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Alt = “A couple sits on the floor in an empty room they’re prepared to paint.”
You’ve spent a lot of time at home in the past few years. And in that time, you’ve noticed a lot of flaws that you want to fix — those squeaky floor panels, the dripping faucets, the drafty doors and the countless little problems that have nagged at you for every lockdown.
You’re not the only one who has felt this way about their home. RE/MAX Canada found in their 2021 Renovation Investment Report that more than half of Canadians renovated their homes for personal enjoyment. They related this surge in renovations to the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it the “lockdown effect.”
While lockdowns are winding down, the renovation trend isn’t. So, if you’re planning to hop on the bandwagon and fix up your house, you should read these useful home renovation tips first:
Do Your Research
You don’t want to hire a contractor without doing any research. Do your due diligence to make sure that they’re properly trained and certified to do the job that you’re hiring them for — and that they have a reputation for being a reliable, trustworthy worker. You don’t want to end up hiring someone who has left a messy trail of upset clients behind them.
So, how can you find out this information?
Check the Registry:
In previous years, you could check the Ontario College of Trades registry to confirm that a tradesperson was certified. The Ontario College of Trades has now been replaced with Skilled Trades Ontario.
Ask for References:
Think of this like a job interview. You can ask the potential contractor for references — specifically, you can ask for the contact information of some of their most recent clients. These clients can inform you about their experience with this contractor and the quality of their work.
Look at Ratings and Reviews:
You’ll want to hire workers from companies that have reputations for providing excellent services. One way to find proof of that reputation is to look at the ratings, reviews and recognitions in their field. Companies will share this information on their websites.
Say that you’re planning on upgrading the windows in your home. You’ll want to choose someone like these Ontario window manufacturers to provide your new windows and conduct the installations. Why? Because they have a long list of positive reviews and awards to back them up, including an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. You know that you’re going to get top-quality service with a company like this.
Budget, Budget, Budget
Budgeting is one of the most important steps in your home renovation — and sadly, it’s a step that a lot of homeowners skip. Don’t make this mistake. You don’t want to get halfway through your renovation and realize that you’ve run out of savings to pay for the projects.
Go over your finances to see how much you can afford to spend on your home improvement, leaving yourself a comfortable buffer in case costs are more expensive than you anticipate.
Look Into Government Support
The federal government offers incentives for Canadians who are planning to renovate. You could apply for the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which offers up to $5000 for energy-efficient retrofits. If you’re planning renovations that’ll make your home more accessible, you could be eligible for the federal home accessibility tax credit come tax time. Take advantage of this help!
Don’t grab your toolbox just yet. Follow these tips, and then you can start fixing up your house.
