Bryan Baeumler Shares 7 Signs You’re Starting Your Reno Too Soon

Often, I see homeowners dive head first into home renovations before they are ready to do so. The excitement of beginning a renovation may encourage you to pick up a hammer and get to work, but there are important and necessary steps that must be taken before you begin a project of any size. Here are some signs that you may not be ready to begin your renovations just yet.

Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan, Leave it to Bryan and Island of Bryan.

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You Don’t Have a Plan

If you’re beginning your reno without a concrete plan in place: stop right there. Before anything, you should already have a drawn plan for the renovation. You need to decide what the end result will look like; and without a plan, you are going into your renovation blind, which never ends well.

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You Don’t Have the Proper Resources

Not having the proper resources can derail your project. It is important that you have all the necessary tools, material and safety equipment to get the job done. This step should be taken after establishing a plan, but before allocating the budget, as you may need to buy or rent some equipment or tools for the job. It is important to consider all the proper material you have before beginning the project.

Woman budgeting on laptop with coffee in hand

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You Haven’t Allocated a Budget

Having a budget is the first step in any project. You’ll want to decide on a reasonable budget that can allow you to achieve the finishes you want, while ensuring the quality of the project. It is important to formulate your budget realistically and make sure that you have done the necessary research. I always suggest creating a spreadsheet and pricing out everything that will be needed. It is also important to understand that often, renovations do go over budget. Ensure that you have the necessary funds to support that and any unexpected issues that may arise.

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You’re Not Prepared for the Unexpected

In any home renovation, always be prepared for the unexpected. This means that before you begin, you must allocate a specific amount of money outside of the budget that will act as a safety net for anything that doesn’t go as planned. I always recommend having approximately 10% of your overall budget dedicated to any unexpected circumstances or issues.

Tradesman and architect discussing work order at construction site

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You Haven’t Consulted a Professional

If you’re looking to begin a large renovation, I also recommend consulting a professional. While there may be tasks that you can take on yourself, when it comes to anything structural, electrical or plumbing related, I always suggest bringing in a professional to complete the job. This will not only save you from a headache or error long term, but can also leave you feeling confident that the job was done correctly.

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You Don’t Have Necessary Permits

Make sure that you have the necessary permits to begin your project. Before the project begins, you must formulate a plan and ensure that any work that you want to do will be up to code. I always suggest speaking with a professional before beginning your project to ensure that you are on the right track. They will provide further insight into what kind of permits you require for the work you will be doing.

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You Haven’t Done Your Research

Before you begin, you will need to do the appropriate research to organize your overall plan. Start with taking the appropriate measurements and researching the tools and material you may need. I often suggest that prior to going to the hardware store, shop around to see what is on sale and where offers the best pricing. This can make for a smoother start when it comes to your project.