Undertaking a renovation project in your home can be an exciting yet daunting process.  One decision you will have to make early on is whether you can handle the project yourself or if you need to bring in the additional help of a professional renovation contractor.  This decision will have a great impact on the overall cost and quality of the work performed, the jobs timeline, as well as the amount of personal time and energy you need to expend.  What are some factors you need to weigh in making this important decision?

1.  Your available time and energy

A very important consideration is how this project will alter your free time and energy. Do you have the time to perform any of the work yourself? How about the time needed to research any facets of the project that you are unclear about? Do you have the time to hire and organize the various workers and trades needed during your project and the energy needed to drive them forward? Will you be able to sustain the expenditure of your energies and the added stresses of bringing the project to completion without harming your personal or family life?

2.  Timeline

How soon would you like to be enjoying your completed renovation project? The paint job on your homes exterior that the pros quoted at four days will take you a month of Sundays to complete, that is if you work just as fast as they do. Create a realistic breakdown of the time needed to complete your dream project and compare it to the time you will personally be able to dedicate to completing it.

3.  Cost

Let’s face it, we all like to save a bit of cash wherever we can by completing renovation projects ourselves. But be sure to be aware of all the incidental costs involved in completing your project. That tile you picked out for your kitchen floor may cost $500  down at the Home Depot, which was way less than the professionals quote to supply and install in your home. However there are numerous other incidental expenses that quickly add to this number. You must be aware that once you add all the incidentals like subfloor preparation, tile underlay, thin set, spacers, grout, tools, sealers, buckets, cleaners, etc, etc, the cost quickly doubles or even triples. Factor in all needed labour and  suddenly that professional quote doesn’t look so unrealistic. I’m sure you’ll agree having  an accurate and honest assessment of the real cost of your renovation project is vital to consider.

4.  Your abilities

We all have strengths, and we all have weaknesses. Consider how your strengths and weaknesses will help or hinder the renovation project you have in mind. For example you might be a pretty capable do-it-yourselfer, but have trouble envisioning what your renewed ensuite bathroom should look like. Consulting an interior designer in this case would be of great benefit, helping you see exciting design possibilities you hadn’t previously imagined. Do you have the needed skill set to bring a project to completion efficiently, on time, on budget, and of the quality you want? Be honest now…

Yes, starting a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or any other type of renovation in your home is a process that should be approached carefully, with a full understanding of what is in store. Ask the important questions, do your research, educate yourself in what it takes to make your home improvement dreams a reality. At Interiors With Elegance our friendly experienced staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the planning and execution of a renovation in your home.