Renovation the building department - which means that construction must come to a halt until the proper permits are obtained - and that can cause significant delays and additional costs .
Navigating the permitting process can be complex and time-consuming , but it is essential to ensure that your renovation project is safe and up to code . At Block , we have a team dedicated to permitting and approvals , but in most cases , your contractor should be able to help you identify the relevant permits you ’ ll need for your project . Either way , getting documents submitted as early as possible is always a good idea . Building boards , for example , are notorious for lengthy approval processes and the last thing you want is to be twiddling your thumbs only to be told you need to redo something . As the saying goes , it ’ s best to measure twice , and cut once . electrical - can cause your project price
to skyrocket and extend your timeline . As such , it ’ s almost always better to work
with the layout you have , and change the flow and feel of the space through levers like proportions . We ’ ve worked with bathrooms that felt incredibly cramped , but opened up to feel spacious once we reduced the size of the vanity , or replaced a fully enclosed shower with a partially enclosed shower with a glass divider .
In all , renovating can be a hard , yet incredibly rewarding experience . By giving yourself ample time to get your project set up for success , you help ensure that your project goes as smoothly as possible . Work with a partner you can trust , invest wisely , and soon enough you ’ ll have the renovated space of your dreams . ■
Set for success
Another thing to consider is budget . Renovations are a big investment , no matter what , and it ’ s important to know where you can cut corners and where to properly invest . For example , a quality , licensed , insured contractor might come with a premium , but a skilled builder can be worth the investment since they are responsible for the quality of the work and managing the project timeline .
Conversely , there are plenty of ways to save money on the materials for your project and you can still achieve a premium look without breaking the bank . For example , instead of a marble countertop or backsplash , opt for Caesarstone - which can give you a similar aesthetic with a lower price point and greater durability . Consider swapping real wood materials for wood-effect features or veneers . If you are working with a designer , they may be able to get a trade discount from their vendors . The biggest way to keep the budget down , however , is to not change the layout of your space . Layout changes - especially those that involve moving plumbing and
Graham Gordon www . blockrenovation . com
Graham Gordon is Senior Design Manager at Block Renovation , an industry leader of end-toend renovation platforms that manages contracts , permitting , payments , design , vendors , and contractors - all in one place . Renovations are both an aspirational journey , but also fraught with anxiety and risk as they frequently take longer , cost more , and cause more stress than anticipated . Block Renovation is the platform where contractors AND homeowners manage major renovation projects leading to simpler , faster , and higher trust for all users .
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