While it’s never pleasant to exceed your work envelope, many people do. But is it inevitable? The answer is no. As long as you don’t alter your current project, and evaluate your home renovation budget from the outset.
Define a clear project
Setting clear, realistic goals in terms of building constraints, budget and timeframe is essential for a successful home renovation. The first step before embarking on the work is to study the different renovation options and choose one. Next, it’s best to make an appointment with a renovation contractor you can trust, to prevent the work from turning into a nightmare, as it still does for many homeowners.
This will be the ideal time to ask him questions about his working methods, and thus ensure his expertise. Get more details on the various interventions he deems necessary for the renovation, on the basis of the specifications provided: what work is unavoidable and what are the different options in his opinion? What materials will be recommended for these renovations?
Cost each item of expenditure
- The cost-per-square-foot method
Some contractors estimate the cost of a renovation project using the cost-per-square-foot method. While this technique gives an approximate idea of the budget required, it quickly comes up against limitations. For example, the cost per square foot is degressive, meaning that the larger the surface area to be renovated, the lower the price per square foot. - Full costing
In contrast, the full-cost method identifies and quantifies all the work carried out by the various trades. While this method has the advantage of providing an overall vision and a global estimate of the project, it does require a sound knowledge of the building trade. Owners with little experience in this field are therefore advised to call in a specialist to carry out this estimate.
Call in a professional to limit surprises
Large-scale projects can involve a combination of heavy structural work, finishing touches and decoration, and when you’re not a building professional, you can quickly become overwhelmed. Calling in a specialist avoids many surprises: professionals work to plans, and draw up precise specifications to define exactly what needs to be done and where, without forgetting any work. Essential work is prioritized, while others remain optional if the budget is limited. Once the renovation stages have been listed, they select employees for each trade. Finally, they know the order in which they will work, and are accustomed to synchronizing their interventions.
Combined design and construction service: a real plus
Some specialists offer a combined design and construction service: a multidisciplinary team of professionals from the various fields involved work closely together to offer the customer a complete service. And because the service is integrated into the renovation process, the customer is assured of a tailor-made, turnkey service. No job is forgotten.
Renovating a house is a financially attractive operation: it allows you to buy a property at a lower price, fit it out to your taste, reduce energy consumption and add real value.