Planning a complete home renovation in Calgary requires a few key decisions before construction begins. Taking time to plan helps you and your contractor align on scope, budget, and expectations.
Planning ahead helps you confirm every item on your list. A clear plan also ensures that both you and your contractor share the same expectations. (Renovation planning before you commit is also available through Ultimate Renovations.)
Three Steps to Plan Your Complete Home Renovation
Set a Budget and Reserve a Contingency Fund
Your budget is one of the most important elements of any home renovation. The budget determines the scope of your renovation, the finishing materials, and the contractor you work with. A set budget also helps you prioritize which aspects of the renovation matter most. The budget also shows you where you might choose upgrades over standard finishes.
Most renovation experts recommend setting aside at least ten percent of your budget as a contingency. A contingency covers unforeseen costs like asbestos, water damage, or structural deficiencies. Contractors often discover these issues only after construction begins. A contingency fund gives you confidence that your project will stay on budget.
Contingency Fund
- Recommended amount
- At least ten percent of your total renovation budget
- Purpose
- Covers unforeseen costs not visible before construction begins
Common Unforeseen Costs
- Asbestos
- May be discovered once walls or floors are opened during construction
- Water damage
- Often hidden behind finished surfaces and revealed only after demolition
- Structural deficiencies
- Identified during construction when underlying framing is exposed
Decide Whether to Renovate All at Once or Room by Room
Homeowners tackling a complete home renovation in Calgary can renovate the entire house at once or take on one room at a time. A shorter timeline may call for renovating all at once and securing temporary accommodations. A longer timeline lets you stay in your home during the renovation. Neither approach is wrong; the right choice depends on your situation.
Your contractor can help you build a timeline that works for your life. Experienced contractors estimate how long a project will take and explain how construction will affect your daily routine. Talking to your contractor early also ties your timeline to your budget. (See how Ultimate Renovations manages your renovation project.)
Document Your Vision Before Meeting Your Contractor
Your contractor needs to understand your style preferences before recommending finishes. An inspiration board helps communicate your vision. You can build an inspiration board with Pinterest, saved photos in Instagram or Houzz, or a photo album on your phone. Browse the Ultimate Renovations project gallery for ideas to add to your board.
- Pinterest board
- Save floor plans, finishes, and styling ideas in one shareable collection
- Instagram or Houzz
- Save photos directly to your account for easy reference during contractor meetings
- Phone photo album
- Create a dedicated album so inspiration images stay organized and are easy to share
Understanding what does not work in your current space is a key design starting point. Knowing how you want the new space to function and feel is equally important. Your vision will shape both your budget and your timeline depending on the project scope. Calgary homeowners can also explore home design with a residential architect.
Ultimate Renovations has earned the title of Calgary Renovator of the Year twelve times. For over 40 years, the company has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and superior customer service in Calgary. Call the company at (403)-287-3122 (Calgary).