Planning a house renovation is very different from planning to build a house from scratch. You already have a built structure that has its particularities. When planning a renovation, you should be prepared for what is to come and should know what you wish and what you need. In this article, we will guide you through the process of planning a home renovation.
Get ready
When planning your Ottawa house renovation, you should have a clear idea of what you want and how you want it. Write down the changes you want to make and what order of doing it makes the most sense. Think about the structural repairs you might need to do: it is an excellent time to update your plumbing system or the electrics or repair those cracks in your basement. If you don’t think it’s a good idea to do the whole house simultaneously, think about the rooms that will go through similar processes or maybe consider working on one floor at a time.
Do a priority check before beginning. If your house needs more than just a superficial makeover, start by fixing everything that needs to be fixed. Also, think about things previous owners might have done or installed incorrectly, and that can be damaging the house.
Understand what is going to happen
Talking to experts will help you out with that. You have to know what is coming and how long will every task take. Before scheduling a professional to work for only a few days, have them analyze everything, your house will need instead of having them starting and then tell you the work is bigger than expected. Also, remember to check the building regulations of your area. In Ottawa, for example, you will need a permit in case your renovation involves adding up or out or demolishing something. Talking to the right professionals will help you understand your project as a whole and know what it takes to make the project come true.
Unexpected things can happen
When you are renovating a house, unexpected problems may appear out of nowhere. You are dealing with a building that probably needs more work than you first thought. Other than that, the weather can affect the time things are finished. Sometimes a little obstacle can reflect on the next thing, and when you see it, the whole project is delayed. Be ready for those setbacks.
Plan your schedule
Make sure every material arrives at the right time. Some things will be hard to store on-site for too much time before they ate fitted, and also, some materials need to be in the right place before the next job is done. Things need to arrive just in time because both too early or too late can hold back our project.
The most important part of the schedule is planning the right order things will be done. You can’t have structural fixes done after you started to work on your interiors. The proper workflow is key to accomplish jobs in the most effective way possible. Here is the standard action schedule for house renovation projects:
First Step: Demolitions and structure repairs
Before starting, you need to make sure your base is consistent. This can go from removing the old extensions that will be substituted to restoring rafters, stabilizing walls, and fixing damp issues.
Second Step: External & weatherproof finishes
This means exterior walls, windows, doors and roof improvements. Before starting changing up things on the inside, you need to make sure you have a dry house. Rendering and insulation are also done at this point. Depending on your project, this can be done at the same time as the first fix.
Third Step: First Fix
Wires, pipe fitting, stud walls, boiler and all the carpentry work is done at this point. This is the time to install everything that will make your home function steadily.
Fourth Step: Plaster
After working on the walls and floors, they can be sealed and prepared for decoration, starting from the ceiling.
Fifth Step: Second Fix
This is the point where you will start to see how your house is going to look like. Everything you will be using daily will come into place, like light fittings, floor tiles, sanitaryware etc.
Sixth Step: Finishing and decor
This is when more refined work is done. Painting, wallpapering, carpets and skirting boards comes into place at this stage, as they could be damaged if done previously. Staircases are also put in at this point.
Seventh Step: Snagging
This is the time when you will check if anything wrong happened through your renovation process. Check if there are any problems or if the work’s quality is what you expected and agreed on.
Taking action
If you are ready to take action on all of your renovation plans and need help to get the job done, get in touch with Highbridge Construction. They are experienced in all steps of home renovations, from planning and designing to completing the work. They are great professionals in all types of construction, repair, restorations and handyman work attending in the Ottawa, Nepean, Orleans, Kanata and Stittsville areas.
