Renovating your space is stressful, and as any homeowner knows, usually full of unexpected costs. When you’re budgeting for your renovation, it’s always good to have some capital set aside in case there are extra costs that you didn’t think about (which most often there are). Keep these five hidden costs in mind so that you can keep your budget on track while renovating your home.
1. Don’t Ignore Building Codes
One of the most common hidden costs of home renovations is building codes. Keep in mind that each city and province has their own building standards, and failing to take these into account may result in extra costs. If you do not ensure your house is up to code, be prepared to pay unwanted fines. When consulting with your contractor, make sure that they are up to date with building codes specific to your area.
2. Don’t Start Without A Clear Plan For Your Renovation
It may surprise you to know that many of the hidden costs during a renovation are attributed to simply changing your mind. Many homeowners like something that they see in store, but don’t consider how it will look in their own home, or with other elements of their exterior. Pay attention to the color of your exterior and the current style that defines your home. If you love a modern exterior, but your home is more of a classic style, you’ll want to pick elements like doors and windows that fit in with what you already have. Remember that any time you decide to change the scope of work on your renovation you increase the time involved in the project, so make a clear, practical plan before beginning to renovate the exterior of your home, especially when taking out a line-of-credit to get the job done.
3. Don’t Forget The Driveway
Your driveway is one of the very first things people see when they come to your house. If you are thinking about resale value, consider the costs of redoing your driveway. Repairing cracks in your current driveway can be pricey, and many driveway contractors charge a minimum, even if there is not much work to be done. When debating between materials for a new driveway consider the maintenance costs versus longevity. If you opt for an environmentally friendly interlock driveway, labour costs might go way up, so make sure to get an estimate from a contractor before committing to a new driveway.
4. Consider Your Privacy and Energy Costs When Purchasing Windows
While the lure of a good price is always tempting, skimping out on your windows can end up leading to lowered energy efficiency and higher utility bills. Not having strong, secure windows can let in drafts and reduce the overall efficiency of your home. When choosing your window supplier, make sure that they have an EnergyStar accreditation, so that you know your windows will help keep your energy costs down.
Another thing to consider when your thinking about your windows, is the privacy you want in your home. Have a big window that looks out? Maybe you won’t necessarily want that glass to be clear. Take a look at different glass options to make sure that you pick the right glass for your windows.
5. Don’t Underestimate The Importance Of Your Doors
Your exterior door is the entryway that incurs the most wear and tear in your home. Having an entry system that is durable, safe, and has excellent security features is of the utmost importance for you and your family. EnegyStar rated doors means a lower heating bill during the winter, and doors with sophisticated lock systems mean that you can rest easy knowing that your beautiful home is protected. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our Instagram for inspiration!
Renovating the exterior of your home is no easy process, even for experienced homeowners. Hidden costs are always going to pop up, but if you’re prepared, you’ll be able to stay within your budget.
Have questions about exterior doors or windows? Chat with us, or call us here.