This report examines the single most important factor underlying every successful renovation.

"We know that renovations which get started without key decisions having been made, are renovations that put the homeowner at risk. Yet this is usually what happens. It results in construction delays, overspending and a host of other problems that can make the experience virtually unbearable."

When considering any renovation, it’s essential to view the project as a process of eliminating problems.

The process starts the moment you begin to understand the nature of existing problems in your home. From this point on, you can begin to develop a series of possible solutions... and only then can you make the best decisions for resolving those problems.

Now, I appreciate that this is not nearly as appealing as the dream of that new kitchen or family room you saw in your favorite magazine... and you may feel you don’t really have a home problem to solve. All you want is a nicer kitchen or finished basement. But that perfect picture you saw in your magazine is the result of a process involving hundreds of decisions... decisions that all resolved problems.

Not only the homeowner, but most of the residential construction industry, has become so fixed on the dream that they never take time to establish a process that’s guaranteed to make dreams a reality. Yet it’s only through such a process that the solutions you’ll be living with can be coolly and calmly selected... and admired long after the process is over.

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.

Advance information allows key decisions to be made before construction and implemented as they’re required. This not only removes pressure, it enables you to get on with life while your reno takes shape.

Armed with accurate advance information, you won’t find it necessary to change your mind midstream and be scrambling for substitute ideas. You’ll know what you’re getting before serious time and money is spent... which puts you way ahead for completing on time and on budget.