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DIY Reno TipsIf you are settling in for the winter and thinking of tackling a renovation as a project, you may have been watching too many DIY home improvement shows. These shows can make a reno project seem so easy, when in reality if you do not know what you are doing you could find yourself in a lot of hot water. It is not as easy as it looks, but don’t let that deter you. Here are a few important things to consider before you begin any renovations on your Owen Sound Home.

Some Projects Require Permits

Before you tear down your old carport with big plans for a new garage, be sure to contact the Owen Sound municipality government offices. You need to ensure that your construction project is legally permitted before you begin any work.

Consult With A Local Contractor

Not all of the work can be done by you, there are some things that require a professional to ensure they are done correctly and up to code. Before you begin your renovation, speak with a trusted local contractor to determine what you can do and what you cannot. With a major project comes things like electrical and plumbing that will not be safe for you to undertake. Also, any time you decide to remove a wall you should first be certain that it is not load bearing or you risk causing major damage to your Owen Sound Home. A contractor can help to point out what is safe to demo and what should be left untouched.

You May Need Accommodations

Staying in your home during a renovation is extremely common. Depending on what is being done, you could continue to live in your home with out noticing much of a change. However, any project that affects your quality of life is likely to be over much sooner and be much safer if you are not living on the premises. Should you decide to stay, here are a few things to consider:

  1. Is there space in the budget to let you stay elsewhere if needed?
  2. How will the Reno’s affect your standard of living?
  3. What rooms are you renovating? Kitchen or bathroom could mean no running water.
  4. What about the children? If you have kids will the Reno’s disrupt their routines?
  5. How much mess will this make?
  6. Do you have pets? How will this reno impact them?

Consider Adding A Buffer To Your Budget

You can price out every aspect of the renovation, gather all your numbers, figure out the total cost, and budget out accordingly, but that does not mean that the end result will be within that dollar value. The vast majority of home renovation projects go over budget. This a reality that will hit home and it may hit hard. Adding a buffer into your budget will help you rest easy knowing that you are able to handle any unforeseen costs.