REPORT :: 8 Renovation Planning Secrets

8 Renovation Planning Secrets

I’m sure you’ve been told to interview 3 or 4 architects/designers or contractors, in order to find one you’ll like working with. You’ve likely also been advised to tender your project to ensure the best deal, get it in writing... and to always check professional credentials and past references.

So why is it, no matter how faithfully homeowners follow this advice, renovations always cost more than budgeted, take longer than expected and prove more stressful than anyone ever imagined?

The truth is that residential construction industry has become so fixed on the renovation "dream" that they never take time to establish a process that’s guaranteed to make dreams a reality.

8 Secrets The Pros Would Rather You NOT Know

1. Most Renovations Are Over-Designed Right From The Start.

Most homeowners start renovations by hiring a designer or architect to draw up the plans. Next, they call contractors and hope their estimates come in on budget. The fact is that the majority of renovations are over-designed right from the start... and no amount of management efficiency will bring their cost back into line.

2. There’s No Such Thing As Apples To Apples.

When you shop for price, which you do when you ask for competitive bids, you may find enormous and puzzling variations in cost. Contractors typically include different materials and different components according to their own preferred standards. These are the price differences that show up in your bids.

3. You Get What You Pay For.

Since most creditworthy renovators do pay about the same price for the goods and services they purchase, how come they can quote different prices? Good question! In reality, If there is a cost advantage, it is typically because one contractor is purchasing and providing lower quality products or services.

4. Except For Basic Building Codes, Few Rules Govern Construction Quality And Workmanship.

Since a contractor is not generally paid to provide competitive bids, he may not able to afford the time for accurate estimating. It’s also not uncommon for some contractors to bid low intentionally... while expecting to increase earnings through extra billing as the project progresses.

Casually prepared bids tend to look "more reasonable" than estimates that are thoroughly researched. This is simply because they do not include everything. Overlooked details, omitted materials and hasty calculations all tend to lower the price... until later.

For this reason many of the trade’s more qualified contractors reject competitive bidding. This is partly because an accurate estimate takes a significant amount of time and effort. To make such an investment only to lose the job to a lower and possibly less thorough bid makes little sense to them.

5. It’s Up To You To Control Your Project.

Ask any contractor the following question before requesting an estimate: "Will your estimate be an approximation or a promise?" You’ll be amazed at the answers you get.

When thinking about renovating, the first decision you need to make is who is going to be responsible for controlling the project... your architect, designer, your contractor or you? I strongly suggest it be you!

6. Set A Budget Then Design.

The best thing you can do right at the start is set a budget - before plans begin. Set it at the maximum level you are willing to pay and include everything in it. Then let everyone you’re working with know what it is.

But surprisingly, this is exactly what most people do. They hire a designer or architect to draw up some plans and then hope contractor estimates come in at an affordable price.

Yes, money is a sensitive issue... and this is especially true when it comes to home renovations. This sensitivity shows up in a game called "tell me how much it’ll cost and I’ll then tell you how much I’m willing to pay." It’s the surest way to waste time and kill dreams.

7. You’ll Need More Then Just Drawings To Avoid Cost Overruns And Delays.

Simply stated, when homeowners talk about renovation nightmares, they’re talking about losing control. And the reason they lose it is, in most cases, because they never had control in the first place. Many homeowners think renovations begin with a floor plan and end when they’ve agreed on a price. As a result, 60% of projects go out of control and over budget.

Plan your project from beginning to end. Work it all out on paper beforehand. More than just a floor plan, you need a master plan. Include the walls, the ceiling, the light fixtures and all appliances. Include everything you want.

8. Your Decisions Drive The Renovation Process.

Renovating requires big decisions, small decisions, easy decisions and difficult decisions. There are decisions about skylights, flooring, fixtures, lighting, fireplaces, faucets, closets, cabinetry, counter tops, hardware, heating, waterproofing, insulation and appliances... not to mention sizes, colours and finishes. But it’s not only the number of decisions to be made, it’s how they are made and most importantly when in the process you make them. Timely decisions pay big dividends during construction.

The truth is that residential construction industry has become so fixed on the renovation "dream" that they never take time to establish a process that’s guaranteed to make dreams a reality.