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Tag: home renovations

  • How to Properly Prepare For a Home Renovation

    How to Properly Prepare For a Home Renovation

    Planning a home renovation? Read this article!

    Make sure you follow these steps in order to make sure your project is as efficient as possible

    Having managed and completed many home renovation projects in Toronto, BVM Contracting aims to educate potential renovation clients about the proper steps to follow in order to have a successful project outcome. Planning is the key to a successful renovation or remodeling project, and as tempting as it is to just jump right into it you need to follow the steps below to ensure that there are no headaches, surprises, or issues during or after the the residential construction project.

    Learn more below about the steps every homeowner should take to make sure their project comes in on time and on budget!

    HOME RENOVATIONS ON A BUDGET

    Let’s be realistic, unless you live a life of luxury or are a trust fund baby you care about the money you spend. You would rather make sure that you are getting the most value for your dollar as possible for every large investment you make in your life. We don’t blame you, we agree that getting the best value per dollar is important!

    Though it is important to have proper expectations of costs and not being tempted into that “too good to be true” quote you received from Joe Schmo, the one-man show.

    What we do not agree with is having unrealistic spending expectations for your renovation or remodeling project. If you want something done correctly and efficiently, you will have to spend more money to get that elevated level of service/quality/workmanship.

    With that being said, when planning for your next renovation project, be sure to follow this step-by-step guide to make sure you are making your money work for you instead of against you. You are likely spending hard-earned money on this renovation, so make sure it is spent properly!

    Step-by-step Renovation Planning Guide

    Step 1: Speak to reputable General contractors in your area about preliminary pricing for your project

    The single worst mistake you can make is starting your renovation planning process WITHOUT speaking to reputable renovation companies near you. Whether you find them online, through friends and family, or even see them picking up materials at your local Home Depot, we urge you to start the process by reaching out to companies that are able to complete the work for you and manage the project.

    This is the point in time where you should ask a bunch of questions, answer a bunch of questions, discuss potential budget ranges, and also discuss cost-saving options for your renovation project.

    A reputable General Contractor in Toronto should be able to have a 20-30 minute conversation with you to discuss your project and be able to set you on the right path. Will you need permits? Who can do the design work for the project? How long will the project take? What are some key considerations/hurdles for the renovation work at hand?

    The goal for this step is to get an idea of the best direction to proceed, figure out which company would be the best fit (once you step through the rest of the planning below), and what a realistic budget should be for the project.

    Remember, the goal isn’t to commit to someone after this phase, it is to gather key information you will need for the project and determine the next best step.

    Instead of making clients commit, we offer pre-construction services to help ensure that you are properly planning for your home renovation without the premature commitment. We provide a huge amount of value in the planning and pre-construction phase, so much so that 90% our pre-construction clients end up working with us for their renovation project, but it is not a requirement to engage our services. We think of it as a trust-building exercise and test drive to see if we are the right fit, with the added bonus of getting a top-tier advisor in your corner.

    Step 2a: Design and Permitting

    If you are remodeling, you will not require a permit, but it would be a good idea to get as-built drawings at the very least so that whichever renovation or remodeling contractor is getting you pricing can do so based on actual drawings of your home. This will lead to more accurate quotes for your project and less surprises! It would also be a good idea to potentially engage an interior designer to help you visualize the new space and help with material selections for your project.

    More often than not you will need permits for any substantial renovation or remodeling project in Toronto. Removing a wall, adding plumbing, and adjusting your HVAC system are all examples of work that will require permitting. For a more comprehensive rundown of when you do and do not require a permit click here.

    If the General Contracting Companies you were speaking with in the first step were of any value they will have recommended an architectural partner that can help get you a fee proposal for putting the design/permits together for your project.

    At this point make sure you reach out to a few design companies that can help you get the permits. Most of the time with renovation projects the City of Toronto fast-tracks the permits so you should have no issues turning around a design in 2-3 months’ time.

    Make sure you work closely with the designer so you are not holding up the process of submitting permit drawings to the City.

    Step 2b: Start shopping for home finishes

    If any of the General Contractors allow you to source your own finishes (which we do), take the time that you have during the design process to start finding pricing. The benefit to this is two-fold:

    • You will be able to come up with an accurate budget for all of your managed finishes. Especially if you are new to renovating you are going to be surprised to see how quickly the costs can add up!

    • You will be able to avoid any delays in having items shipped that may slow down the course of construction and move back the completion date of your residential renovation project

    The most common items with long lead times are appliances and foreign finishes, so get on finalizing your appliance package and buy local! BVM Contracting has a list of local vendors in Toronto that we send to prospective clients to shop from and enjoy contractor discounting on most items. Just another way we are able to save our clients money!

    Step 3: Once Designs are completed, Get finalized pricing from your renovation team

    Make sure you get pricing BEFORE you submit the drawings for permit. If you have to make any changes to the designs as a result of costs being too high then you will have to pay the permit fee again to change anything with the plans.

    Make sure that when you get pricing that:

    • The scope of work is itemized and includes both General Contractor-Related Pricing as well as any fees that you might incur personally (i.e. if you are buying finishes, have to disconnect hydro, have to pay for an engineering visit). This is the point in time that separates the boys from the men, remember that the amount of effort you put into this step is proportional to the efficiency of the project.

    • You are also asking about insurance, WSIB, references, and information about the contract.

    • Understand the type of contract you are signing, is it a fixed price contract? Is it cost-plus? Many times when cost-plus General Contractors are quoting projects they have a tendency to under-estimate sub-contractor pricing. If you want absolute certainty that pricing is not going to change drastically during your project, pick a General Contractor that procures pricing from all of their subcontractors before you sign a contract. This is something that BVM Contracting does and it usually leads to being a more expensive on paper but will stand the test of time.

    Step 4: Choose your General Contractor For Your Renovation

    Once you complete step 3 in it’s entirety and have a full budget together you should be able to review all of the pricing, ask any remaining questions you have, and make some final adjustments to the scope of work. Note that any reputable renovation contractor has a Change Order process in place, so if there is anything you would like to add or subtract from your budget after the contract is signed that should not be an issue for any reputable General Contractor.

    Conclusion

    Make sure you spend a lot of time in the planning stage to try and avoid any potential issues/delays once your renovation project starts. Many times it comes down to poor advisement by your General Contractor who assumes that you understand the renovation process. Whether you are a first time renovator or seasoned veteran, we take the same approach to make sure your project progresses as efficiently as possible. This renovation process gives our clients the peace of mind knowing that they are in good and trusting hands.

    About BVM COntracting

    BVM Contracting is a full-service General Contractor or Home Builder located in Toronto. We provide home renovation and building services for major home renovations and custom home builds (full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, new home construction, garden suites, and laneway suites). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of building their home, from concept to completion.

    Further than providing General Contracting and Project Management for major home renovations, we also offer value-added services such as renovation financing, renovation rebate consultations and services, building permit and design services, smart home installation services, and real estate investor services.

    To learn more about our offering by visiting our services page. Learn more about our vision, mission, and values here.

  • Home Renovations in Toronto

    Home Renovations in Toronto

    Home Renovations in Toronto

    How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

    If you’re a homeowner, you know that renovations can be a costly but necessary expense. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, add a new bathroom, or expand your living space, the prospect of home renovations on a budget can seem daunting. But fear not, there are plenty of ways to get the most bang for your buck. With some careful planning and creative thinking, you can transform your home without breaking the bank. From DIY projects and budget-friendly materials to smart design choices and innovative financing options, there are many ways to make your home renovation dreams a reality.

    In this article, we’ll explore some practical tips and tricks for home renovations on a budget, so you can enjoy your newly renovated space without the stress of overspending.

    Assessing your home renovation needs

    Before you start your home renovation project, it’s important to assess your needs. What areas of your home require renovation? Do you need to update your kitchen, bathroom, or living space? Do you need more storage space or want to create an open-concept floor plan? By identifying your home renovation needs, you can create a plan that addresses your priorities and stays within your budget.

    Once you have a list of your renovation needs, it’s time to consider the scope of the project. Are you looking for a complete renovation or a few minor upgrades? A complete renovation can be expensive, but it can also increase the value of your home. Minor upgrades, on the other hand, can be a cost-effective way to freshen up your space without breaking the bank. Consider your budget and priorities when deciding on the scope of your renovation project.

    Finally, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of your renovation project. Will your renovation increase the value of your home? Will it make your home more functional and enjoyable to live in? By considering the long-term benefits, you can make informed decisions about your renovation project that align with your budget and priorities. Any knowledgeable General Contractor will be able to help you work through this process so the sooner you get them involved the better informed you will be.

    Setting a budget for your home renovation project

    Once you have assessed your home renovation needs, it’s time to set a budget. Setting a budget is an important step in any home renovation project, as it helps to ensure that you don’t overspend. Start by determining how much money you can realistically afford to spend on your renovation project. Consider your income, expenses, and any existing debts.

    Next, create a list of all the materials and services you will need for your renovation project. This list should include everything from paint and fixtures to professional services like electrical and plumbing work. Research the cost of each item on your list to get an idea of how much your renovation project will cost or reach out to a General Contractor to get a rough budget for the renovation.

    Finally, it is always a good idea to add a contingency fund to your budget, especially in older homes. A contingency fund is a buffer that you set aside for unexpected expenses that may arise during your renovation project. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10-20% of your total renovation budget for contingencies.

    Prioritizing your home renovation goals

    With your budget in hand, it’s time to prioritize your home renovation goals. What are the most important aspects of your renovation project? Do you need to focus on functionality, aesthetics, or both? By prioritizing your goals, you can make informed decisions about where to allocate your renovation budget.

    Consider your renovation needs and budget when prioritizing your goals. If you have a limited budget, you may need to focus on minor upgrades that have a big impact, like new paint and lighting fixtures. If you have a larger budget, you may be able to focus on more significant upgrades, like a full interior renovation, basement renovation, or kitchen renovation.

    DIY vs. professional renovation services

    One way to save money on your renovation project is to do some of the work yourself. DIY projects can be a cost-effective way to add value to your home, but they require time, effort, and skill. Before starting a DIY project, consider your level of experience and the complexity of the project. Some projects, like painting and installing new fixtures, are relatively easy and can be done by most homeowners. Other projects, like electrical and plumbing work, require specialized knowledge and should be left to professionals. BVM Contracting has a DIY Consultation program that aims to help homeowners who want to complete DIY renovations to make sure they are starting off on the right track

    Professional renovation services can be expensive, but they can also save you time and ensure that your renovation project is done correctly. When choosing a professional renovation service, it’s important to do your research. Look for reputable contractors with good reviews and a track record of quality work. Get multiple quotes from different contractors to ensure that you are getting a fair and accurate budget. The goal is not to look for the lowest cost but to find a General Contractor that can give you the most value.

    Cost-effective home renovation ideas – paint, lighting, and fixtures

    There are many cost-effective ways to renovate your home without breaking the bank. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to freshen up your space is with a new coat of paint. Paint can transform a room and give it a new look and feel. When choosing paint colors, consider your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your home.

    Another cost-effective way to update your home is with new lighting fixtures. Lighting can have a big impact on the look and feel of a room, and there are many affordable options available. Look for fixtures that match your personal style and are appropriate for the function of the room.

    Finally, upgrading your fixtures can be a cost-effective way to add value to your home. Upgrading your faucets, doorknobs, and cabinet hardware can give your home a fresh look without breaking the bank. Look for fixtures that are both functional and stylish, and that match the overall aesthetic of your home.

    Repurposing and upcycling furniture and decor

    Another way to save money on your home renovation project is to repurpose and upcycle furniture and decor. Repurposing and upcycling involve taking old or unused items and turning them into something new and useful. This can be a cost-effective way to add unique and personalized touches to your home.

    Look for old furniture and decor items that can be repurposed or upcycled. For example, an old dresser can be painted and turned into a bathroom vanity. Old windows can be turned into picture frames. The possibilities are endless, and the results can be both beautiful and functional.

    Sustainable and eco-friendly renovation options

    If you are interested in sustainable and eco-friendly renovation options, there are many choices available. Sustainable and eco-friendly materials and products are becoming more readily available, and many are affordable and easy to incorporate into your renovation project.

    Look for materials that are made from renewable resources, such as bamboo and cork. Consider using low-VOC paints and finishes, which are healthier for you and the environment. Install energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and consider adding insulation to your home to reduce energy costs.

    Financing options for home renovations

    If you don’t have the cash on hand to finance your home renovation project, there are many financing options available. Home equity loans and lines of credit are popular options, as they allow you to borrow against the equity in your home. Personal loans and credit cards are also options, but they typically come with higher interest rates.

    Before choosing a financing option, it’s important to do your research and compare rates and terms. Consider your budget and how much you can realistically afford to borrow. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of any loan or credit agreement.

    Conclusion: Achieving your dream home on a budget

    Home renovations on a budget may seem like a challenge, but with some careful planning and creative thinking, you can achieve your dream home without overspending. Assess your renovation needs, set a budget, and prioritize your goals. Consider DIY projects and cost-effective materials and services. Repurpose and upcycle furniture and decor, and choose sustainable and eco-friendly options. Finally, if you need to finance your renovation project, explore your options and choose the best one for your budget and needs. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy your newly renovated space without the stress of overspending.

    About BVM COntracting

    BVM Contracting is a full-service General Contractor or Home Builder located in Toronto. We provide home renovation and building services for major home renovations and custom home builds (kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement renovations, full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, and new home construction). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of renovating their home, from concept to completion.

    Further than providing General Contracting and Project Management for major home renovations, we also offer value-added services such as renovation financing, residential mortgage solutions, renovation rebate consultations and services, building permit and design services, smart home installation services, and real estate investor services.

    To learn more about our offering by visiting our services page.

  • Procurement-Based Renovation and Home Building Budgets

    Procurement-Based Renovation and Home Building Budgets

    Learn More About Our Procurement-Based Budgeting Process

    At BVM Contracting we understand that home renovation, custom home building, and home addition projects are expensive and require a lot of capital to complete. Many times when you are working with General Contractors in Toronto, they will help you estimate the cost of your project but won’t go so far as to finalize everything with their preferred list of vendors and subcontractors before a contract is signed. This leads to underestimations and unmet expectations about total project costs.

    As a Family-run General Contractor in Toronto, the last thing we want is to start a project that cannot be finished. This does not benefit our clients and does not lead to a good reputation in the industry. In the sections below we outline our budgeting process and how we take the extra steps needed BEFORE any contracts are signed to give our clients the peace of mind to work with us and complete their project on time and on budget.

    What is procurement-based budgeting?

    Procurement-based budgeting is a term that we use to describe how we finalize our renovation or custom home building budgets. It is a multi-step process that includes:

    1. Developing a detailed scope of work from working drawings that describes the construction work that will be completed. This is an itemized description of our activities to complete a project from beginning to end (or beginning to whenever a client takes over). This requires the client to have a set of designs/drawings that outline the work to be completed.

    2. Coordinating a site visit to the project site (mostly for renovation and home addition projects, new home construction projects don’t need site visits most times unless there are environmental factors (ravine protection, tree protection, shoring) that may be needed)

    3. Working with our subcontractors and vendors to finalize selections within the scope of work to get our clients the most accurate budget with finalized quotes from all of our subcontractors and vendors. This requires some legwork from our clients to decide on certain selections for a project (i.e. plumbing fixtures, doors selections, flooring, etc.) but pays off in the end with a finalized budget with a representative cost. Even if the selections are changed as the project moves along, at least the pricing is based on something instead of nothing.

    Our goal with every project we budget is to have as many of the line items with what we call “confirmed pricing” before signing any contract. We do this so we can show you our capabilities as a General Contractor and to also ensure that we can reduce the amount of extras and change orders needed throughout the course of the residential construction project. Whether it is a $200 000 renovation or a 1.6 million dollar custom home build, the same process applies and leads to a lot of happy clients.

    Conclusion

    Although our final budgets will take longer to put together and will likely cost more than other General Contractors in Toronto, at least you will know that it is representative to the total cost of the project, and will know exactly what you are getting. We take a lot of pride in our reputation as a Custom Home Builder and Home Renovation company in Toronto, so we would rather lose out on work because it is accurate than win work because the pricing is not finalized.

    About BVM COntracting

    BVM Contracting is a full-service General Contractor or Home Builder located in Toronto. We provide home renovation and building services for major home renovations (kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement renovations, full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, and new home construction). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of renovating their home, from concept to completion.

    Further than providing General Contracting and Project Management for major home renovations, we also offer value-added services such as renovation financing, renovation rebate consultations and services, building permit and design services, smart home installation services, and real estate investor services.

    To learn more about our offering by visiting our services page.

  • The Secret Ingredient for a Successful Renovation or Custom Home Build

    The Secret Ingredient for a Successful Renovation or Custom Home Build

    The Best General Contractors in Toronto Have A Great Team Backing Them Up

    Learn more about why having an in-house team as a general contractor is the secret sauce for delivering on time and on budget every time

    delivering a better renovation or custom home building experience with in-house expertise

    General Contractors in Toronto have proven that the concept of specialization can lead to the boom of an entire industry. Being able to have specialist carry out work instead of one person doing multiple jobs is how the concept of General Contracting became such a popular way complete complex custom home builds and home renovation projects. With this concept you are able to complete projects faster, with more quality, and at a reasonable price if you are dealing with the right General Contractor.

    Specialization doesn’t just apply to sub-contractors carrying out work for a General Contractor, it also applies to the employees working for the General Contractor. In this article you will learn about the value of specialization within a General Contracting company in Toronto and how it will help you ultimately make the right decision on which General Contractor to hire for your next residential construction project.

    Specialization within a General Contracting Company

    At BVM Contracting, there are 4 distinct specializations that you will find within our company. Now we aren’t saying that it is the only way to run a General Contracting Company in Toronto, but we have seen a lot of success and have received a lot of good feedback from prospective, current, and past clients about our capabilities from beginning to end as a General Contractor. Below the specializations are highlighted and the benefits explained:

    1. Dedicated Sales and Estimating Team – To separate sales from service is a pretty rudimentary concept that leads to a lot of benefits. What you get with this is a dedicated touch point to start your journey with your prospective General Contractor, active/regular communication, and a detailed scope of work and budget that is easy to follow and is explained from beginning to end. At BVM Contracting this “team” comprises of one person, but allows us to actively take care of people in the discovery, estimating, or budget finalization phase of their project.

    2. Dedicated Project Administration Staff – To ask questions during a project and get answers back the same day is something that should be expected but is often not delivered upon. Most times the project manager running your renovation or custom home building project is too busy during the day to answer emails and keep all of the project logistics on track. This is where the project administration staff comes in, they keep clients updated on the project and make sure that there is an electronic link between your inquiries and the project manager’s inquiries. At BVM Contracting, everything has a paper trail and with good reason – Home Building and Home Renovation projects are dynamic and can change as you move along, so you need someone who can actively explain those changes via email and provide solutions via email to allow the project to keep moving forward with minimal delays.

    3. Dedicated Skilled Labour Team – Other General Contractors might find the cheapest, most untrained labourers, but at BVM Contracting we call them the minutemen, and for good reason. One of the key reasons we can get projects done faster than the many other General Contractors in Toronto is because we have a team of SKILLED labour (emphasis on skilled) that can do the myriad of tasks in between all of the sub-contractors we hire from beginning to end to make sure that the project is delivered on time and on budget. We cannot stress enough how important having a SKILLED team of labourers is for a General Contractor to deliver on every project, so if any of the General Contractors that you are talking to don’t have one then they are not going to deliver on your renovation or custom home build.

    4. Dedicated Project Management Staff – Having a project manager seems to be a minimum requirement nowadays to call yourself a General Contractor in Toronto, but the fact of the matter is it takes more than just a good Project Manager to deliver a project to the standards of a true General Contracting company. It is so valuable to have a dedicated touch point for the in-house team, subcontractors, and vendors to call to, but it is equally important to relay all project information in a timely manner and with accuracy to ensure the project nears perfection. Having a team alongside a project manager brings everything together and creates a successful General Contractor.

    It also doesn’t hurt if your General Contractor is Family-owned, brownie points for that!

    Conclusion

    The next time you are evaluating General Contractors in Toronto, make sure you understand how their internal processes work in order to make sure that they will be able to deliver for your renovation or custom home building project!

    About BVM COntracting

    BVM Contracting is a full-service General Contractor or Home Builder located in Toronto. We provide home renovation and building services for major home renovations (kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement renovations, full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, and new home construction). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of renovating their home, from concept to completion.

    Further than providing General Contracting and Project Management for major home renovations, we also offer value-added services such as renovation financing, renovation rebate consultations and services, building permit and design services, smart home installation services, and real estate investor services.

    To learn more about our offering by visiting our services page.