Any successful home renovation project will require proper planning, time, professional advice, and adequate financial resources. Take the time to do some planning first to make sure you get it right!

After you choose the home renovation project you plan to tackle, whatever the scope, decide on a realistic budget before you begin. Now is the time to have an honest look at what you have available to spend. Keep in mind that what you want to include in your project might not be close to what you can or are willing to spend.

This is a good time to mention that not all home renovations make financial sense. Of course, keeping your home in a safe and properly maintained state to protect your investment is always a good idea. But adding a substantial upscale renovation doesn’t necessarily guarantee financial returns later.

Have a look at this video from the Pros at Straw Hat Restorations on the keys to a successful renovation project

Whether you’re converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower or building an in-law suite. Having a better understanding of how you want the finished product to look and feel will help make decisions regarding budget, design and materials. Choosing materials wisely will make a significant difference in the finished product as well as your budget. You can make your dollars go further if your choices are practical rather than unnecessarily extravagant.

While researching and visualizing product choices, inspiration can strike at any time. One easy way to capture these ideas, store your photos, down loads, product brochures and plans is with the quinju home renovation planning tool. Click the button below to get started now.

While planning a project, it’s a good idea to make a list of all the features and items you’d like to see in your finished project. This will give you a baseline to start planning the time lines and critical steps on the way to a finished project. For example, getting estimates, confirming material quotes, confirming building codes, bylaws and permit requirements are essential planning elements. These steps will vary based on whether you are hiring a general contractor or planning to manage the process yourself. With either choice, a detailed plan should include time lines for each step and the anticipate completion dates.

The Canadian Home Builders Association offers additional advice on project planning in this recent article: Planning -Design-Budget.

Even the smallest projects need a plan. However, many homeowners don’t take the time to create a proper plan and to decide on the scope of the project. So many people have jumped head long into a project and end up with a mess on their hands. This is the recurring theme of most DIY disaster shows that are so popular on television today. Save yourself the hassles and extra expense of making this rookie mistake. Think like a Pro and create a proper plan first.

We recommend that you take advantage of an easy home renovation planner tool found right here on quinju. It’s easy to use and its completely free. Just click on the button below to get started.

Getting professional advice can be as simple and easy as visiting your local home improvement retailer or material supplier. This gives you the opportunity to understand some of the options you have and the cost of these. Perhaps you’re dreaming of a kitchen renovation. These projects can range from paint and new cabinet handles to a full demolition and reconstruction. Whatever the scope of the project, kitchen supply stores as well as home improvement centers are good places to gather information on the many choices and their costs.

Interested in additional information on kitchen renovation panning? Check out the kitchen renovation planning advice in this related article.

If you do decide to hire professional help, you will need to get written estimates from more than one source. Never settle on a contractor before first interviewing them and getting a quote. Be sure to understand completely what their contract covers and how they handle ongoing communication and potential problems. Cost overruns are common; just make sure you agree to get to sign off on these before they proceed with changes to your original quote.

To protect yourself and your property, you must confirm that your chosen contractor carries adequate insurance. This includes liability coverage for you and the contractor’s workers and sub trades.  Do they belong to their local Home Builders Association or BBB? These questions should always be answered quickly and in a professional manner, if not, be suspicious.

For more tips on hiring a contractor check out our related article here, tips on hiring a contractor.​

Before you begin any major renovation project take a minute to assess the condition of your home: Generally, the older the home, the more hidden costs you’re likely to find behind your doors and walls. Whatever you decide to do, don’t underestimate the cost of home renovations. Data collected by various agencies suggest that most home renovations run over budget. A good rule of thumb is to allow for a 20% contingency fund.

Beyond the actual renovation costs there are some other things to consider. What about your living conditions during the renovation? Will you be able to cook, clean and sleep in the home during this process? If not, will you stay with relatives or head to a local hotel? All these elements need to be taken into consideration before you start any major renovation.

Whenever you are planning for your next home renovation project, get some help.  There are so many resources readily available. Just like your easy home renovation planner tool from quinju. It is easy to access your free quinju account and get started on a successful plan and home renovation. Just click the button below to get started.