The right way to reno

Plan your work

Successful renos are all about good planning. Before pulling out your tools, you need to identify your needs and priorities and draw up a detailed plan. Will you do it yourself or call in a contractor? If it’s a big project, like redoing a kitchen, removing a load-bearing wall, or adding an extension, it’s best to bring a specialist on board (engineer, architect, etc.) to guide you through the process.

You should also turn to the experts for any work involving electricity or gas (no room for improvising there) and ideally when it comes to plumbing, ventilation, or heating systems as well. Pro tip: Book them early to avoid delays—and extra days living in a construction site!

Building permits, municipal standards and by-laws

Check with your municipality to see if a permit is required for your project. Do your homework to avoid delays. If you’re going the DIY route, you’ll also need to find out about municipal by-laws and building standards.

Set a timeline for your project

Make a list of jobs in order of completion with all the steps, then create a realistic timeline. Ask each trade contractor what needs to be done before they arrive and what has to happen after they’re done. Check the availability of the materials you’ll need and order early to avoid out-of-stock situations that could put your project on hold. Plan to rent a container to store waste before sending it to an eco-centre or landfill. To keep organized, make a project file where you can put all your documents, photos, and invoices.

Notify your insurer that you’re renovating

Don’t forget to notify your home insurance provider that you’re doing work and check your liability coverage. It will come in particularly handy if you ask for help from friends and family and someone gets hurt. Take the opportunity to review your coverage based on the scope of the project. You could even qualify for a premium reduction, which can apply when you replace a heating system or redo your roof.

If you hire a contractor, make sure they have their own professional liability insurance.

If you’re doing the work yourself, take out accident insurance.

Set your renovation budget

Renovating is expensive. Mapping out your budget in advance reduces the risk of impulse purchases and “might as well” spending that can inflate your final price tag. Decide how much you want to invest in your renovations. Factor in every expense—experts, materials, tools, labour, permits, temporary relocation, decoration, etc.—and add an extra 10% to 15% for unexpected costs.

Opt for renovations that will increase your property value

Some renovations can really make a difference when selling a home. Still, you’ll want to avoid “over-improvements” by taking into account the value of your home and others in your neighbourhood. Adding features not available in most surrounding properties will pay off.

The 6 renovations that pay off most

Here are the renovations that pay off most, as well as how much of a return you could see on your investment.

See how you can save on your renovations

1.  Figure out what you can do yourself:

• Tearing down walls
• Removing cabinets
• Installing a floating floor
• Painting
• And so on

2.  Recover and reuse:

• Wood planks
• Siding
• Cabinets
• And so on

3.  Reconsider some aspects of the project, like moving washrooms.

4.  Keep an eye out for sales and see how our Rabais Dollars CAA partners can help you.

5.  Look into any subsidies, tax credits, and assistance programs offered by governments, municipalities, and other organizations for home renovations.

Get pro tips from home renovation experts

• Look to magazines and the Web for inspiration.
• Avoid overly eccentric choices that could put off potential buyers down the road. A timeless, neutral, and clean look will appeal to more people than a flashy or overly colourful décor.
• Compare materials and prices, and find out about delivery times (CAA members should consider the many Rabais Dollars CAA partners).
• Carefully take down all the measurements you need so you’re sure to buy the right quantities.
• Always buy a little extra, just in case.

Pick your contractor carefully

Here are a few tips on how to find the best contractor:

• Contact two or three reliable contractors for your renovations, such as those on our list of CAA-Quebec Approved Residential Suppliers.
• Make sure the contractor you choose has a valid licence by searching the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) licence holders directory. Also check whether they’ve had any complaints filed against them with Office de la protection du consommateur.
• Find out whether they have the necessary permits to do the work and sufficient civil liability insurance (and whether the policy is in effect).
• Ask for references.
• Ask for a detailed quote in writing so you can make an informed decision.

Be sure to have a written contract that includes:

• The contractor’s contact information and RBQ licence number
• A detailed description of the work and materials
• Total costs and terms of payment
• Warranties
• A termination clause in case of noncompliance with the contract
• The work phases, schedule, and end date
• Waste management

Ask the same things of any subcontractors you work with. During renovations, keep track of each project phase, as well as any comments or requests for adjustment you have and the contractor’s replies. Closely monitor how work progresses.

Not sure or have questions about something? CAA-Quebec’s Residential Advisory Services can help you sort it all out.