Providing a solid return on investment surely lies within certain rooms and aspects of a property. Kitchen, bathrooms & the basement are top priority, along with an updated roof and windows. But when it comes to renovating, are you prepared?
Whether a contractor is doing everything from A-Z or whether you have decided to go the DIY route, here are some tips to
get you started.

MIND MAPPING
  • Start with a list of the rooms that need to be done;
  • Prioritize what needs to be done in each room;
  • List the items that are needed or to be purchased;
  • Try to set a realistic budget for each room;
  • Based on the work that is listed, jot down the professional that is needed, the store that needs to be visited or those who are involved in the project;
  • Set due dates that can be somewhat flexible; things happen!
  • Create a list of questions to ask so you do not forget anything and are aware of everything;
  • Work backwards from your estimated due date in your calendar; this may help in creating a realistic timeline.
THE PRO
  • Not sure who to hire for the job? Do your research first and ask for some feedback. There is a lot of information available to you via the internet and you may find a great referral by asking community pages online;
  • Make sure they are a licensed professional & have a valid contractor’s licence (RBQ). This is for your protection;
  • Try to keep all receipts and invoices. Especially when selling, potential buyers feel more at ease knowing that the work was carried out by a professional;
  • A definite keep: any warranty/guaranty. It will be carried forward to the next homeowner, should anything arise;
  • Get quotes from at least 3 professionals, ask them the questions and see exactly who you think would be a great fit.
CHECKING-IN
  • Logging into your lists and keeping note of the progress is one way to consider what has been done and what is left to do;
  • Marking final prices or estimates next to each item on the list can help you towards learning your total cost;
  • Checking-in also allows for you to feel more in control and allows you to allocate a solution should a problem arise.

Preparing for renovations can seem overwhelming, but being organized before and during the process definitely can help
you save on costs and be more efficient!