Planning to Renovate or Build?
By: Herb Lagois

As consumers we have endless choices for renovating or building, and the choices can be daunting. How do we know the best building technique? What are the implications? Will systems work with each other? Is it Green? Is it healthy? Can we afford it? How do we know we are making correct decisions?

The internet is a great tool for researching definitions, products, builders, and renovators. However, the internet can be confusing, even conflicting.

What do you do?

You can consult design professionals. Architects, Architectural Technologists, and Professional Designers are educated and certified in their area of practice. However, by sure to find someone who is suited for and understands your project.

An individual designing commercial office towers may not be suited to designing small residential additions. Will the designer listen to your ideas? Can you work together? Has the designer worked on similar projects?

Design is an art form dealing with aesthetics and space planning. Competent designers will be able to educate you about building technologies, energy efficiencies, healthy building techniques, building code requirements, by-law requirements, government incentives, cost implications etc. Competent designers will also be able to holistically integrate all design and building elements and be able to advise you accordingly.

Check references. Ask questions. During the design process, take time making decision. Be sure the design meets the criteria and goals. Most importantly, enjoy the process.

A good set of plans will help builders and renovators bring the design to fruition. This is critical for accurate estimating. Is it fair to you, for example, if the builder/renovator guesses and compensates for unknowns? A good set of plans will ensure the project is built properly and accordingly to specifications.

Be sure to check references. Are they a member of Home Builders’ Associations, Renovator Councils, and RenoMark ™ programs? Good builders and renovators will provide detailed written estimates outlining the scope of the work, specifications, and time-lines.

Always get it in writing.

And then, when you’re living in the comfort of your well-designed and well-built addition. Won’t it be awesome when you can boast to your friends about your ICF foundation, pre-engineered floor system, super energy efficient SIP walls, hydronic geothermal heating supplemented with Solar, EnerGuide rate appliances, low-VOC materials…?

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