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Preparing for Your Renovation: Tips on preventing headaches, upsets and disappointment

(NC)-As the winter's chill subsides and the snow reluctantly gives way to spring rain, many Canadians are excitedly preparing for an upcoming renovation.   Recent statistics indicate that $33-billion is being spent a year on renovation and home improvement in Canada. Why are Canadians renovating? "For some, it's for comfort and appearance," says Mike Clements, Divisional Installation Manager for The Home Depot Canada. "For others, it's to increase the resale value of their home, or it can simply be a matter of safety or energy efficiency. Whatever the reason, Canadians are renovating like never before."   Before undergoing any kind of renovation, it is crucial to prepare for the renovation process. "Many homeowners don't realize the toll a renovation takes, and enter the process unprepared," adds Clements. "Your home will get worse before it gets better."   In order to prevent your next renovation from becoming a headache, The Home Depot Canada offers the following tips: Get it in writing. Establish how you will communicate with your architect and contractor. "Make sure everything is in writing and keep all correspondence archived. Be as detailed as possible in order to prevent problems down the road," says Clements. Trust your contractor. A good contractor will discuss the work with you ahead of time to head off any concerns. Don't stress. Do not start a renovation if there are other significant stresses in your life such as a career change, new baby or health problems. Adding a renovation to the mix could add more stress than you're prepared to handle. Manage your expectations. It is difficult to plan for everything, and you will change your mind once the work begins. "Be prepared to deal with challenges, and expect to make a compromise or two along the way," says Clements. Boost your budget. Add extra dollars for cost overruns. Protect yourself from any possible overlooked aspects of renovation, like hiring cleaners, eating out regularly if your kitchen is being redone, or even buying new furniture to complement the new look of your home. Get it on film. Take video footage or photos of the before and after. "Not only is it a great record to look back on when the project is finished, but it can be an invaluable record if there are problems," says Clements. Sub smarts. It's fine to have a rapport with the sub-traders working in your home, but remember to communicate all your needs to the contractor only. If you act as a go-between you may risk the message getting garbled. Maintain your sense of humor. Remember, the mess is only temporary! For more renovation tips, visit the Home Depot store in your community.   News Canada