One of the great things about living on southern Vancouver Island is the opportunity, if needed, to design, build and renovate year-round – no frozen ground to navigate, even in January. However, those same mild temperatures also bring their own challenges, meaning that while winter renovations are possible, starting during the sunnier months often creates a smoother, less stressful experience for everyone involved.
"Any time your home is going to be opened up to the environment, let's try to do that when the sun is shining," says Spencer Dunstan-Adams, Project Leader with MAC Reno-Design-Build and MI Construction here on the Saanich Peninsula.
So, for those eying the new year as a time of reinvention for their home, we chatted with Dunstan-Adams about the different kinds of renovations and when best to start them.
Whether sparked by long-awaited lower interest rates or the need for a second bathroom for your teenagers, a successful renovation begins with planning. Beyond the budget and design, that includes timelines that account for details like the weather, the scope of your project and whether you plan to remain in the home during construction.
For larger projects that involve opening the roof or walls to the outside, the weather isn't the only consideration. Often, homeowners plan the most disruptive parts of the project to coincide with a family trip or camping season so they can be out of the house altogether, Dunstan-Adams says.
Interior jobs, like a kitchen or bathroom update or finishing a basement, are easier to fit in through the year, without having to wait for the winter rains to dry up. However, if you only have one bathroom or you're ripping out the entire kitchen, you may still need temporary accommodation for a time.
Planning for success
Once you've decided to renovate, it's time to begin the planning process – a key element that considers the scope of the project, the home and property, proposed budget and timelines.
"The planning process is for you and us – is the project feasible, what's the expected cost and timeline, and with that information, is it something you want to do?" Dunstan-Adams says.
Moving forward, pre-construction includes not only design and architectural elements, but any necessary permitting through the municipality or strata, professional measurements and tasks like hazardous material or archeological studies, all steps that will help prevent unwanted surprises, costs and delays once work begins.
"We don't want to build the plane while we're flying," Dunstan-Adams says. "We need to go through the planning phase and iron out the details."
For those hoping for a summer renovation, January / February is a great time to start the process, but no matter when you're hoping to break ground – earlier or later – it's important to bring those hoped-for timelines to your builder. If you're hoping to host a wedding in May, for example, and want to have a new guest room and bathroom, be upfront with that goal, so your contractor can let you know if it's feasible. A well-timed renovation means fewer surprises and faster results.
"Everyone has their own timeline and requirements, and we work year-round, "Dunstan-Adams notes. "My biggest goal is to make sure you're prepared."
To learn more about creating a space you’ll love for years to come, visit macreno.com or call the design team today at 250-384-6091. And be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, trends and tips.
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