Home Improvement & Garden TipsInterior and exterior decoration

Home Renovations continue to be a popular area of investment for homeowners despite the current economic turmoil. It makes sense at a time when buying new doesn’t and building on what you have, does. Now that you’ve decided to renovate, there are still some things to consider before you go ahead. Yes, you believe that you’re adding value to your property, however, with some wise planning before the hammer hits the nail you can actually be saving money too.

Create a Detailed Plan

It is of the utmost importance to properly create a plan, budget, and time frame for your home renovation job. Such preparation is crucial to the enterprising DIYer and it’s also useful to those counting on professionals. Get a very clear picture of all estimated costs that will account for everything from materials to labour. Not only that, but it’s also important to figure in backup funds for situations which may arise as the project progresses. A safe estimate is 15% on top of the initial projected budget. If you have a realistic figure to work with that corresponds with very detailed drawings and plans, you are preparing a contingency for those unforeseen issues. Just being aware of this possibility can keep you from future migraines and possible bankruptcy.

Cut Down on Material Costs – Not Quality

Materials of course account for a large portion of the expenses in any renovation project. And although you may want to get the best price you can, you may not wish to sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks. This is your home after all, (where you might be living for 20 years to pay off a mortgage).

Companies that sell recycled material from demolition sites such as Happy Harry’s give you both a budget conscious and green option. “Found” wood is another trendy yet wonderful option – imagine creating a unique hardwood floor from an old wood cabin or antique ship. If however, you are more inclined towards higher-end materials but want to pay a fraction of the cost, consider Habitat ReStores. These affiliate stores found across Canada and the United States offer surplus and used building materials for much less than retail. ReStores get their supplies from donated goods provided by: building supply stores, local contractors, demolition crews, and others wanting to support the cause. Not only are you saving money, or being green, you are also helping to raise funds that let Habitat for Humanity build 10 or more additional homes a year.

Implement Green into Your Renovation

It’s shocking to consider that your home may be a toxic place. Do you know what went into the finishes of your hardwood flooring or kitchen cabinetry where you cook, or even the paint on the walls in every room in the house? Making green choices for your home renovation is not only important for your health and the health of our planet, it can actually save you money. Although the initial costs may be higher, using ethical and non-toxic materials that are longer lasting, as well as installing energy efficient components will save you money over time. From more complicated aspects like redesigning your home, to being conscientious about product selection, consider these options suggested by Rob Wright, owner of Citadel Renovations.

* ICF foundations
* Composite floor, roof, and wall framing
* Low e film, argon gas, and triple pane glass in windows
* Compact fluorescent and LED lights
* Lots of natural light
* Reduced and/or no formaldehyde cabinetry
* Low or no VOC paints and finishes
* Composite material exterior finishes
* Recycled material roofing: metal, rubber, cement
* Wood or linoleum floors
* Heat pumps: ground, water, and air

The money you’ve saved on heating, lighting, and water once you’ve made your home more energy efficient will over time actually pay for those improvements.

Decide If It’s a Worthy Investment

It may seem like a no-brainer to first figure out if the investment you plan to make in upgrading your home is one of value, but it may come as a surprise that some are less financially beneficial than others. CMCH, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canada’s federal housing agency, is a great resource for homeowners who are considering a renovation project. Their website offers a host of useful information, such as this break-down of renovation payback ranges:

Top four greatest payback potentials

* Bathroom renovation (75 – 100%)
* Kitchen renovation (75 – 100%)
* Interior painting (50 – 100%)
* Exterior painting (50 – 100%)

Versus:

Ten average payback potentials

* Roof shingle replacement (50 – 80%)
* Furnace/heating system (50 – 80%)
* Basement renovation (50 – 75%)
* Recreation room addition (50 – 75%)
* Installing a fireplace (50 – 75%)
* Flooring (50 – 75%)
* Constructing a garage (50 – 75%)
* Window/door replacement (50 – 75%)
* Building a deck (50 – 75%)
* Central air conditioning (25 – 75%)

Repairs or beautification are the most prevalent ideas that come to mind, however, safety improvements are another way to go that will your wallet happy. Check with your insurance company if they offer lower premiums when you add or upgrade a home security system, fire prevention measure, or improve the existing wiring.

We’ve all heard the renovation horror stories that look like something out of that 80’s movie The Money Pit. It’s not something we like to think about; the possibility of your hard earned $10,000 renovation budget ending up being but a drop in the bucket. Like any other investment, you wouldn’t blindly drop ducats on any random man in a suit with a smile – you do your homework first. Not only will you bring added value to your home with your new renovation, you will also save money with your carefully laid out plans.

Home Renovation Guide provides free information and advice on all aspects of home renovation details from information on a variety of topics ranging from kitchen contractors, roofing and – we have the information you need to get the job done right. Visit them today.

The choice of materials to use for your floor, whether you are renovating or building anew, is a very important one. Not only are there the usual considerations of quality and durability, you must also think about aesthetics such as color, texture and pattern.
In addition, the “feel” of different flooring materials will also influence your choice. Your lifestyle, as well as family size and composition, must come into the equation, too. With these factors in mind, you are ready to consider the top ten types of flooring to use inside your home.
1. Hardwood is a perennial favorite and very popular for living rooms, dining rooms and other areas that are low in moisture, wood’s primary enemy in home environments. Hardwood flooring comes in many attractive colors across a great range of wood species, with a variety of grains and possible surface treatments (wet look, dry look, etc.).
2. Cork is a choice that is gaining ground for kitchens and other areas where the residents are on their feet a lot. Cork offers soft, supple support and has the additional advantage of being environmentally friendly.
3. Ceramic tile is long lasting, tough and available in many colors and sizes. Often used in bathrooms and kitchens, some home styles (Southwestern, adobe, ranch) are also amenable to its broader use throughout the residence. Tile is one of the materials that can be used on walls, too, opening up additional design and construction possibilities.
4. Laminate floors give the look of hardwood, and various other flooring materials, without the cost. The latest technology essentially produces sheet material with a “picture” of hardwood on its surface, to create the appearance of the preferred (and much pricier) wood.
5. Linoleum has proven itself over the years to be a low-maintenance option for kitchens and other high-traffic rooms. Unlike its vinyl counterpart, linoleum uses all natural materials, and can be installed as tiles or large, rolled sheets.
6. Bamboo, yet another environmentally friendly wood option, results in floors that are known for being incredibly strong and durable. The warm, natural feel of bamboo can add a stylish finish to any room.
7. Wall-to-wall carpet remains an attractive, practical choice for bedrooms and playrooms, literally imparting a “soft landing” quality to floors. With an almost endless variety of choices in both material and color, carpeting can always be made to suit a home’s construction style or décor.
8. Area rugs are, technically speaking, a secondary type of flooring, adding color on top of hardwood or giving comfort in areas like the kitchen, where tougher materials may be hard to stand on for long periods. In addition, area rugs can be important decorative elements in a room, or even a hallway.
9. Marble is the height of luxury. Marble flooring is made from natural stone, which means that it is hypoallergenic and moisture resistant when properly sealed. It will not emit any toxic chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home.
10. Artistic materials, like leather or brick, give an entirely different feel to a home. Some companies are even offering leather flooring for areas like media rooms, or brick for decorative walkways through the interior of the home.
The choices are broad enough to give the renovator or homebuilder a huge palette of colors and textures to work with. When seen as an integral part of the home (re)design, the choice of flooring material becomes more and more important.
Since it is among the more labor-intensive parts of a home construction or renovation plan, flooring should be decided on carefully. Repainting a room after a bad color choice is a whole lot easier than replacing a floor that not enough thought went into. Take your time, make a good decision and then be prepared to live with it. If you are careful and thorough in your decision, you will doubtless have many years of enjoyment from your new flooring.

Home Renovation Guide provides free information and advice on all aspects of home renovation details from information on a variety of topics ranging from roofing and landscaping to flooring and door installation – we have the information you need to get the job done right.  Visit them today.