This week’s report is designed to establish criteria for the practical issues of quality and price.

"When it comes to home renovating, the "do it once and do it right" philosophy couldn't be more to the point. Saving a few hundred dollars now could cost thousands later."

Many homeowners and contractors mistakenly confuse quality with expensive materials. Granite, marble, fancy mouldings, custom cabinetry and designer fixtures do not, by themselves, mean quality.

Quality does not have to cost a fortune and can be achieved without overspending. Here are some guidelines to make every cent count.

For most people, their home is their single largest investment. Therefore beyond esthetic and physical needs, the financial aspect of renovations is paramount. You want to make sure that whatever you spend, it goes toward protecting and improving your investment.

2. Insist on structural quality.

This is the quality you don’t see... at least, not if it’s done right the first time. You want floors that won’t sag, doors that won’t warp, cabinetry that won’t peel and a basement that won’t leak. Structural quality is of upmost importance.

3. Insist on quality design.

Quality design is that which looks good and feels good. There is no compensating for bad design and good design needn’t cost more. Remember, design is not something you can change once it’s done. The rule is to get it right first time.

• Visually, design can be judged right from your plan. Does it look appealing? Do the colours and forms work together? Are the proportions correct? Do things feel balanced?

• Functionally, design requires looking ahead. Will the refrigerator be too far away? Will there be room behind the door for extra towels? Will the breakfast area be too restrictive for company?

4. Insist on quality finish.

After everything’s done, it’s the finish you’ll be looking at constantly... and you’ll want it to look good over time. This means materials that wear well, good workmanship and attention to detail. You want countertop seams to be even and tight, the grout between tiles to be regular and the paint to be smooth.

It is these three elements ­ structure, design and finish ­ that combine to produce seamless quality. It’s something you’ll not only enjoy every day in your home, but also when it comes time to sell.

In the resale market, buyers want homes in move-in condition and they’ll always pay more for quality.

As long as uninformed and unprepared homeowners exist, contractors have little incentive but to provide merely adequate quality. To avoid disappointment, it’s your job to spell out things right at the start and to make sure everyone on the job understands exactly what it is you expect.

Yes, you will sometimes need to spend a little bit more. But given the choice, it’s better to stretch now and get it right first time... because poor quality is something for which you never stop paying.