6 Tips to Achieve Your Dream Reno
Whether you’re designing your dream home or updating one room, what’s behind the walls is just as important as what you put on them. An electrical misstep, in planning or executing, could turn your reno into a nightmare. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) shares 6 tips that will help you to realize the reno of your dreams.
You can also see ESA’s Power Your Reno panel featuring design expert Kimberley Seldon and electrical expert Steve Smith, moderated by Cityline’s Tracy Moore, on Saturday, March 17 at 1 p.m. at the Celebrity Stage.
1. Work With A Team of Experts
Hiring an interior designer and skilled, qualified tradespeople will help achieve a reno that suits your family’s needs, makes use of every square foot, and meet safety standards. When building your team, request written estimates from at least three contractors, and get at least three references (and check them!) from people who’ve had similar work done.
2. ASK FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
Ask for recommendations from friends and neighbours when it comes to hiring professionals for the job. But even with a referral, always verify the service provider holds valid insurance, licenses and certification(s) if required and verify their subcontractors hold valid insurance and applicable licenses as well.
3. USE A LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Whether you’re hiring subcontractors on your own or relying on a general contractor or interior designer to do so, when it comes to electrical one of the safest and most cost-effective decisions you can make is hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor for the work. In Ontario, only an Licensed Electrical Contractor can legally do electrical work for hire. Plus, a Licensed Electrical Contractor is required to handle the details when it comes to electrical work, including permits and inspections. Read these 4 Questions to Ask to make sure you’re hiring the right person for the job.
4. PLAN YOUR ELECTRICAL EARLY IN THE DESIGN PROCESS
When thinking of tackling any renovation, you should always start with a plan. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code can impact where things go in your space, so it is important to develop your electrical plan early in the design process. Work with a Licensed Electrical Contractor to help make sure your plan incorporates all your electrical components, including lighting and outlet placement, to avoid any costly changes once the project is underway or worse, already complete.
5. SET A CLEAR BUDGET
Always include a contingency of 20 per cent to handle any overlooked expenses. Get all change orders and estimates in writing so you know how updates will impact your budget. And although you might think electrical is costly, according to design expert Kimberley Seldon, it often accounts for just five per cent of a total renovation budget – but only if it’s done right the first time.
6. CHOOSE CLASSIC DESIGNS TO STAY IN STYLE.
New trends will come and go every year, so keep your renovation looking timeless with classic styles for big purchase decisions such as cabinetry, tile, countertops and flooring. Add interest and colour with accessories and paint.
Remember
Electrical work can be complicated and it’s often an important part of the renovation plan. A Licensed Electrical Contractor will handle all the details when it comes to the electrical work, permits, and inspections. Verify your Licensed Electrical Contractor or find one near you at findacontractor.esasafe.com.
Content was developed based on information provided by the Electrical Safety Authority. Find more information at poweryourreno.ca.
