Brent Pooles
Home Improvements
When completing any home renovation projects it is always important to understand the correct terminology. It may seem incidental but if you are approaching a bank or mortgage lender for funds it will help, especially when it comes to accurate estimates for best rate/terms on loans.
The key difference is that to renovate means to revive or restore something to its original state through repairs – repainting, refacing, restoring. Basically it retains the same functions but will look new and improved. However, remodel is to restructure, rebuild, add-on, to “remake”, principally. You change the functionality of a room or home in addition to updating.
Each option alters the look and feel of the home and in some cases may increase the property value.
Working out the average cost of a project?Any renovation or remodel will vary depending on the scale of the job at hand. Scope of work is also important: knowing how long the project will take will prepare for the worst-case scenario. Get several quotes. Never settle on one. Make sure you choose a contractor who has experience and credentials. There are still crooks out there.
Here are some ideas you may consider this year.
Multifunctional rooms. If the last three years taught us anything, it is that none of us has enough workspace for everyone in the home. It is also another reason why multifunctional rooms are hot for 2023.
Homeowners want to ensure their homes have enough space for working from home, home schooling, online meetings – all spaces necessary for not falling over each other. Your office could double up as a room for schooling. Kitchens can double as work zones when necessary. Multifunctional rooms are part of today’s way of living.
Another part of this is to not forget about dual living spaces. Places where you can relax and unwind. Things like chairs in bedrooms for cosey night reading, or couches in offices and even extra chairs in the kitchen so family can chat with you while cook or ready for the day.
Talk about spaces where you can relax, have you ever considered creating a spa-like oasis in your bathroom? You need a place where you can really unwind and relax after a long hard day of work or just keeping pace with life. Having somewhere to be alone, gather your thoughts and unwind can do wonders for your soul. Give some consideration to an oversized bathtub, a stand-up walk-in shower, low lighting with calming soft palette colours. Add some fresh plants to encourage the atmosphere. Candles can enhance the mood.
If your bathroom is tight on storage, adding some built in shelves or hidden cupboards allows for you to have all essentials on hand while keeping that soothing environment.
Always, before completing any work, check with your contractor for necessary permits. Now I am off to zone out in the bathtub.
Brent Poole is the owner operator of Handy Hands Construction, which hehas run with his father Jim since 1997. Acarpenter by trade, Brent enjoys all typesof projects. “We’re not happy until you arehappy!”
