Tips for Home Improvements and Renovations
One of the first things that a home owner thinks about when it comes to home improvements or renovations is "What do I want to change?" and "What home improvement or renovation will yield the greatest return on investment?". Well the second question is a little more clear cut to answer based on market research. According to research done by the "Great Canadian Contractor" and host of HGTV's Holmes on Homes, Mike Holmes, the breakdown is something like this:
Renovated Kitchen will earn 78% of it's costs
Bathroom (all new) will earn 74% of it's costs
Family Room Addition will earn 55% of it's costs
Finished Basement will earn about 50% of it's costs
The first question has a little more lengthy answer to it. First of all you should look at how long you've lived in the house that you're currently in. Have you been there long enough to determine what is good, what is bad and what is just plain ugly? We're not talking about just the fire engine red paint in the bathroom upstairs, or the orange shag carpeting in the living room. We're talking about the functionality of the layout that you're living in. If you have a family does the kitchen allow for
communication or supervision of your kids while you're making dinner, or is there enough room upstairs for both of your kids to have room for themselves since they've gotten older? These are all questions that anyone considering a renovation or addition should consider.
The next consideration that should be taken is, "What is the most important addition or renovation to be done first?". You need to prioritize the big ideas that you have floating around in your head. What is the first thing that you need to do? Spend the money on a home inspector to help you decide what needs to be done first. A professional home inspector will show you things about your house that you don't know. They will be able to inform you if your mechanical, structural and electrical systems are in good order or if something needs to be repaired or even replaced. If there is something that the home inspector is suggesting you should replace take their word for it, they are professionals in the industry for a reason. Once you have all of the information you can start prioritizing your list of "want to do's".
The next decision that you are going to have to make is a designer to work with. The designer that you decide on will be able to help you decide what to renovate or add on to first. When choosing a designer you have to consider a few things:
1. Are they a member of a professional association?
Being a member of a professional association such as OACETT (Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists), OAA (Ontario Association of Architects) or AATO (Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario) shows that these designers have pride in their profession and have ethical and moral standards that they have to abide by according to the professional association. When dealing with a member of one of these associations, if you see, hear, or feel that they are being neglectful in their responsibility to the safeguarding of the life, health or property of the public don't hesitate to report them to their professional association. As a member of a professional association they are held to a higher standard than a member of the general public providing design services.
2. Is the designer qualified and have a valid BCIN (Building Code Identification Number)?
According to the Ontario Building Code any plans that are submitted to a city or municipality the drawings must bear a stamp stating that the designer has the qualifications set out by the Building Code Act to provide design services that satisfy the act. If the designer doesn't have a valid BCIN ask if they have a consultant that reviews the drawings that they provide and stamps the drawings with their BCIN. This may not be necessary in your area but be sure to do the research about the requirements from your local building officials.
3. Is the designer insured?
This is the final question that you will want to ask. This provides you with protection to you the home owner if something goes wrong due to the design. If the answer to question 2 is that the designer has a valid BCIN then the designer is insured. This is a requirement of the Building Code Act to get a BCIN.
These designers are trained to see the big picture of a project, not just what is going to work right now. They are trained to look forward to additional requirements that you may not have thought of. Don't forget that they first designer that you talk to doesn't necessarily have to be the designer that you hire. You should be looking at this as an employer and looking at more than one candidate. Ask for references and pictures of previous projects that they've worked on.
Once you've decided on a designer for your addition or renovation be sure that you get a client-designer agreement. This agreement should include the folowing information: scope of services provided by the designer, projected time period for the work to be completed, the designer's fees, and method of payment for the designer's services.
Check back soon for additional information.
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