RENO
101 By Scott McGillivray Photos Richard Sibbald
With nearly 150 on-camera renovations under my (tool) belt, I’ve learned my fair share about what it takes to pull off a successful renovation.
DON’T JUMP THE GUN ON PURCHASES Online sales can be tempting, but that great deal on a 24inch dishwasher isn’t going to save you any money if your entire space has to be redesigned because you only had room for an 18-inch model.
PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE A detailed renovation plan will help keep you on budget and on time. Set out a specific agreement with your contractor before the work begins.
CONTRACTOR Decisions that affect design, budget or timeline should ultimately be made by you — an open dialogue will help keep surprises to a minimum.
WORK OUT YOUR TIMELINE Working out a detailed timeline before the reno starts will help keep your contractor on track and yourself on budget.
USE LICENSED TRADES A jackof-all-trades type can be helpful for basic renos, but saving money by hiring a plumber who’s also willing to do electrical can be a dangerous idea if they aren’t trained, licensed or insured for that line of work.
DON’T IGNORE THE ISSUES When you tear down walls or rip up floors there’s a chance you’re going to be surprised by something you find. Have a contingency plan to address these issues.
DECIDE ON YOUR DIY Projects like cabinet installation, complicated tile work or skilled carpentry exceed the limit of a typical DIY project and can reduce the value of your home if done incorrectly.!
DON’T CUT CORNERS Hiring competent people to do the job, buying quality materials, and taking the time to complete all the necessary steps is key. COMMUNICATE
WITH
YOUR
Check local listings on HGTV for the new season of Income Property. /EverythingScottMcgillivray @smcgillivray @scottmcg | @scott_mcgillivray www.scottmcgillivray.com
INCOME PROPERTY NEW EPISODE
THURSDAYS HGTV is a trademark of Scripps Networks, LLC; used with permission.