renovation, do your research and ensure that you have all the necessary permits before you begin. Often, when adding an addition or making structural changes, a permit is necessary. Don’t start your home renovation until you have consulted a professional and have the appropriate knowledge about what is required before you pick up the hammer.

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Can You Handle the Living Conditions?

Before kicking off a home renovation, think about the life adjustments that need to be made first. While not all renovations will have a huge impact on your daily lives, the larger ones definitely can. Will you have to find somewhere else to stay during this home renovation? Can your family continue to live comfortably in the space while the project is happening? There is a lot to consider when deciding how you want to accommodate a home renovation.

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Is Renovating Necessary?

Many homeowners decide to renovate to increase the value of their home, because even small renos can help. If you are looking to start a home renovation for this reason, do the research to ensure that this will actually have a good ROI and bring value to your home.

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