Is it time to renovate? When faced with a home that just isn't working well with a growing or shrinking family, one that looks and acts tired, or one that is just simply no longer livable, the answer is yes. When faced with less dramatic needs, such as a stove that needs repairing, or a leaky shower, it may still be time to renovate.

Regardless of the need, renovations done right can add value to your life, and to your home.

How to Start Smart
Whatever your situation, it's important to Start Smart ­ and that means considering all of your needs for both today and tomorrow. Plan to incorporate as many of these elements as possible to fully understand the scope of your renovation.

Repairs and maintenance.
Get your home in good working order by tackling projects like repairs to a leaky roof, eliminating any source of internal moisture that can promote the growth of mould, updating unsafe electrical wiring, removing old lead water supply pipes, or taking care of that drain in the basement that backs up every one in a while.

Comfort.
Improving the comfort level of your house often has the greatest impact on your home's livability. This includes improving your heating/cooling system, improving the air quality in your home with better bathroom ventilation or proper kitchen cook-top ventilation, adding a skylight for more natural light, or improving the insulation values of your home will all make it more comfortable.

Aesthetics.
Over the years, houses tend to look tired and outdated. By simply freshening up your home's appearance you can improve your enjoyment of the house and increase its value. Removing old carpeting and installing hardwood flooring, updating the kitchen cabinetry or the tiles in the main bathroom, or even changing the paint colour can make a big improvement.

Functionality.
Great homes are well-planned functional spaces that are designed for living. Consider how you live in the house and if it fits your lifestyle. If you have kids, a finished basement may be needed; if you work from home, think about an office; if you love to cook, upgrade your kitchen. And, of course, don't forget about storage ­ good functional storage can make such a big different.

Redesigning and increasing space.
Effectively designed space is the real secret to making your home the prefect setting for comfortable living. Although adding more space may necessitate an addition, it doesn't have to mean building the biggest house on the block. Reconfiguring the layout or maximizing "dead space" can provide the freedom you crave.

Always Do Your Homework
There's a lot to learn to keep your renovation project on time and on budget. Start educating yourself downloading Home Renovation Planning: The Seven Surefire Strategies for Failure (and How to Avoid Them) at www.thetruthaboutrenovation.com.

You can also sign up for Home Renovation Basics, a free seven-day e-mail course. Both are designed to help you start smart. Bruce Borden, a partner in Walden Design Build Inc., is an expert renovator and custom-home builder.

He has won the prestigious Renovator of the Year Award in 1999/2000. He can be reached at bruce@waldendesignbuild.com