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Putting your renovation ideas on paper
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 06 May 2009 18:27
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Once you have decided on the kind of renovation work you want to do, and you know approximately how much you want to spend, it is time to create a solid plan turning your ideas into reality. Before you can get accurate quotes, you will need to put your project on paper. This means sketching out your ideas and deciding on the products and materials that are needed for the work. Initial discussions with professional renovators can help you to determine the kind of information that is required for your job, and how you can best prepare this information. If you are planning a sizeable renovation, you may need design work and working plans before you go out for bids and building permits. Involving a professional renovator, a designer or an architect in the early stages of planning may save you both time and money down the road. When you are ready to begin detailed planning for your renovation, call in one or two professional renovators for a consultation. Discuss your project in detail, including the amount of money you are prepared to spend. Don't hesitate to ask for advice; experienced renovators will be able to offer ideas that will help you stretch your renovation budget or provide you with a better finished result. Following the initial meeting, professional renovators may be able to give you a "ballpark" estimate for the job, depending on the amount of detailed information you can provide, and the size and complexity of your renovation. They can also offer advice on how to proceed with your planning, and tell you what information will be required before they are able to give you a firm bid. Many professional renovators offer planning and design services, including the preparation of the working drawings. The fees for these services vary; talk to several renovators to get a good idea of the range of services they provide, and the cost involved. You may wish to include an independent designer or architect on your renovation team if your project involves an addition or significant changes to the layout of the house. Both designers and architects can help you to develop designs and prepare the specifications and working drawings needed to solicit bids from renovators. Look for someone with experience in residential renovation work. Get recommendations from friends, colleagues and renovators, or call the Greater OttawaHome Builders' Association for the names of member firms. Keep in mind that you need to provide the same information to all renovators asked to bid on your job; otherwise, you cannot compare quotes. If any part of your planned project changes substantially during the bidding process, you should go back to the renovators who have already submitted bids and ask them to read |
