Autumn is the best time to jump start your summer renovation

Save money, get what you want by finding experts early

As Halloween approaches, the last thing you’re likely thinking about is next summer’s home renovation. Yet experts say now is the perfect time to start planning that big project so you’re ready when the weather is.

“You should be researching who you want to work with and be hiring them by the end of January,” advises interior designer Evelyn Eshun, principal at Evelyn Eshun Design.

This is especially true for any landscaping or outdoor projects, such as a new deck or other living space, when you want the work to begin right when the ground thaws so it’s completed before summer even begins.

“No one is thinking about eating and drinking outside in the middle of January. But if you start planning in February, that’s too late,” Eshun says.

Anything that requires the ground to be thawed for digging should be first on the planning list, as well as roofing jobs.

The key to getting the contractor, trades people and materials that you want at a price you can afford is to start by figuring out what you want to do and how you’re going to do it.

If you choose to work with an interior or landscape designer, hire him or her first. Together you will make a plan to present to a contractor.

“In the end, contractors are not designers, they’re not decorators and they do not want to be the ones holding your hand while you make the choices,” Eshun says.

When a contractor knows what he is doing and when he is doing it, the project can begin and end on time and within budget.

Evan Bramson, owner of Bramson Construction, says clients should be calling him three months before they want the work to begin. “But that means the planning is done.”

Keep in mind that July 1is the most requested start date for summer renos, he says, because most people want the bulk of the work done while they can be out of the house for longer stretches and before the kids head back to school.

Once you’ve hired your contractor and set a start date, the next step is to make sure you’ve got all the necessary materials so the work can begin on time.

Appliances, fixtures, flooring, tiles, and paint should all be ordered well ahead, Eshun says. You never know what may end up out of stock, discontinued or on back-order.

Planning well ahead will also help you save money. You’ll have plenty of time to browse clearance sales where you can find end-of-the-line items at 50 to 75 per cent off the regular price.

“But that’s not something you will come across if you’re in a rush to get product to your job site in the next day or two,” Eshun says.

And if you don’t have the time to look for materials and hire trades people yourself, a designer cannot only help you determine what the finished project will look like, but how to get there.

They know where to find just about anything, and have closer relationships with contractors and trades people than you do, particularly if this is your first big reno project.

Renovations have a reputation for going overtime and over budget, but that typically happens when clients start adding on side projects, fall in love with products that weren’t part of the original plan, or poorly manage all the elements, from product purchases to scheduling.

“Everyone sees on television how a renovation can be so fast and cheap, but frankly that’s not the reality,” Eshun says. “You can end up with a bit of a money pit if you don’t work with professionals.”