When you embark on a home renovation, there are plenty of right and wrong ways to approach your project. 

Whether you’re hiring someone to do the work or planning to go the DIY route using home renovation supplies in Ottawa, it’s essential to keep certain crucial tips in mind. 

Here, we share 11 dos and don’ts of home renovations to help avoid common pitfalls and renovation nightmares. 

1. Do explore ways to maximize the use of living space

Home renovations need careful planning to make the most of the living space. Be sure to consider how that large statement bathtub, massive kitchen island, or oversized walk-in closet is going to impact the use of functional living space and the flow of the rooms in your home. 

Maximizing the use of living space should always be your goal. This can sometimes be as simple as investing in elevated storage solutions to free up space or far more complex, requiring a complete rethink of your main floor, kitchen, or bathroom layouts.

2. Don’t sacrifice bedrooms for self-indulgent spaces

If you have four or more bedrooms, you can get away with using that small unused bedroom to create a master en suite bathroom or that to-die-for dressing room you’ve always wanted. 

However, with three bedrooms or less, that sacrifice could translate into lost home value where bedrooms come at a premium. Unless this is your forever home, making renovations that focus on your specific needs is a surefire way to make selling your home challenging.

3. Do invest in the best finishes you can afford

A common mistake homeowners make is trying to cut costs in all the wrong areas. The truth is, once you start a renovation, you can usually save money by investing in your preferred higher-end finishes now, instead of trying to make upgrades later. 

Your reno team is already working to install flooring, backsplashes, shower tiling, etc. Once everything is installed, it will cost far more to tear out the old finishes and replace them with upgrades. So consider your budget carefully and invest in the best finishes to avoid increased material costs and reinstallation later.

4. Don’t go too trendy on your design choices

Interior design trends tend to last about ten years before they start to feel dated. While some trends last longer than fads that are here today and gone tomorrow, making smart choices that lean towards the classics can help provide longevity to your designs. 

A good rule of thumb is to leverage trends such as paint colours and easily replaced furnishings for updates, and choose permanent, harder-to-replace finishes and features that are more classic for staying power in your renovation. 

This approach allows you to make updates on the lower-priced design features whenever it moves you.

5. Do disregard designer advice if you really want that colour or finish

Going completely against what we just said not to do in #4, we still say it’s your home, and if you really want something designers are all shaking their heads or tsking at, you should always choose the things that bring you joy. 

Even if you’re selling in a year or two, the bottom line is it’s your space, and you want it to feel comfortable – designer disapproval and all.

6. Don’t underestimate the cost of change orders

Once you are in the thick of things, your change orders can have a devastating effect on your budget. It just takes watching one of those home renovation shows to know that changes cost money. 

The further you are into the job, the more expensive changes get. So try to be sure to keep your budget and schedule on track when making your choices for home renovation supplies in Ottawa.

7. Do be open to compromise

Whether it’s compromising with your partner, the contractor, or even your kids, when undergoing renovations, life is easier when you’re open to compromise. Compromising makes your home more harmonious, avoids delays and disagreements, and can also save money. 

Considering the input of others and looking at other options you hadn’t envisioned, can often improve the results of your refurbishment project and even save some money.

8. Don’t stop monitoring renovation progress

Keeping an eye on things and communicating daily with your contractor will ensure you’re available to make decisions, answer questions, and avoid stress from surprises. 

Although you can expect to encounter a challenge or two during the process, the best way to avoid disappointment and delays is to ask for ongoing reports to monitor your project’s progress. 

If you’re the one doing the work, don’t let procrastination get the best of you. Set a schedule for yourself and make progress every weekend until the project is done.

9. Do set and stick to a budget

Unless you just won the lottery, budget is an essential element of renovation projects. You need to set a budget, create a checklist of your wants, and be prepared to compromise on your dream list once you finally get to the quote stage. 

Keep an ongoing tally of how much you spend, especially when you’re working on a DIY project. You’d be surprised how quickly you can go over budget with all those runs to buy home renovation supplies in Ottawa. 

10. Don’t forget to use the right tools for the job

When working on DIY home renovation projects, it’s essential to understand what tools you need for the job. Using the wrong tools can lead to terrible outcomes, from leaky showers, damaged materials, condensation and moisture issues, and dangerous electrical accidents.

11. Do ask for advice

If you aren’t sure what you need when approaching new renovation projects, speak to your home improvement centre to discuss the steps, materials, and tools required to get the job done right. 

You’ll experience less waste from damaged materials, avoid risk of improper installation and injury, and complete your project more efficiently, affordably, and safely with the right home renovation supplies in Ottawa.

Visit Cosmaroma for Home Renovation Supplies in Ottawa

Investing in renovations costs money. Following these dos and don’ts can help avoid costly errors and disappointing reveals when your project is finally complete.

If you are starting a reno project and don’t know where to begin, the experts at Cosmaroma can help. 
Click here to find our home renovation supplies in Ottawa or a location near you, or start browsing for inspiration.