Real Estate Blog

August 3, 2022

Home Improvement: How Do You Prioritize Renovations?

Does your property need a breath of fresh air? You’ve fallen in love with a house, but it’s no longer up to date? Renovating is often a win-win strategy that has many advantages. But where do you start? Read this article to find out how to prioritize your renovations, step by step.


1. Evaluate the Work

Before you even call in the professionals to do your renovation work, you’ll need to know the details of your property, including[1]:

Once you have a good idea of the condition of your home, you can draw up a complete list of the work that needs to be done and prioritize the urgent ones: you can’t do everything at once! To do so, you will have to identify those that affect the structure - such as the restoration of the foundation, the demolition of load-bearing walls, the repair of the roof, replacing doors and windows, plumbing and electricity - from those that are of an aesthetic nature, such as decoration and interior design[2].

In addition, certain energy-related projects, such as insulation and the changing the roof, doors and windows, may qualify you for various grant programs.

2. Identify the Renovations that Will Add Value to the Property

If you are renovating to get the best price for your home, first identify the work that will satisfy the criteria that prospective buyers are looking for.

Furthermore, the most important obstacles to closing a sale are[3]:

  • Work affecting the structure (foundations, roofing, exterior, etc.)
  • Electrical problems
  • Imperfections that give the appearance of being poorly maintained

It can be tempting to do the aesthetic work first: after all, that’s the part that sets the mood of a home. However, comfort is usually found in things that may not be obvious at first glance, such as a more efficient water heater or a more effective central air conditioning system, which will also maximize your chances of getting a good deal.

In addition, the materials you choose will play a crucial role: a hardwood or ceramic floor will not have the same value as a laminate or vinyl floor, for example.

3. Agree on a Budget

The cost of renovating a property can quickly get out of hand, not just because of your aspirations, but also because of unforeseen circumstances that may arise along the way. Don’t hesitate to seek the advice of several professionals - architects, general contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc. - to establish a detailed budget for each stage of your project.
 It is by soliciting several estimates that you will get the best quality-price ratio for the realization of your renovations.

4. Define the Timeline

As a rule, time is an important factor. If you have limited free time and limited expertise, it is better to choose a contractor than to do the renovations yourself.

Not sure yet? Why not outsource your work to a general contractor who will coordinate every step for you, while ensuring that the standards of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec’s Construction Code are respected?

5. Plan the Logical Order of the Renovations

To avoid unforeseen problems, each step should be planned carefully and in a logical order[4]:

  • Demolition
  • The foundations
  • Roofing
  • Insulation
  • Electricity and plumbing
  • Carpentry and painting
  • Flooring
  • Cabinets
  • Plumbing equipment
  • Painting and decorating

In addition, it is recommended that you start with improvements to the main rooms of the house, such as the kitchen or bathroom; improvements to the bedrooms or living room can be done after the fact, especially if they are of an aesthetic nature[5].

If your main objective is to get the best price, don’t hesitate to call on a real estate broker to help you identify potential improvements, including those that should be a priority.

Finally, don’t forget to protect the floor and furniture that cannot be moved, as well as the common areas if you live in a condominium. And there you go; you are ready to begin your renovations!

 

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