17 Mar Five steps to take before starting your construction project

The time has come. You’ve finally decided to start your renovation project. And it is not the kind of project you undertake on a whim. Even if you have been thinking about it for months or even years, there are still a few steps to take before you start the demolition.

Here are five steps that will help you better plan for your renovation project and get started on the right foot.

1. Plan the work that needs to be done

What is the magnitude of your project? Do you want to build a new house from scratch? Do you want to do repairs after a natural disaster, are you looking for aesthetic upgrades, or general repairs? Start by listing the work to be done. For every room and every problem to be fixed. Include everything you can think of, including plumbing, electricity, floors, walls, etc. This will give you an overview.

Don’t stop there. You should already be establishing your priorities. Which tasks are inevitable and which ones are negligible? This step is important because if the unexpected happens and you have to downsize your project, you will already have decided where to cut and that will save you some time. Also, make a list of the professionals who will be involved in your project, as the workforce must also be part of your planning.

Keep in mind that a freshly renovated kitchen will not hold up if your old and damaged roof causes damage.

Also, do not hesitate to do a preliminary investigation to find out what the approximate costs related to each part of your project are. Even if this initial research is very brief, it will allow you to establish your priorities and reflect on your budget.

2. Set a budget and check for the necessary financial support

It goes without saying that it is essential for you to establish a budget before you start your renovations or your construction project. You can start by doing this budget by yourself, based on your existing financial statements. You already know your financial capabilities. With a simple Excel file, you can calculate your assets and liabilities. That should be enough to provide an estimation of your renovation budget. Do forget to include a little extra in your budget: a given percentage of your budget to be used if unforeseen events were to occur.

However, a visit to the bank is also necessary. With your financial advisor, you will be able to establish what your financial means are to undertake such a project. Your advisor might recommend that you use your investments, get a line of credit, take a personal loan or refinance your mortgage. In any case, they will provide you with an accurate portrait of your situation and most importantly, give you the OK to go ahead with your project.

Find out what tax credits and home improvement grants are available. The government has implemented some financial assistance for construction projects that meet certain criteria. It would be a shame to miss out!

From there, you will be in a better position to assess your priorities and your project’s feasibility.

3. Assess the feasibility and actual costs of your renovation project

If you want to save money and—most of all—stress, invest in the estimation of your project: the success of a renovation project starts with a high-quality estimation. By doing business with a trusted, objective and transparent estimation agent, you ensure that you know the real costs for your project and are informed of its feasibility.

Know that even if your project seems doable at a first glance, there could be hidden defects making it impossible. You never know what hides behind a wall until you have a look. And if your project is indeed doable, perhaps it will require additional steps that you hadn’t thought of. The estimation will save you a lot of surprises.

It will also allow you to know what the actual costs will be. Using certified tools, an estimation agent is able to predict surprises. By knowing, for example, that a floor needs to be levelled before floor covering can be installed, you will be able to plan for this operation in your budget and in the work schedule.

Despite all your construction knowledge, only an estimation and inspection professional (Link to JDC contact information) can truly determine which works can be done and the necessary costs for everything to run smoothly. The estimator is objective and has no interest in exaggerating the estimated time or costs of your renovations.

4. Look for trusted professionals to get bids

Shopping for your trade professionals is a crucial step. A construction project is important and energy-consuming enough as it is, that you must be able to trust the professionals with whom you choose to collaborate. In order to do so, put all the time necessary in your search, asking for bids and references from the people around you.

Maybe you would prefer investing in a project manager? (Link to Jessy’s contact information.) This trusted person will take care of bids, schedules and on-site follow-ups. They will ensure that your project is finished in a timely manner and on budget.

Also, keep in mind that their rate, even if it is not necessarily a guarantee of quality, should not be the only variable considered. Your decision must be based on your gut feeling. Do you feel that you can trust that person? Do they give you the impression that they want to downsize or inflate your project? Because you have carried out the third step of this plan, you have the actual state of the work that is to be done in hand, so your decision will be well-informed.

5. Protect yourself legally

Finally, make your project as legal as possible. In other words: protect yourself.

Start by checking with your municipality to find out if you need a construction permit, pre-approval, or a construction declaration form. If you are the owner of a condo, you also probably have to report to your condominium corporation. Take time to read your condominium’s rules and by-laws. Are you required to respect certain criteria? Has your municipality issued construction schedule rules? In this regard, take the time to warn your neighbours in order to avoid litigation.

Next, remember to ask your contractor for a written contract, establishing a framework that will make you feel confident. This document will also protect you in case of litigation, as it will make it easier for you to assert your rights. The Office de la protection du consommateur (provincial consumer protection bureau) advises to include the date of completion, the collection of construction debris and the need to obtain your authorization before acting upon any unforeseen event.

In short, it is essential to plan every detail of the project before getting started. All your current knowledge will be useful, but it is still important to be well surrounded. Construction projects are known for being stressful and the above steps will transform the experience into something pleasant—and the result will be all the more appreciated.

If you would like to be assisted in the realization of your construction or renovation project, we offer estimation and inspection services, including the use of certified tools, support and project management. Contact us for more information.