Plan your renovations

The first step is to set renovation goals that reflect your lifestyle and priorities. By defining what you want to achieve, the contractors and trades you hire will be better able to deliver great results.

There are a number of steps you should take to begin the planning process.

- First, write down your specific goals -- the things you want to change in your home.

Second, give some thought to both your current and future needs, so that renovations made today will accommodate changes in your lifestyle later.

- Third, put together a wish list of the things that must be included in the project as well as other items you'd like to include, if your budget allows.

These three steps will help clarify your renovation goals and priorities -- essential information when you begin talking to contractors.

Once you have set your renovation goals and priorities, you need to find the right contractor to carry out your project. The type of renovation professional you need will depend on what's involved in your project.

- For simple projects involving only one activity such as replacement of roofing, siding or windows, a specialized trade contractor or contract installer may be best.

- If your project involves changes to your heating, electrical or plumbing systems, you should consult a licensed trade contractor.

- For renovation projects that will involve more than one trade or require structural changes to your home, you should look for a general renovation contractor who can manage all aspects of the work, including development of detailed plans.

Regardless of the type of work involved in your project, you need to make sure that any contractor you hire has the necessary skill and experience to do the job right. Professional contractors run their businesses properly, have a track record of satisfied customers and will provide you with customer references upon request.

It is important to interview any prospective contractor and discuss your project in detail before deciding who to hire.

In the case of larger or more complex renovations, the rapport between you and your contractor can be particularly important to the success of the project. Use the interview to assess how well you and the contractor communicate and if your questions are answered directly and fully.

During the interview it is important that you ask lots of questions so that you learn as much as possible about the contractor, their past experience and how they operate their business.

Professional contractors are in the service business. A significant part of the value they provide lies in their ability to communicate with, and satisfy, their customers. That's why it is important for you to ask for customer references. Then follow-up and contact these homeowners - surprisingly, many homeowners who ask for references never actually check them.

Talking with a contractor's past customers can give you unique insight into how a contractor performs on the job. Don't feel that you are imposing - if the homeowners were not willing to talk with you, the contractor would not have provided their names.

For a comprehensive collection of home renovation information visit www.myhomereno.com This informative website is sponsored by CHBA, CMHC, Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency and The Government of Canada Climate Change.

(Source: Vancouver Sun)