Are you thinking about renovating your home?
Home renovations can be a huge undertaking and, if not planned correctly, can cause a lot of stress and cost a lot of money.
At Ridgeline Improvements, we are dedicated to providing a multi-phase stress-free process that ensures all renovations, big or small, are thoroughly planned out to match our client’s expectations.
To help you get started on your home renovation, here’s our guide to planning a reno from what to renovate to design to budget:
Choose a Renovation Project
Planning a home renovation doesn’t mean you have to remodel your entire home.
Projects can be focused on different rooms and aspects of your home based on what needs to be repaired, replaced, and upgraded.
Here are some renovation projects you can choose from:
Kitchen Renovation
One of the most popular home renovation projects is to remodel the kitchen, but this is not a weekend project.
There’s a lot involved in renovating a kitchen, which is why having a home renovation plan is essential before you get started.
When it comes to kitchen renovation, you can upgrade or replace components such as flooring, cabinets, countertops, lighting, and appliances.
You can also find ways to add a kitchen island, create more storage, or even knock down a wall to open up the space.
Kitchen renovations can involve replacing everything or updating existing components to create a fresh new look.
Bathroom Renovation
Bathroom renovations are also extremely popular and, like kitchen remodels, can be done on a large or small scale.
You can upgrade your existing pieces, such as the cabinets and counter or completely replace everything, like the tub and toilet.
Bathroom renovations are also a great opportunity for you to create additional storage, add shelving, or install ventilation.
If you have the room, you can expand your bathroom and create a larger space.
Or, if you have the extra space, you can create an additional bathroom or powder room in your home.
Basement Renovation
If your home has a basement, you can remodel that area into a liveable space, such as an extra bedroom or media room.
An unfinished basement is a blank canvas that can be turned into a warm and welcoming area for your family.
It can also include easy-to-access storage, so you won’t have to wrestle your Christmas decorations in from the garage every year!
Plus, basements are the perfect place to create a modern and upgraded laundry room.
If you are thinking about home renovation ideas in Edmonton, definitely consider renovating your basement!
Upgrading and Updating
Sometimes, home renovations don’t have to involve tearing down and replacing parts of your home.
In fact, some of the simplest changes can make the biggest impact!
For instance, you can simply add a fresh coat of paint to your walls to breathe new life into your home.
You can also upgrade your flooring by refinishing hardwood floors to bring back their luster and shine.
In your kitchen and bathroom, a coat of paint on the cupboards and upgraded hardware can completely change the look of these rooms.
Before you jump into a full-on home renovation, think about what you can update and upgrade to achieve a new look for your home.
Roof, Windows, and Foundation
Maintaining your home’s bones is crucial to ensuring the longevity of its structure and the condition of its interior.
A new roof and windows will ensure energy efficiency as well as reduce the risk of leaks throughout your home and attic.
A solid foundation is also essential when it comes to preventing floods and water damage.
If you own an older home, it may be worth considering home renovations in Edmonton that address your house’s structure.
Adding More Space
When it comes to home renovations in Edmonton, many homeowners are opting to add more space to their homes by building additions.
Additions are a great investment and the perfect way to add an extra bedroom, bathroom, or even home office.
If you have a useable attic, you can add even more space to your home!
Just keep in mind that there are certain permits and permissions you need to obtain before you can start adding to your home.
Home renos in Edmonton that involve adding space must abide by zoning bylaws. Click here to learn more!
Exterior Renovations
Home renovations are not limited to the inside of your home!
Here are some exterior renovations to consider:
- Improving Curb Appeal: If you are looking to increase the ROI (Return on Investment) of your home, consider improving its curb appeal by replacing or painting your front door and replacing your siding.
- Decks, Patios, and Porches: Homes with exterior space can benefit from the addition of a deck, patio, or porch to create beautiful and functional outdoor living space.
- Landscaping: Landscaping is a home renovation project that involves improving the visual appeal of your outdoor space by adding lush grass and planting trees.
Now that we’ve looked at all of your home renovation options, let’s talk about creating your design:
Create Your Design
Perhaps the most exciting part of home renovations in Edmonton is creating your design!
This is where you get to tap into your creativity and imagine what your home renovation project will look like.
You don’t have to be an artist or graphic designer to create your design. You can jot down your thoughts or doodle ideas – whatever works for you!
Here are some things you should keep in mind when creating a design for your home reno project:
What Do You Want to Change?
The first step in creating your home renovation design is to think about what you want to change in your home.
Do you need to replace your roof? Modernize your bathroom? Add extra space for aging relatives?
Knowing what needs to be changed and why will help you prioritize your home renovation project.
Think About Your Space and Layout
Before you tackle a home renovation project, it’s important to look at your existing space and think about how it suits your wants and needs.
You may want to add features that won’t work, such as an island in your kitchen, or forget to account for plumbing when planning to rearrange your bathroom.
It’s possible that you’ll have to accept limitations when it comes to your current space and layout, but you’d be surprised how you can work with what you have with a little creativity!
Don’t Forget Functionality
You may have grand ideas as to how you want a particular room in your home to look, but you have to make sure the space remains functional.
Or maybe you like the look of a certain window, but it won’t accommodate your air conditioners.
A huge fridge would be amazing for your kitchen, but it may take up too much space.
Think about the purpose of the room or part of your home you plan to renovate and center your ideas on its functionality.
Determine Your Personal Style
So many home renovators out there will tell you that you have to keep things neutral to add value to your home.
However, there are ways to integrate your unique and personal style without painting everything beige!
Look at the latest in home design trends and think about what makes you comfortable and happy.
Are you boho chic? Modern and sleek? Don’t be afraid to create your design based on your own style.
Create Your Home Reno Budget
One of the most challenging aspects of doing a home renovation is figuring out how much money to spend and sticking to a budget.
The average cost of renovating a home that is 1,000 square feet is around $20,000, with renovations made to older homes costing more than a new one.
If you’re looking at renovating your entire home, it may be helpful to prioritize projects by room and create a budget around the cost of each individual renovation.
Here are the steps you should take to create your home reno budget:
Figure Out Your Home Renovation Needs
Designing your home renovation is a fun and exciting process, but you need to be realistic when it comes to what your home actually needs versus what you want.
Make a list of your home renovation ideas and split them into wants and needs.
Also, think about the order you want to do your renovation. For instance, replacing your kitchen counters now doesn’t make sense if you have to upgrade your cabinets down the road.
Create a Detailed Reno Plan With Cost Estimates
Before you hit Google to search “home renovation contractors near me,” you need to come up with a detailed renovation plan and estimate the costs of the project.
This will help you create your budget as well as communication what you want to your contractor when it’s time to start the renovation.
You can use a spreadsheet to organize the project and record estimates for material and labor costs.
Request Bids from Contractors
Once you have an idea of what the renovation project is going to cost, it’s time to talk to contractors to find one who can complete the project within your budget.
However, be wary of contractors that give you too-good-to-be-true quotes – oftentimes, these low prices reflect the quality of their work, and you get what you pay for.
You should get bids from at least three companies before you choose your contractor.
Find Ways to Save On Your Home Renovation
Of course, there are always ways you can have the home of your dreams without breaking the bank!
Here are tips for saving money on your home renovation:
- DIY your demolition. If you’re pulling up flooring or removing cabinets, you can save on labor costs by doing the demolition yourself. Just keep safety in mind and wear the proper gear!
- DIY the painting. Painting is an easy home renovation project, and you can save money by completing the painting yourself.
- Order finishes and fixtures. Contractors sometimes charge for the time it takes them to shop for finishes and fixtures. You can save some money by doing this yourself.
- Buy used. If you can buy used appliances and refurbished items that are in good shape, this is a great way to save money on your home renovation.
You can also save money by opting for less expensive materials that have a high-quality look, such as laminate hardwood flooring.
Find Your Home Renovation Contractor
Now is the time for you to start Google “home renovation near me.”
But before you do, let’s go over what you should look for when it comes to finding and choosing the right home renovation services in Edmonton:
- Referrals and Credentials: To make sure a renovation contractor is legit, ask for referrals, look at online reviews, and ensure that the contractor holds all required licenses, certifications, and insurance.
- Interviews: Don’t hesitate to interview potential contractors to make sure they are the right fit. See how they answer your questions and pay attention to your vision.
- Quotes: Make sure the quote they give you aligns with your needs and budget. Look at the bid in detail to ensure nothing is left out.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can always contact our team of professional contractors for a free quote.
Bring Your Vision to Life
When can your home renovation start? Right now!
Voted Edmonton’s Top Choice Renovation Company of 2022, Ridgeline Improvements is passionate about turning your home improvement dreams into a reality.
Our diverse and experienced team of carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, and more are ready to work for you to meet and exceed your expectations.
If you’re ready to get started, you can request a quote, check out our portfolio, or contact us with any questions you may have.
We look forward to helping you with your home renovation plans!
