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10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourt
Try your hand at a DIY renovation, and chances are you'll be tempted to throw in the towel more than once. How to diminish that feeling of defeat? Seek expert advice before hammer meets nail. We caught up with Brian McCourt, contractor and co-host of HGTV Canada's new series Backyard Builds, to enlighten us on everything from outdoor must-haves to reno lessons learned the hard way.
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Biggest piece of advice for reno rookies:
1/10Biggest piece of advice for reno rookies:
1/10Photo Credit: PixabaySource: pixabay.com
Do your research. We live in an era of accessible information, and there’s tons of it. You can learn from others just by reading a few reviews or watching instructional videos. Chances are, you’re not the first person to run into the same problems!Renovations10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourtBiggest piece of advice for reno rookies:
PHOTO 1 of 10READ LESS -Do your research. We live in an era of accessible information, and there’s tons of it. You can learn from others just by reading a few reviews or watching instructional videos. Chances are, you’re not the first person to run into the same problems!Photo Credit: PixabaySource: pixabay.com
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Stylish backyard must-have:
2/10Stylish backyard must-have:
2/10Storage so you can keep the rest of the yard tidy and functional. You also need a place to entertain, because there’s no point in having a beautiful backyard if you aren’t able to share it.Renovations10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourtStylish backyard must-have:
PHOTO 2 of 10READ LESS -Storage so you can keep the rest of the yard tidy and functional. You also need a place to entertain, because there’s no point in having a beautiful backyard if you aren’t able to share it. -
How to make a tiny yard or balcony shine:
3/10How to make a tiny yard or balcony shine:
3/10Respect scale and proportion when shopping for items. Experiment with bright colours, and choose low-profile furniture as it creates the illusion of more space.Renovations10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourtHow to make a tiny yard or balcony shine:
PHOTO 3 of 10READ LESS -Respect scale and proportion when shopping for items. Experiment with bright colours, and choose low-profile furniture as it creates the illusion of more space. -
Pink flamingos in the garden: design do or don't?
4/10Pink flamingos in the garden: design do or don't?
4/10Photo Credit: a loves dc via Flickr Source: www.flickr.com
I’m going to say no. Garden gnomes however, I think I can work with those!Renovations10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourtPink flamingos in the garden: design do or don't?
PHOTO 4 of 10READ LESS -I’m going to say no. Garden gnomes however, I think I can work with those!Photo Credit: a loves dc via Flickr Source: www.flickr.com
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Reno lesson learned the hard way:
5/10Reno lesson learned the hard way:
5/10Photo Credit: InstagramSource: www.instagram.com
One of the best lessons I learned in my early years was that sometimes it’s cheaper and requires fewer materials to tear down and rebuild a structure than it does to renovate it. Experience is key in knowing which route produces the least amount of waste.Renovations10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourtReno lesson learned the hard way:
PHOTO 5 of 10READ LESS -One of the best lessons I learned in my early years was that sometimes it’s cheaper and requires fewer materials to tear down and rebuild a structure than it does to renovate it. Experience is key in knowing which route produces the least amount of waste.Photo Credit: InstagramSource: www.instagram.com
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Reno project people waste too much time on:
6/10Reno project people waste too much time on:
6/10I don’t find any renovation project to be a waste, but I would say sometimes people make commitments in children’s rooms that have a short shelf life and need to be redone shortly after they've finished. Have fun in kids' rooms in non-committal ways so the space can easily evolve with your fast-growing child.Renovations10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourtReno project people waste too much time on:
PHOTO 6 of 10READ LESS -I don’t find any renovation project to be a waste, but I would say sometimes people make commitments in children’s rooms that have a short shelf life and need to be redone shortly after they've finished. Have fun in kids' rooms in non-committal ways so the space can easily evolve with your fast-growing child. -
Reno project people don’t spend enough time on:
7/10Reno project people don’t spend enough time on:
7/10Photo Credit: UnsplashSource: unsplash.com
People often don’t spend enough time on their closets. The key to a clutter-free home is strong closet organization. Tailor your closet like you would a suit: It has to fit well and reflect your lifestyle.Renovations10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourtReno project people don’t spend enough time on:
PHOTO 7 of 10READ LESS -People often don’t spend enough time on their closets. The key to a clutter-free home is strong closet organization. Tailor your closet like you would a suit: It has to fit well and reflect your lifestyle.Photo Credit: UnsplashSource: unsplash.com
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One tool you can't live without:
8/10One tool you can't live without:
8/10Photo Credit: PexelsSource: pexels.com
I love my interchangeable hand screwdriver. The bits flip up with a lever to ensure I never misplace them. I also love my 18-volt battery-operated tool set, a seven piece kit that runs off the same battery. It's so convenient and life changing.Renovations10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourtOne tool you can't live without:
PHOTO 8 of 10READ LESS -I love my interchangeable hand screwdriver. The bits flip up with a lever to ensure I never misplace them. I also love my 18-volt battery-operated tool set, a seven piece kit that runs off the same battery. It's so convenient and life changing.Photo Credit: PexelsSource: pexels.com
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First thing you do when you’re feeling uninspired:
9/10First thing you do when you’re feeling uninspired:
9/10Photo Credit: PixabaySource: pixabay.com
I take a break and get some exercise. It’s usually a sign that I’m tired and need to recharge somehow. Coming back to the project with a fresh mind is a superpower.Renovations10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourtFirst thing you do when you’re feeling uninspired:
PHOTO 9 of 10READ LESS -I take a break and get some exercise. It’s usually a sign that I’m tired and need to recharge somehow. Coming back to the project with a fresh mind is a superpower.Photo Credit: PixabaySource: pixabay.com
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What you wish you knew when starting your career:
10/10What you wish you knew when starting your career:
10/10Photo Credit: Brian McCourt DesignsSource: www.brianmccourtdesigns.com
When living through a renovation, I wish I knew to create a sanctuary, or one room that was either finished before moving in or untouched until the rest of the house was done. Your sanity goes out the window when you’re living in a layer of dust.Renovations10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourtWhat you wish you knew when starting your career:
PHOTO 10 of 10READ LESS -When living through a renovation, I wish I knew to create a sanctuary, or one room that was either finished before moving in or untouched until the rest of the house was done. Your sanity goes out the window when you’re living in a layer of dust.Photo Credit: Brian McCourt DesignsSource: www.brianmccourtdesigns.com
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