PRO TIPS FOR RENOVATION
Worst to First host shares some words of wisdom
Mickey Fabbiano grew up in the family construction business. He has been on work sites since he could walk and was a full-fledged member of his dad’s construction team by the time he was in high school.
As host of HGTV Canada’s Worst to First with business partner and best friend Sebastian Sevallo, he turns rundown homes into the envy of the neighbourhood.
“We do a lot of gutting, layout changes and additions,” says the Vancouver resident. “For example, if a homeowner wants a second floor, we could remove the roof, build walls and a new roof to add another storey on the home. If that’s not possible, we could build dormers on the existing roof to make the attic space usable. We also could put the house on stilts and dig down or lift the home up and do a new foundation to create a basement level. Cutting off an exterior wall of the house it also an option.”
Fabbiano answers our questions on how to survive a home renovation:
Q What are some of the things a homeowner should nail down before tackling a home renovation?
A One of the best things a homeowner can do for their renovation is have a plan and try your best to stick to it. Also, know your budget and keep a 10 per cent contingency, as you cannot anticipate what you might find in the walls or what the previous builder did that may need fixing.
For example, if you’re renovating your kitchen to create an open concept and discover a point load in the wall that you didn’t anticipate being there, there will either be an unexpected cost to reposition it or you decide to change the plan and leave it. But if you decide to change the plan, don’t stray too far, as it can have a snowball effect that leads to further changes and delays in the overall project. Research all your options and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision either way.
Q What are some of the most common surprises contractors find that affect the budget?
A Older homes don’t always have plans that you can review and even if they do, it doesn’t mean they’re always correct. Electricians and plumbers may have run wires and pipes through a supporting member that jeopardizes the structural integrity, which means not only does it have to be rerouted but also that structural member would need to be replaced.
Another common issue is rot. Although you may see signs of rot, you can’t know the extent of the issue until you start to open it up. Sometimes rot or mould is isolated in one area and other times can be the whole wall or house; it can be surface rot or it can be rotting out structural members of the home. Of course, with moisture comes insects and that can add a whole other can of worms.
Q What are your thoughts when a client offers to help?
A As a contractor who’s always looking to keep cost down, I welcome the idea but with a warning. If you don’t have a flexible schedule, I would stay away from trying to lend a hand. In the past, I’ve had homeowners ask to help and, in the end, it didn’t save money, added to their stress and created more work for my team.
Q Living through a renovation is stressful. What are some of your survival tips?
A Plan, plan and plan some more. Renovations require decision making multiple times a day. Whether it’s a big decision like deciding on the layout of the home or a small decision like picking hardware out for your cabinets, you want to make sure you make the best decision for every choice, style, price and availability.
The more decisions you make before the renovation starts, the better off you’ll be.
Q. You work with a designer. Do you recommend homeowners include one when tackling a renovation and if so, why?
A. Yes. If you need a permit for the renovation, you have to submit drawings to the city, which a designer can do for you. A designer can also walk you through your options when coming up with the layout. They can see what works for you within your space, help you weigh the pros and cons, and show you different options that reflect your style and needs.
Q We’ve all heard horror stories of projects gone wrong. What are some of the things a homeowner should ask a prospective contractor?
A It’s important that you have a good working relationship with your contractor, so get to know them before engaging in work to make sure they are the right fit for you and vice versa.
Also, talk to people who have worked with them before. Ask your contractor about all the possibilities from best-case scenario to worst.
Get to know your job so you have better understanding about what work needs to be done. If you know what is coming down the pipeline, then you can ask the right questions.