Home Reno Tips:

12 – 18 MONTHS PRIOR to your desired start date

• Begin by listing your needs and researching what you would like.

Develop a file using pictures from magazines, including other homes, showrooms, etc.

Check our Inspiration for your Reno section for more ideas about storyboarding your photos.

10 – 12 MONTHS PRIOR

• Estimate a preliminary budget. Call banks about loans.

• Ask friends, neighbours and family members to recommend architects, designers and contractors.

• Consider priorities, problems and solutions.

6 – 8 MONTHS PRIOR

• Interview design/build firms.

• Check contractor references and visit homes to see the work they have done which is similar in size and cost to your project.

• Make a commitment.

• Commence meetings to discuss budget and design ideas.

4 – 6 MONTHS PRIOR

• Refine your plans to a detailed spec sheet.

• Review drawings; make revisions.

• Review budget, make revisions.

• File for any required variances from planning, zoning, or historic commission.

• Consider dividing the project into phases.

• Interview subcontractors and professionals; show the schematics.

2 – 4 MONTHS PRIOR

• Refine specifications and scope of work.

• Finalize design.

• Finalize budget.

• Prepare for construction: travel and school schedule, locate storage for belongings.

1 – 2 MONTHS PRIOR

• Apply for building permit.

• Solicit competitive bids or negotiate with one selected contractor.

• Finalize start date/finish date.

• Hire contractor for construction.

• Review contract with attorney and sign.

1 MONTHS PRIOR

•Review all of the above.

So you’ve seen the shows and read the magazines but where do you start on your new home renovation project?

The key to turning your house into the home of your dreams is setting goals determined by your needs. Take the time to write down what is important to you and what you hope to achieve with the project. We all need a road map to get to where we want to be!

Here are a few key questions to ask yourself before you buy that sledge hammer..


1. What is my budget and timeline: We have all heard about friends who started a renovation and it ended up costing double and is still not finished. So learn from others, plan your project on critical constraints such as why you need the renovation to be done before Christmas and why you can’t go over your budgeted monies.

2. Be realistic: don’t set goals that can not be achieved given your situation.

3. Source inspiration: Look at samples, magazines, friends and family’s home, anything that gets the creative juices flowing.

4. Identify what is important to you: is it cost, timeline, quality, bang for your buck, originality, resale value, practicality etc

5. Understand how to improve your resale value: speak to a reliable source, such as your realtor or contractor.

6. Choose the right team for the job: Trust and reliability are critical, you must feel comfortable that the team you employ to renovate your home understand your needs and goals. Don’t be scared to ask twice!


For all inquiries and questions please call

Avant Contractors Inc.

Tel: (604) 828-1945 in Vancouver

Tel: (604) 905-4449 in Whistler

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it