The Top 20 Home Reno Shows You Need to Be Watching

Top Home Reno Shows You need to be watching:

If you watch TV, chances are you’ve come across some type of home building/home design program whether its The Property Brothers, Masters of Flip or Fixer Upper. These shows are not only fun to watch but really help teach viewers how to budget for renovations and all factors to consider before and during a home renovation project. If you aren’t watching this list of amazing shows available on HGTV, you must tune in now and start! Here is a list of the top home reno shows you need to be watching:

If these shows aren’t part of your weekly schedule then you are missing out not only on great entertainment but a lot of tips and pro advice that you can use for your next home reno! In case you rather have us help you out, get in touch here to learn more about home renovations .

5 Steps of Planning a Home Renovation

A home renovation can be overwhelming, but with proper planning, it is easy. A plan lets you know what to prioritize and the right remodeling approach to take.

1. Create a plan

The plan should be detailed and should state your objective for the renovation. It should include the work that will be done and the design inspiration. It should also have blueprints of the new bathroom, what you need and want for the project and separate DIY and professional steps.

During the planning phase, you should also determine whether you will need permits and the types that will be needed. Figure out the zoning regulations in your area and confirm that your neighborhood is zoned for the kind of renovation you want.

In most cases, permits are mandatory for projects that involve changing the home structure. Get the renovation permits first before creating a schedule for the project or hiring a renovation team. Start the permit acquisition process at least six months before the project.

2. Set a budget

Create a budget that includes what you will pay for the permits, building supplies, labour costs, and accessorizing costs.

• Determine the amount you’re willing to spend, and remember to include at least 10% of the cost for emergency cases. Decide where you’ll get the money from as well.
• Contact a professional renovation company for a quote.
• Breakdown the cost of the materials.

If the budget you have won’t cater to everything in the plan, revisit your plan and eliminate some items. Get estimates from multiple contractors to calculate an accurate average.

3. Get the contractor

The next step in planning is getting a reputable contractor. Narrow down your options based on their reputation and reviews, then conduct interviews to determine the right one. Factors to consider are:

• Years in business:

A longer duration signifies more experience. It’s safer to work with such contractors than with new ones.

• License:

This will show you whether they have undergone the training and testing to get the certifications and licensing in the renovation field.

• Insurance:

Worker’s compensation insurance and liability insurance will show you they care about their employees and clients.

• References:

This will show you that most of their clients are willing to back them up.

• Payment schedule:

Never pay the full costs upfront. Discuss the payment terms beforehand, and remember, cheaper costs aren’t always the best.

Find out who will oversee the project to avoid miscommunications and confusion later. If you decide to do the renovation yourself, get expert help to guide you. Start searching for a contractor at least two months before the project.

4. Create a schedule

Create a timeline for the project by choosing a suitable start date and a completion date. If you can’t decide when to start, determine when you’ll want the new bathroom and work backward from then. Discuss the schedule with your contractor to find out how long each phase of the project will take. Iron out additional details, such as the phases that will be completed first and the ones that will be done simultaneously.

The timeline should include other details, like delivery of the materials, cleaning of the area, and the days the contractor may not come to work.

Mark each step of the project on a calendar to help you determine the completion date. Leave a few days for emergencies and share the schedule with the contractor. They will tell you whether it’s realistic and will remain within budget.

5. Prepare the space

Take whatever you can from the room being renovated and plan how you’ll avoid going in there during the renovation.

Living in a home with construction going on is a personal choice that also depends on the amount of work being done. For instance, if you’re renovating the kitchen, you can find an alternative cooking area where you can install the smaller appliances temporarily. If it is the bedroom, you can make other sleeping arrangements in a different room. If you’re renovating multiple rooms, moving out of the house for the duration will be better.

Do this 2 to 3 months before the project commences.

Additional tips for planning a home renovation

Don’t shy from asking the contractor many questions

You can ask any question you want at any phase of the project. Find out what the contractor thinks about specific elements like the budget, materials, their competitors, and schedule. At the same time, don’t let them sway your decisions unnecessarily. For example, don’t go for a more expensive option just because they recommend it. Do it if it makes perfect sense.

Leave room for problems

Even the best laid out plans can go wrong during the renovation. Don’t expect everything to go according to the plan. That is where your extra 10% budget and the additional days come in. Join the contractor in coming up with suitable solutions that will get the project back on track.

Structural projects should be the priority

Structural projects include changes to the foundation, roof, and electrical systems. These should be done first before other changes.

Plan for waste disposal

In most cases, the contractor handles the waste disposal, but you should still discuss it before the renovation. You should also include disposal costs in the budget. If you don’t, you may end up spending more money than you planned to. Find out the best construction waste removal solution in your area at the planning stage to avoid the stress of dealing with it later.