5 Ways to Make the Most of Spring Renovation Projects

Keep your eyes closed so you don’t ruin the surprise. Just one second, I’ll open the door to the yard, watch your step. I know your nose probably knows what’s going on, but just wait a moment longer. Now, breathe in deeply – exhale, and – open your eyes…

Spring is here!

Birds are chirping, each day is longer than the one before it, and the earth is a warmer, happier place to be!

So now what? Renovate? Good idea!

Spring is the most popular time to renovate because the entire planet is being reborn. Grass is growing, flowers are blooming – it’s natural to want to create something special inside your house while the magic unfolds outside your house.

Plus, it’s a lot nicer to haul drywall inside while the sun is shining.

Here are a couple tips to make your renovation project legendary.

What Are Your Goals?

Before you hammer your first nail, it’s important to have a firm grasp on why you’re renovating. Whenever you’re spending money, it’s a good idea to be on the same page because costs always fluctuate over the lifespan of projects such as these.

Are your goals based on:

1. Re-sale value?
2. Creating a permanent space?
3. Staging?

Life after the renovation should help you make decisions before the renovation. For instance, you might have unique tastes. If you’re renovating so you can sell your home afterwards, you’ll probably want to consult with a professional designer so you can make something attractive to a potential buyer.

Invest

We’ve worked with hundreds of customers over the years who’ve spent extra money fixing a problem they originally neglected. We’ve all seen horror stories of renovations gone wrong because the homeowners skipped costs that aren’t visible. Elements such as plumbing, electrical, insulation and foundations might not give us a lot of satisfaction, but this is where the true value of your home resides – in its bones.

What Can You Do Yourself?

Work behind the walls is best left to a professional, but you can save money by taking on certain aspects of your renovation yourself. Can you swing a hammer? Cut a 2×4? Screw up drywall? Wait, that was supposed to say screw in drywall.

In any case, take an active hand in your renovation and roll up your sleeves. You’ll save some money on labour and you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done once the project is completed.

…even if that completion date gets pushed back a couple times.

Tasteful Accents

Once the bones are in place and the major work is done, give your renovation a personal touch with some colour. Choose a scheme and highlight your home with tasteful accents such as pots and planters, pillows, lamps, picture frames and so on. This is where you can really customize your renovation.

Get Rid of Junk

But wait, you don’t have any more room in your home for new things? Is your AC/DC tour shirt from the 80’s taking up too much wall space?

Renovation is about renewal. Say goodbye to the past and downsize your possessions. Society is trending toward conservation and the sustainability of space – we don’t own hard copy movies or cd’s anymore, so get with it and move on from your junk!

If you spend a little bit of time, money, and energy and take ownership of your renovation, you’ll undoubtedly be left with a home that’s just right for the new you.

And you’ll never want to close your eyes again!