I have not been posting on my blog lately because we have been very busy with the final stage of our renovations. We purchased our home almost 2 years ago and took care of some easy renovations in our first year of living in our new home. Paint throughout, new tiles floor, sand and stain the hardwood, new back splash and landscaping the front yard – it was a lot of work but worth it! So this summer we decided to take on the remaining projects in our home – new bathroom, new kitchen counter tops, paint the exterior and landscape the backyard – and our home will be the home we have been dreaming of!

here are some tips for surviving your renovation.

1 – Let your neighbours know what’s going on.

A dumpster can be an unpleasant sight but if your neighbours know you are doing home improvements they will appreciate your honesty and how your improvements will help increase the property values of the neighbourhood.

2 – Work with your contractor.

Remember you are a team. Check in daily on the progress and discuss issues and concerns you have with your renovation. It is easier to fix problems while they are occurring and much more costly after they have occurred.

3 – Have a timeline.

Make sure your contractor provides you with a timeline. There are situations which may put you behind time but at least there is a rough outline of what to expect and when.

4 – Plan ahead.

Make your tile, granite, cabinet selections even before the work starts (and do your best to stick with those choices) as materials can take time to order, deliver etc… and that can delay your renovation.

5 – Think of your family.

Renovations can disrupt family routines so try and keep everyone entertained and occupied, so not to frustrate everyone too much. Take your little ones to the park to play instead of the backyard, plan excursions while the demolition is taking place (that part is the messiest), visit your friends (and maybe your little ones can take an afternoon nap there) taking a break from the renovation is good for everyone.

6 – Get out.

If the renovation will have your life completely upside down for months, maybe look into the possibility of a short term furnished rental apartment for you and your family, it might be way more comfortable and stress free.

7 – Before and after.

Even though you may not be on a TV show or in a magazine, take some before, during and after photos so you can see the transformation – it’s pretty amazing and you don’t fully appreciate it while living in the construction zone!

Remember, renovations done between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010 are eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit. Check out this link for more details. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hrtc/

Renovation are stressful but planning ahead and thinking ahead can help manage that stress…