You’ve bought a new house or you’re looking to add value to your current home.  You’re starting the renovation challenge. Whether you’re a first time renovator or you’ve done it many times before, the key to a fairly smooth renovation is communication.

Before you get started with the demo, take time to consider what you truly want from your renovation. If you do you will save time, save money and likely save yourself from a lot of frustration.  These 5 questions will get you started and help make a smoother renovation and will get you results that meet your vision.

1. What rooms do you want renovate? This may seem like a total no-brainer but quite often renovating one room or space will affect adjoining spaces. For example, if you are renovating your kitchen, will your dining room or family room seem dated or unfinished afterwards?  If you have a budget that will allow you to only renovate one room at a time, you’ll need to think about how each space affects the other and plan accordingly.

2. How much can you realistically afford to spend?  When you’re looking at your budget have you included tax and/or designer fees? Have you accounted for relocation costs if you need to move out for a few months?  Have you included costs for permits and applications? Do you have a contingency budget?

3. How will you use the room you’re renovating? Again this question may seem like a no-brainer but taking the time to really think about how you and your family will use each space may change the design, the look, the finishes and even the budget.

4. What’s your design style? Are you ultra modern? Do you prefer traditional styles and colours? Are you all about industrial design or ultra modern? Look through design magazines. Create inspiration boards on Pinterest. Look at all kinds of designs and figure out which one feels most like you you.

5. What type of materials do you love? Do you prefer sleek and shiny? Do you love the look of lacquer and glass?  Or maybe you love the texture of wood? What you like for one room may not work in the next or adjoining one.  Counter tops, floors, doors, walls, furniture all come in a variety of materials, so discover which ones fit your personality and lifestyle best.