It's Not as Easy as it Looks
Professionals make it look easy, but everything takes time and sometimes multiple steps.
Professionals make it look easy, but everything takes time and sometimes multiple steps.
Sweat the Small Stuff
Seemingly small decisions can influence the final project dramatically.
Seemingly small decisions can influence the final project dramatically.
Show me the money!
You have to budget properly and plan for at least 25% - 50% more.
You have to budget properly and plan for at least 25% - 50% more.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
The trades are a brotherhood. Find those that will work together and consider the trades that follow them as the project progresses.
The trades are a brotherhood. Find those that will work together and consider the trades that follow them as the project progresses.
Green with Envy!
Think about the materials that you use. You can recycle many items, including copper, boards, wiring etc. There are many locations that sell used construction materials and windows that are good quality and sometimes even better quality than modern ones.
Some materials are also more environmentally friendly than others. Greenwood can now be purchased without arsenic and many paints are water instead of solvent based.
Think about the materials that you use. You can recycle many items, including copper, boards, wiring etc. There are many locations that sell used construction materials and windows that are good quality and sometimes even better quality than modern ones.
Some materials are also more environmentally friendly than others. Greenwood can now be purchased without arsenic and many paints are water instead of solvent based.
The hip bone is connected to the knee bone
Buildings, especially those with a wooden frame structure, are a system which has many interconnected dependencies. You can't alter one without affecting the other.
Buildings, especially those with a wooden frame structure, are a system which has many interconnected dependencies. You can't alter one without affecting the other.
Take a load off your mind
Always ask what is the overall weight of the refurbishing, as the floor construction or the wall configuration may not handle what you are planning.
Always ask what is the overall weight of the refurbishing, as the floor construction or the wall configuration may not handle what you are planning.
Don't just treat the symptoms
Investigate thoroughly what is causing the problem. It will not go away until you have addressed the cause.
Investigate thoroughly what is causing the problem. It will not go away until you have addressed the cause.
You have to stop and plant the roses
Landscape your property to showcase your home's best features. Plan out what you are going to do ahead of time to maximize your opportunities based on your budget. There are even 3D programs that you can use to visualize the final effect.
Landscape your property to showcase your home's best features. Plan out what you are going to do ahead of time to maximize your opportunities based on your budget. There are even 3D programs that you can use to visualize the final effect.
Two wrongs don't make a right!
Just because grampa did it, does not mean that it is the right way. You can't just duck-tape your way out of a loose fitting or put a bucket under the sink leak. Do it right and it will last.
Just because grampa did it, does not mean that it is the right way. You can't just duck-tape your way out of a loose fitting or put a bucket under the sink leak. Do it right and it will last.
Water, water everywhere...
Water is the homeowner's biggest enemy. Water in all its forms, vapour, condensation, drips, will compromise even the most firm foundation. A dry project is a stable project.
Water is the homeowner's biggest enemy. Water in all its forms, vapour, condensation, drips, will compromise even the most firm foundation. A dry project is a stable project.
Easy come, easy go
Take the easy way around and you will jeopardize the entire project. Shoddy workmanship never lasts.
Take the easy way around and you will jeopardize the entire project. Shoddy workmanship never lasts.
Time flies!
Never more true than during a renovation. Who knows what is lying behind that wall that is being removed. Everything takes longer than you think, be prepared.
Never more true than during a renovation. Who knows what is lying behind that wall that is being removed. Everything takes longer than you think, be prepared.