FadyReno’s expertise spans across a wide array of renovations and remodels, each tailored to the unique demands of individual projects. The company's expansive reach is not just limited to the diversity of services but also the geography it covers. Serving cities across Ontario, FadyReno has become a household name, trusted and revered by many for its impeccable service, timely deliveries, and a transparent approach.
Damp-proof measures and new insulation will be incorporated at this stage and any existing damp issues can be sorted out. Always get an independent expert to take a look at any damp and advise on the right solution. Impermeable waterproofing may be ideal for modern homes, but can do more harm than good in a solid-walled period property. Often, the problem can be solved using non-invasive methods, such as improving ground drainage and ventilation or even just getting the heating back on.
This is a key step to ensure the best chance of success when renovating a house. It will greatly reduce the need for additional work and even possible repairs down the line, therefore no time (or money) will be wasted.
‘It’s important to swiftly get your property sufficiently weathertight because so many subsequent stages, such as plastering, electrics and joinery, need a dry building,’ says Michael Holmes.
‘Getting the roof coverings on, with all of the associated flashings and weather seals, is vital,’ adds Hugo Tugman. ‘Fitting doors and windows is also a huge step forward. Wrap them in temporary protection as the work continues.’ While the scaffold is up, it is a good idea to check chimney stacks and pots are stable and clear, and to replace or repair lead flashings, guttering, fascias, soffits, render and cladding.
If you’re changing the internal layout of the property, this is the stage where stud walls will be built and staircases, door linings, window reveals and sills installed, ready for the plasterers to work up to.
Once this is complete, pipes and cables for hot and cold water, gas, electrics, phones, internet, and waste drainage will be installed into the floors, walls and ceilings. ‘Cables will be left sticking out in the right places for lights and power points, while pipes will be set in the right positions for basins, baths and toilets, which will all be fitted later,’ explains Hugo Tugman. Underfloor heating is also an important first fix item and care must be taken to avoid damaging the pipes before the floors are laid over them.
The ceilings will now be boarded, bringing the cables through into position as per the lighting plan. Walls can be lined with plasterboard and floorboards or screed laid.
‘Walls and ceilings can then be plastered, and for the first time you’ll start to get a sense of the size of the rooms,’ says Hugo. Plaster and screed needs to dry out, which can take from two to six weeks. The longer it can be left, the less danger of moisture causing problems with second fix joinery and wooden floors.
The second fix refers to everything that follows successful plastering of the house as detailed above. It involves fitting fixtures that require wiring. and appliances that need plumbing, doors and more that essentially bring a house to life.
‘The second fix can be a very exciting stage, but can also be the most frustrating as it often seems to take an eternity,’ says Hugo Tugman. ‘This is where many of the items you will interact with in the house get installed. Kitchens, appliances and worktops, sanitaryware and taps in the bathrooms, lighting in the ceilings and power points in the walls will be fitted into position, connecting to the cables and pipes that were brought into the right places at the first fix stage.’ The boiler and heating system will also be activated.
As well as the kitchen, you will want to get the bathroom renovation sorted at this stage too. This is a very important stage as some mortgage lenders stipulate that the property must be habitable with a working kitchen and bathroom. If you have previously had to borrow under different terms, you can now update your lender on progress.
Decorating is the part of a project that people most look forward to. This is where you really get to put your stamp on your home and make it yours.
‘Where we had heavy and rough work at the earlier stages, now we have lighter, more precise work where care needs to be taken not to damage finishes and to install items level, straight and in-line,’ says Hugo Tugman.
Staircases, skirting boards and wardrobes can be put in, floor finishes can be laid, tiles can be applied, and the decorating work can begin.
‘You can save money on expensive floor finishes by not installing it underneath kitchen units and islands, but it can prove a false economy if you later decide to change the layout,’ warns Michael Holmes. ‘Either way, skirting boards are always best fitted after hard floor finishes.’
The colour schemes you choose depends on whether this is a home for life or a project you plan to sell on in a few years. ‘I find it is best to stick to a quality, classic design over passing interior trends – less is definitely more,’ says Sarah Beeny.
‘Think longevity when choosing bathroom ideas or a kitchen design. If you’re creating your own home, luxury items can always be addressed at a later date, so look at creating a strong canvas to build upon over the coming years.’
Marlow Turquoise Mix ceramic tiles by Tile Giant in a modern kitchen, with a white butler's sink, a dark wood floating shelf and hanging lights, and dark grey cabinets
Unless you have hired a project manager who oversees all the subcontractors, it will fall on you to make sure the site is tidy at the end of the day. Each individual trade will do what they can to keep their work area tidy, but it is inevitable that there will be a certain amount of shared mess that nobody takes responsibility for. Sweep up and have a quick tidy at the end of each day to make sure that tradespeople who come in to start new jobs the following day aren’t held up, or that you don't have a build-up of mess.
Custom Color Paintinga traditional white freestanding dresser in a country kitchen with red tile floor, a wooden chair, and welly boots in the background
If the eventual ROI when you come to sell your property surpasses the amount of money spent on renovating the house, then it is financially worth it. Where house prices are a little out of reach, renovating could even be your best way to get on the property ladder.
But be aware that adding value isn’t guaranteed. ‘Budgets can overrun, the market can change or you can simply be unlucky,’ says Jonathan Rolande. ‘It is a risk but good research will stack the odds in your favour. Only take on property at a price you can afford to lose money at.’
Of course, the benefits of renovation should not just be considered in financial terms. It can help you to create a home you love, with more space and better facilities to live the life you want to live.
Taking your home down to the studs for a top to bottom renovation is a big endeavour. It’s often stressful, expensive, and time consuming. That’s why it’s important to partner with an experienced contractor who will work with you to understand your goals, respect your budget, and be able to work within an agreed upon timeline. It goes without saying, for a full house renovation you also need an excellent project manager to coordinate all the moving parts. With the right team, tackling a major project like a full house renovation will be more manageable and ultimately enjoyable.
The success of any project is defined by how closely the end result meets your objectives. That’s why it’s a good idea to clearly identify your goals before embarking on any home renovation. Examples may include:
Once you know what you’re looking to accomplish, Billdr and its team of vetted contractors can help define a work plan. For instance, to reduce energy costs, you’ll need to address your heating and ventilation setup as well as your home’s insulation. To make room for a new baby, you will need to determine if it’s possible to alter your home’s existing footprint or if you need to extend your home. It’s likely you’ll have overlapping objectives that can be addressed in similar ways.
Once you know what you’re looking to accomplish, Billdr and its team of vetted contractors can help define a work plan. For instance, to reduce energy costs, you’ll need to address your heating and ventilation setup as well as your home’s insulation. To make room for a new baby, you will need to determine if it’s possible to alter your home’s existing footprint or if you need to extend your home. It’s likely you’ll have overlapping objectives that can be addressed in similar ways.
Within the range of what you can do during a home renovation, there are minor, standard and major renovations.
Minor renovations and many standard ones don’t require an architect, structural engineer, or technologist. Major renovations almost always require at least one of these professionals. Your Billdr project manager can suggest the right professional based on your scope and goals.
If you need plans drawn up by an architect, technologist, designer or engineer and approved by your city, give yourself a minimum of 4 to 6 months before starting construction. When you’re starting a major renovation that involves your whole house or several rooms, it’s best not to rush.
With a lot of moving parts, good planning and preparation is key to success. Involving a Billdr Project Manager at the onset can ensure less surprises down the road. From providing an initial budget estimate to helping define the project scope, Billdr can provide a better understanding of what to expect throughout the renovation process.
It’s highly recommended that you live in your home before renovating. This will give you a good sense of how you use the space and where your home falls short. If you’re buying an old house that needs a lot of work and is unlivable, that might not be possible or desirable. In that case, try to get into the house at different times during the day to evaluate the natural light, how the home temperature feels when it’s colder, etc. Living in your house prior to renovation, even for a little bit, however, will empower you to make more confident decisions about what you need and what to get done.
While different cities have different requirements, if you are setting out to do a whole house renovation with architect and/or engineer plans, then it’s very likely you will need a permit. It’s also likely that you’ll need a permit for any exterior changes like siding and new windows.
Factor the time to obtain permits into your renovation schedule. There are times during the year when the permit bureaus are busier than others, for instance leading up to the summer months. You can call your permit bureau to see what their average time delays are for issuing permits.
If your house is deemed historical or in an area with homogeneity rules, the permit process might take longer than average. Even if you’re working with an architect, it’s a good idea to find out what restrictions might be in place in your area. That way you can focus on making changes that are likely to be approved.
Any reputable contractor will have property, liability and workers compensation policies in place. All Billdr contractors for instance have at least $2-million of liability insurance. It’s also vital you inform your homeowners insurance that you are renovating and provide them with details regarding the scope of your renovation. Your insurer will let you know about any additional costs to cover liability during construction. You should also let them know if you will be moving out of the house during the renovation to see whether that impacts your policy.
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