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Renovation hints for first time home buyers
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 06 May 2009 18:26
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Many first-time home owners buy a resale house with renovation in mind to make it more attractive and comfortable, and to add value to their home. They often plan to invest a considerable amount of sweat equity as a way of stretching their resources. Getting a professional renovator involved is easily one of the best decisions first-time home owners can make, advises Francis Belle of the Canadian Renovators Council of the Canadian Home Builders Association. These home owners often assume that professional services are beyond their financial reach. In reality, experienced renovators can play an important role in helping you to get the most value for your renovation dollars. Before you buy a home that you intend to upgrade, have a professional renovator inspect it to determine if your ideas are possible and affordable. What effect will municipal regulations and building codes have? What is involved in upgrading the house, and how much would it cost? This information can also help you to decide how much you should pay for the house, keeping your renovation costs in mind. Once you have bought your home, you may want to stage your renovation. A professional renovator will work with you to map out a critical path: immediate repairs, if needed; longer-term maintenance requirements; and improvements and upgrades. The renovator will explain the best logical sequence and timing of tasks and their estimated cost. Experienced renovators can offer valuable suggestions and ideas that will help you get the most value for your money. They can also advise you on the work you could do yourself and what is best left to the professionals, such as technical renovations foundations, engineering, framing and mechanical work. Professional renovators are in business for the long term and they are committed to working with their clients on an ongoing basis. |
