The Renovation or New Build Journey

Concept to Completion

by Lynn Sully

You are ready to take the plunge and embark on your home construction or renovation project. However, where do you start and what needs to happen next?

Create Your Plan

It all starts with a plan. Are you renovating a room? Knocking down walls to open up your space? Starting from scratch with a new build? Whatever your intent, take some time to think about what you’d like to achieve – whether that’s a state-of-the-art kitchen, media room or outdoor living space. Once you’ve identified your “non-negotiables,” you’ll be in the best position to make decisions you’ll be happy with over the long term.

Hire Your Team

Your team could include an architect, custom builder, interior designer and landscape designer. Ask for referrals, check out their online portfolios and credentials, and interview your top candidates. Part of your selection process will involve asking for estimates.

Fine-Tune Your Plan and Finalize Your Budget

Work with your Build | Design team to breathe life into your dream home or renovation. Consider your big-picture vision and start talking about the details from room to room. The more you can prepare ahead of time, the better. Your team will present you with a budget for the planned work. It is usually a good idea to have accommodation for extra unforeseen expenses – up to 20 percent –in some cases with any last-minute changes or surprises.

Keep in mind that your home is your most significant investment. Ensuring that your renovation or new build is completed to the highest standard is money well spent. Maybe you are doing a renovation intending to increase the resale value of your home. In that case, you may look at recent surveys of real estate agents for advice on the types of renovations most likely to add value to your home (spoiler alert: kitchen and bathroom renovations are at the top of the list!).

Acquire Your Site and Obtain Permits

If you’re building a new home, you may need to purchase the land and look into environmental, zoning and setback requirements. Your architect/designer/engineer and builder can review the site for potential issues that could impact your design and budget.

Whether building new or carrying out an extensive renovation, you will need to acquire building permits. Your general contractor often performs this task, and the permitting process will depend on your local community. You won’t have the same zoning laws in Okanagan as you would Scottsdale, Las Vegas, or Palm Beach.

Prepare to Make a Lot of Decisions

In consultation with your design team, you’ll be making lots of decisions – which could include finalizing your selections of flooring, fixtures, paint colors, appliances, hardware and more.

Some of these choices will have been made during the planning stage, and others may happen as part of the process. Remember that many items may need to be ordered well in advance, so plan your timelines accordingly.

Watch Your Dream Come to Life

It’s an exciting time when you see 2D plans become a 3D reality, thanks to the hard work and coordinated efforts of your talented tradespeople and specialized contractors.

Review The Work

Throughout the process, you’ll likely have many opportunities to review the work and request necessary corrections or adjustments. You’ll also do a final walk-through with your team to note any remaining deficiencies that need fixing.

There are small firepits for intimate seating or large linear units long enough to warm big group apres ski in Sun Valley or Park City. Fire media options are nearly endless– glass, ceramic logs, lava, and stones, to name a few.

Celebrate a Job Well Done

A new build or renovation is the end of a journey. Whether you’re moving into your newly completed home or using your new kitchen for the first time, pause and reflect on all the time, effort and creativity that has brought you to this moment. Take the time to celebrate everything you and your team have achieved together.