Don’t overpay for heat this winter

Published Jessica Vitullo - December 15, 2015    

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Staying warm this winter is a necessity. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to stay comfortable and cozy in your home. Improve your energy bills this month by following our guide and enlisting in a heating expert to heat your home this winter season.

Hire a pro to conduct a heat/energy assessment

No matter how much your energy bills are this month, there are always adjustments you can make in your home to save a little bit more. Having said that, you’ll want to find out which areas of your home are losing the greatest amount of heat. You can’t fix the problem if you don’t know where it is, right?

Hire a heating specialist to visit your home and evaluate where you can save on energy in your home. They might even offer you some advice on the heating system you have in your home and determine if it’s the right size for the size of home it’s heating.

Cover drafty windows

If you’ve had a heat assessment and know that some windows in your home aren’t properly sealed, thus allowing cool air to leak into your home, it’s time to do some winter-proofing. Taping a clear plastic sheet to the window frame (or even inside the window frames) will help keep that cold air in, thus keeping your home warmer during the cold months. You may also want to consider installing tight-fitting drapes or shades on the windows to keep that cold air from coming into your home.

Use the sun’s heat to heat your home

Maybe you’ve already installed energy efficient drapes on your windows. If that’s the case, then let the sunlight from outside stream into your home to naturally heat the rooms you’re in most. Keep curtains open (or drapes up) on south-facing windows during the day to let your home soak up that sun. Close them at night and turn up the heat if necessary.

Buy a programmable thermostat

When you’re inside your home, you want to be comfortable. But turning the thermostat back a few degrees before leaving the house means you’re coming home to unbearable cold. That’s why it’s a worthwhile idea to invest in a programmable thermostat. They allow you to set the temperature at specific times, so you can set the temperature low during the day, and have the thermostat turn on to a higher temperature right before you’re planning to come home.

Scheduling the thermostat like this will help you save money on your bills on a monthly basis since you won’t be wasting precious heat while you’re not there.

 Schedule a heating system check-up

Your home’s heating system should be regularly maintained in order for it to work properly. That means replacing the filters every three to four months and having an experienced heating specialist visit your home to ensure it’s in proper working order. Consult our directory to find a specialist who can conduct a home visit. To help you make a decision on who to hire, read through the reviews on our site!

Use the fireplace properly

Is there a better feeling than sitting yourself in front of the fireplace? It’s a great way to keep your home warm, but there are a few things to consider:

• Close the damper when the fireplace isn’t in use. Keeping it open throughout the day lets the hot air escape through the chimney.
• Add caulking around the fireplace hearth.

There are even more ways to keep money in your wallet this winter. Check it out:

You can keep warm this winter and save money while doing it. By making these small adjustments in your home, and of course, using our directory to hire a heating professional to monitor your home’s heating system, you’ll have a comfortable and less expensive winter season.

Don’t make these mistakes when heating your home

Published Jessica Vitullo - December 16, 2015    

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When it’s frigid outside, you’ll stop at nothing to heat your home. But did you know that cranking up the heat after coming home to a house that’s been cold for so long is bad for your furnace? Here’s a round-up of mistakes to avoid while you heat your home this coming winter season. If you’ve made them in the past, you may want to consult a heating specialist.

Ignoring a foul smell

Have you ever walked around your house and thought you smelled rotten eggs? This is a very important signal to watch out for in your home, for it could be a gas leak odour. Here’s what could be happening:

• There could be a crack in the heat exchanger of the furnace.
• This is sending carbon monoxide into your home.

If there’s a foul odour in your home, don’t make the mistake of spraying your home with air fresheners. Instead, vacate the premises and call 911. Once your home has been checked, it’s important to make a call to your local heating professional. They should conduct a full inspection on your furnace unit to ensure it’s in proper working order. Make any necessary repairs in order to prevent a harmful situation from happening in your home this season.

Ignoring furnace maintenance

We’ve all heard the saying: If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. While your furnace might be running, that doesn’t mean it’s running at its optimal capacity, nor does it mean there are minor glitches with the unit that can lead to much bigger problems in the future.

Instead of waiting for the unit to break down on what could feel like the coldest day of the year, have a heating professional inspect the unit on a regular basis. When a unit is inspected regularly as opposed to annually, a professional can identify any problems with the unit and make the necessary repairs. Putting off maintenance could cost you more money in the long run if a problem is left without repairing and the unit breaks down.

Closing air vents in the rooms you’re not occupying

There’s a common misconception that closing the air vents in the rooms you’re not using will allow for the hot air to only filter through open vents throughout the house. That’s not always the case. Your HVAC system and air ducts are built in such a way to evenly distribute warm air into every room in the house. Closing air vents disrupts the balance and can prevent that proper air flow from filtering into your home. This puts stress on your furnace, which can lead to a costly breakdown and repair.

Instead, keep the air vents open throughout the house and adjust your thermostat to a temperature you can comfortably live with.

Cranking up the thermostat upon arriving home

Picture this: you lowered the thermostat before you left the house in order to save on energy. That’s a smart move on your part because what’s the point in having the thermostat run when there’s no one home to bask in the warmth? However, upon returning home, the house is frigid and you immediately turn up the thermostat. This is yet another mistake you’ll want to avoid this season. Here’s why:

• Your furnace takes time to heat up and exchange the cold air in your home for warm heat.
• Cranking up the heat means the furnace will take longer to reach that higher, desired temperature.

Instead, set the thermostat to a few degrees higher and wait for it to work. Once the furnace is warmed up, gradually increase the temperature until you’re comfortable. By being patient and running the furnace slowly, you’ll put less stress on the unit and prevent it from breaking down.

This is a fixable problem: purchase a programmable thermostat! Here’s how they work:

Don’t be left stranded without heat this winter. Instead, make these adjustments to your day-to-day routine in order to ensure your comfort. Don’t forget to visit our directory to find a heating professional who has the expertise and knowledge to help you with your furnace. Routine maintenance is important in order to ensure the unit is working and heating your home properly.

Our directory features reviews written by customers like yourself, videos, image galleries and more! These tools are designed to help you hire the right heating professional for your needs.

Follow this safety guide if you’re putting up holiday lights

Published Jessica Vitullo - December 7, 2015

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December is finally here! If you’re planning on decorating your home with holiday lights to celebrate the season, you’re likely not the only one on your street! But putting up lights can be dangerous. Consider working with a licensed electrician and be sure to follow our guide on how to stay safe.

Choose the right holiday lights

Indoor and outdoor lights aren’t the same. Some lights are rated for indoor use, some for outdoor. When you’re at your local home hardware store, read the package instructions to see which lights you’re buying.

It’s also important to pay attention to the recommended wattage. Don’t exceed the recommendation, or your holiday lights might blow out before Santa arrives!

Avoid damage and overloaded circuits

If you buy a bundle of string lights and notice the cord, plugs or ornaments are damaged, do NOT use them. Instead, simply replace them. Damaged electrical products can be hazardous to your home (and to you during the installation process).

You also want to make sure that you’re not plugging in too many lights into the same outlet. An overloaded circuit can overheat and start a fire. The only fire that should be happening in your home is a controlled one within the fireplace!

The same goes for using extension cords. Plugging in too many plugs into an extension cord can lead to overheating.

You do NOT want to be this guy!

Install holiday decor wisely

It’s easy to get carried away with holiday lights. After all, don’t you want your home to look like the homes in this video?

To make your home look like any of these, you have to be extra careful!

• No more than 3 light strings should be connected together. Be sure to read instructions on your lighting package to be sure.
• The bulbs themselves should NOT touch supply cords or wires.
• Secure the lights properly using power clips.

Lastly, remember the following:

• If the children are near you, watch to ensure they don’t place anything cords or lights in their mouths.
• Don’t let your pet get to the lights either.
• Turn them off when you go to bed or leave the house.

You spend so much time doing the decorations outside that you want to keep them around all year, right? WRONG. It’s important to take them down once the holiday season is over. They are not built for year-round use.

If you’ve never put up holiday lights before, then make this season your first year! This expert shows you exactly how to do it:

Need some help from an electrical perspective? There’s no shame in speaking to an expert, someone who knows and understands electricity! Reach out to an electrician using our directory to find someone who can ensure your home is lit properly. Hey, they might even be able to do the installation for you!

Enjoy a maintained furnace all winter long

 
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It’s that time of year again when the snow falls, temperatures plummet and furnaces break. Although we rely on our furnaces to keep our homes warm and cozy in the cold winter months, many of us don’t give our furnaces a second thought until it breaks down, that is, and we need a furnace specialist to visit. A maintained furnace is essential this winter.

We spoke with Bill Watson of Air Plus Heating and Cooling, a Toronto-based company that has been providing furnace and air conditioner installation, service and repair for over 20 years, about how to give your furnace the love and attention it needs to keep you warm and cozy all winter long.

Check filters regularly

Watson says you should replace your furnace filter three to four times a year, depending on manufacturer specifications. Checking your filter frequently will help to ensure your furnace is running at optimal capacity.

“A dirty or clogged furnace filter will restrict the amount of air your furnace will be able to use to distribute warm air throughout your home and can put undue stress and wear on the components of the furnace,” says Watson.

Schedule regular furnace cleanings and check-ups

Watson recommends getting your furnace checked once a year. A qualified technician can examine the current state of the furnace and advice you if there are any issues with your equipment.

“The whole idea is to give the homeowner peace of mind about the reliability of their furnace so they can avoid that 2 am or holiday weekend breakdown,” says Watson.

Cleaning your furnace once a year will eliminate dust and debris which will help increase the lifespan of your furnace, plus help to improve its efficiency, meaning you’ll be spending less money on your utility bills.

The best times for a cleaning are in the fall or spring and after any major renovations since renovations lead to an enormous amount of debris which gets caught in the return air ducts, restricting the optimal efficiency of the furnace.

Re-organize your basement

Avoid storing chemicals, paints and paint thinners near your furnace.

“You want as much fresh clean air around the furnace as possible,” says Watson.

Avoid blocking return air ducts with couches and furniture as blocking these ducts also restricts the amount of air provided to your furnace, reducing its efficiency.

This winter, don’t be stranded with a broken furnace. Instead, reach out to the furnace experts at Air Plus Heating and Cooling!

5 steps to find the right contractor

(NC) Finding a contractor is kind of like finding a mate.

Like dating, it means you have to know what you're looking for, ask a lot of questions, seek advice from friends and family and most importantly, take your time deciding. After all, the contractor you choose is vital to the success of any remodeling project you take on.

Here is what you need to know to find the perfect contractor:

Do your research.

Make sure you've done your homework. Research your project so you have a realistic understanding of what's expected. Also compare the timeline required against existing projects your contractor may have on their plate. (Note: It is not uncommon for contractors to be working several jobs simultaneously.) This will give you an idea of how much time they can realistically devote to your project and if that works for you.

Ask for advice.

Referrals are the best way to find someone who is reliable. Like a partner, a good contractor will be around for the long haul. Talk to friends and family and get their recommendations on who they've worked with in the past.

Get specific.

Once you have a list of recommended contractors, narrow down your selection by doing some preliminary research into their credentials. For example, have they received any certifications? Do they specialize in anything? Are they affiliated with any professional associations? Do they have the proper licenses and insurance?

Ask for references.

Don't be afraid to do a background check. Good contractors will have no issue with passing along references. Ask questions such as: Did the contractor show up on time? Did the project stay on budget? Were they happy with the overall work and professionalism?

Set up a meeting.

Meet them face-to-face. Come prepared with questions about your project and see if your style and vision for the project pair well together.

More information is available at www.gtahomeandrenoshow.com or by visiting the upcoming 2016 GTA Home + Reno Show, February 12-15 at the International Centre.

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5 tips for selling your home

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(NC) For many, the holiday season is a busy time that includes shopping, cooking and entertaining. Amidst the hustle, it may seem difficult to find time for selling a home. Yet some home owners would prefer to list their home at this busy time.

“Sometimes professional, or personal, circumstances arise that require owners to sell their homes,” says Pat Verge, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. “But other times home owners are simply ready to sell and the prospect of less competition from other sellers is appealing. Whatever an owner's reasons are for listing their home at this time, if done properly, the process should be successful.”

Here are five tips to keep in mind if listing your home in this season:

1. Deck the halls…to a minimum: Seasonal decorations are the way to go. Minimize décor to avoid crowding your home and distracting buyers.

2. Don't hide flaws: Rather than covering up flaws with décor, take the time to fix them or keep them revealed to avoid future conflicts with buyers.

3. Hire a Realtor: Enlist the services of someone that you trust and who will be available for you during the holidays. This will help alleviate some of the stress of selling and give you more time to enjoy the season.

4. Price to sell and be prepared to negotiate: No matter what time of year, a home that is properly priced will attract buyers. Work with your Realtor to negotiate a price that is satisfactory.

5. Market your home: Take time to enhance your home's curb appeal (even if it is covered in snow) and use good quality photography to show off your home (use photos taken in the spring/summer months if possible).

Is buying a home in the winter a good idea?

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(NC) Consider this: It's a cold winter day and you've just sat down with a mortgage professional to figure out how much house you can afford. You've determined that your finances are in order and you're ready to start looking for a home. You've heard that spring is the best season for buying and selling real estate. Does that mean you'll need to put your search on hold until the tulips start to bloom?

“If you've worked out what you can afford and you're ready for the home buying process, then shopping for real estate can happen at any time of year,” says Pat Verge, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. “While spring and fall are busier times for real estate sales, a serious home buyer should be looking out for potential homes as long as they're ready to make a purchase. It can sometimes take many months to find the right property.”

If you are planning to shop for real estate during the winter, these are a few things to bear in mind:

Supply: There may be fewer homes to choose from, but of the homes available for sale you may have less competition to deal with when making an offer.

Weather: The homes you visit may already be covered with snow which may hide exterior defects; ask to see photographs of the home taken earlier in the year and rely on a home inspector to tell you about any potential faults.

Make time: The process for buying a home and the paperwork that follows is time consuming. Try to keep your other priorities organized so that you are ready to act if a home that you are interested in comes up.

“If you're eager to get ahead of the busy spring market, talk to your Realtor about looking into homes that aren't yet listed but that are being prepared for sale,” says Verge.

More information is available at www.wedothehomework.ca.

Don't Tax My Dream

    Your search of dream home starts here..

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From the editor: What I learned about kitchen renovations

Published Jessica Vitullo - October 30, 2015

I adore my kitchen (ok, ok, my parent’s kitchen). But I’m planning on moving out soon and plan to love my very own kitchen. For me, the kitchen is the most cozy room in the house. It’s where I spend quality time with loved ones, indulging in comfort meals and perusing on my laptop. That’s why I’ll take this advice into consideration before a kitchen expert designs it.

All about kitchens

I’m probably not the only person that loves being in the kitchen. But maybe for you, it’s not about loving the space so much as spending so much time in it. For the month of October, I wanted to learn everything about kitchens – what kitchen styles are in, how much money homeowners should dedicate to a kitchen renovation in the first place, and why you undergo a kitchen renovation in the first place.

Here’s an overview of what I learned and what you need to know before you consult our extensive directory of kitchen planning and renovation specialists for your next kitchen renovation.

Building a kitchen in your basement? It’s quite a task

A kitchen renovation is a kitchen renovation no matter where it’s located, right? WRONG! Jon Labelle is a home renovation expert. He told us about how basement renovations aren’t as simple as a main floor renovation. That’s because of the following issues:

• Waterproofing. You do NOT want your home’s foundation to spring a leak after building a kitchen. Basement waterproofing is an essential way to prevent basement leaks coming in through the walls and floor. You don’t want to prepare food in a space that’s not adequately prepared.
• Insulation. An insulation expert will know which insulation is right for your basement. A basement that’s properly insulated will ensure your kitchen lasts for years to come.

Don’t forget about having to choose flooring, appliances, light fixtures and more. Mind you’ll have to do that anyway if you’re completely gutting your kitchen!

The best way to plan for kitchen renovations – especially one in the basement – is to speak with an experienced kitchen renovator before undergoing the process. After all, we could all get carried away picking out fixtures and shiny new appliances long before the floor design plan happens!

Kitchen Renovations for Beginners

Your home isn’t meant to undergo kitchen renovations more than once (unless your family home has been passed down from generation to generation). After all, it’s a lot of work, and one renovation should last you a minimum of 15 years.

That’s why it’s so important to invest in your kitchen renovation once and the right way. Here’s what you should be doing before you contact an expert:

• Gather inspiration. Start getting a feel for what you want and what you want to see in your kitchen. Flip through magazines, look online and save photos on your phone. Your personality and style will influence your future kitchen design.
• Wants vs. Needs. What you want in your kitchen and what you absolutely need are two different things. Come up with a list of what you want to have (more luxuries) and what you need. What you need in your kitchen should be items that you can’t live without and after that kitchen renovations process is finished, you won’t want to bring in a renovator to fix it. Take your time coming up with your list. When that’s done, you can them into your budget.
• Fit these into your budget. Before I go into more detail about your budget (and we WILL get to it I promise you), you must first not forget what should go into your budget. Sure, you need to consider kitchen countertops and cabinets, but what about plumbing and electrical expenses? No, I’m not referring to fixtures, but the cost to wire your home with wires and add pipes for plumbing? All of this costs money. Oh, and budget for home decor. You’ll want to decorate once the renovation is complete, right?
• Hire a professional. But you were probably going to do that anyway, weren’t you? Don’t forget to consult our directory to find a kitchen renovations specialist to design and build your brand new kitchen.

Choosing a style that works for you

Kitchen renovations are a great way to change your space to ensure it reflects your personal taste. Thankfully, there are a variety of styles to choose from:

• Contemporary. This unique style brings old and new together. It takes elements of a modern kitchen – clean lines – with a mix of materials from a traditional style kitchen.
• Modern. No lavish, ornate cabinetry here! Modern offers almost no ornamentation, black or white cabinetry, sleek hardware, and very, very simple design. Picture a stainless steel countertop and a concrete finish around the room.
• Traditional. Love the fancy look? Then traditional is for you. Cabinetry has intricate architectural designs, wood panels on the fridge and range hood, and wood mouldings around the room to complete the kitchen’s traditional look.

Come up with a realistic budget

At eieihome.com, we love home renovations and we want you to get excited about them! But that doesn’t mean we want you to go broke while renovating your kitchen. That’s why it’s so important to come up with a very detailed budget that not only includes EVERYTHING involved in a kitchen renovation, but to also create a 10 per cent buffer so you have funds available should something go wrong (or if nothing goes wrong, maybe you’re really intent on upgrading to a nicer cabinetry and are not willing to settle for a cheaper option!).

There’s no strict formula to coming up with a budget, but here’s a guideline to follow:

• Establish your home’s value. You’ll want to invest anywhere from 5 to 15 per cent on the renovation.
• Divide your budget on each component of the renovation. This includes electrical, appliances, flooring, etc. 

Here’s what your kitchen budget could look like.

Source: ViolaPark.com.

These budgets are based on different home values, different budgets, and give you an idea of what components make up a solid kitchen renovation. But if you’re having trouble figuring out how much of your hard-earned dollars should go to a new kitchen, why wrack your brain?

Instead, speak with a qualified kitchen planning and renovation specialist who has years of experience building kitchens. They understand the basics that make up a perfect kitchen and can transform your space into what you want.

Yes, you can have your dream kitchen! I hope to have mine too someday. Covering kitchens for an entire month was quite an exciting feat!

Top 5 renovation tips to create more space

(NC) As real estate prices continue to climb, the cost to trade up an existing home for a larger one has increased substantially. As a result, more and more Canadians are choosing to renovate their homes, rather than relocating. In fact, it was recently revealed that renovation spending in Canada reached a record $68 billion last year, outpacing spending on new home construction. While the hunt for more square footage can be challenging, homeowners shouldn't feel like a costly second story or complete addition are the only options.

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Here are five great ways to create or optimize space in your existing home:

1. Finish the basement. This one renovation holds limitless potential and can increase the resale value or income potential of your home. Think about the possibilities: a home theatre, office, spare bedroom, basement apartment or recreation room. The key to doing it successfully is to focus on what's behind the walls, especially since moisture is a common issue in basements. Choosing the right insulation is critical. Look for products that are vapour permeable, dimensionally stable and mould and moisture resistant. Many contractors say they use Roxul products for that assurance. For example, the Comfortboard IS semi-rigid sheathing board paired with Comfortbatt batt insulation combats thermal bridging and protect against mould and mildew growth. An added benefit of this type of stone wool insulation is that it's also fire-resistant to 1,177˚C (2,150˚F). As well, for interior walls and ceilings, Safe 'n' Sound insulation is ideal because of its ability to absorb noise and indoor traffic sounds, ensuring your new-found space is a peaceful one.

2. Create an open-concept feel with light and colour. If your home wasn't blessed with towering windows, installing French doors and pot lights can encourage light to travel more freely, creating the illusion of space. Likewise, choosing a paint colour for walls, trim and moldings that is lighter and cooler in tone (think soft grays or blues) will help to reflect light and give the room a more open feel.

3. Remove non-load-bearing walls. Homeowners have the opportunity to rethink the layout of their home by removing non-load-bearing walls. Removing structurally unnecessary walls can make your whole home feel larger and improve the flow, lighting and function of your home.

4. Convert your garage. For many homeowners, the garage becomes an overflow room for storage––and is often a walk-in headache. Instead, convert it into another living space, like a guest bedroom or home office. Install carpet and quality thermal insulation such as Comfortbatt to keep in warmth and block outdoor noise.

5. Choose furniture and accessories carefully. Adopt a minimalist's eye. Begin looking around your home for furniture or accessories that overwhelm the space. Interior designers recommend choosing low-profile or small-scale furniture for rooms with less square footage. Dual-purpose items, such as ottomans with storage chests inside, are a budget-friendly way to save on space while staying organized.

Teach kids responsibility with regular household chores

(NC) Getting kids to help out around the house is often a struggle. Yet, encouraging your children to do household chores will benefit them in multiple ways, from teaching responsibility, organization and routine, to instilling a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and affirming that they play a valuable role within the family unit. It can improve their judgement, independence and help them to sympathize with others.

Here are the top ways to get your kids on board with daily chores:

Make it fun. Turn it into a game where they can earn points or privileges. You could also time them to see if they can beat their last record. This works really well when you have more than one child because you can turn chore time into a fun competition.

Talk about chores in a positive way. Don't associate them with punishments or complain about chores and household tasks of your own. Remember, you set the example.

Don't use a dictating tone. When asking your kids to do chores, don't ask them in a nagging or demanding way. Ask them gently so your tone doesn't give them an excuse to push back.

Create a chore schedule. This makes it fair for everyone, creates reasonable expectations, and turns it into a routine. Everyone knows what they have to do and when.

Choose age-appropriate chores. Don't give your child a chore they're going to struggle with, because is a set up for this sets them up for failure and creates negative associations. You know their abilities and strengths best, so choose chores and activities that reflect these.

Use kid-friendly supplies and equipment. Buy cleaning supplies and products that are easy for kids to use and kid-safe. Opting for the right equipment will help, too. If you're asking your child to vacuum, for example, giving them one that's hard to maneuver ultimately gives them an easy out. Retailers tell parents that they'll have no excuses with a lightweight, cordless and steerable vacuum, such as the popular Hoover Air Cordless 3.0.

Stick to the plan. Don't give up on your new family chore schedule too easily. It may take a few arguments and frustrating moments, but be both persistent and consistent until your kids understand the importance of helping out around the house. Your home and family will be better off for it.

Kitchen Renovations: What your budget should look like

Published Jessica Vitullo - October 21, 2015

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Renovating your kitchen? We bet you’re excited for new kitchen cabinets, countertops, backsplash and more. But did you consider everything that goes into a kitchen renovation, like plumbing and electrical? These aspects of kitchen renovations often get overlooked. Here’s a detailed guide of what your kitchen renovation budget should include. Speak to a contractor to be sure.

What your budget should include

It’s easy to get caught up in the kitchen renovations process: you’re focused on countertop materials, cabinetry colours, picking out matching hardware. It’s an exciting process, one that needs a lot of your attention. However, this is the time when your excitement might forget about all the components that make up the renovation in the first place. If you’re undergoing a major renovation, don’t forget about these:

• Flooring;
• Appliances;
• Lighting;
• Decor;
• Storage;
• Dining table and chairs;
• Painting.

Proper financial planning can lead to a completely transformed kitchen.

Let’s not forget about that plumbing and electrical work that needs to get done to make your space functional. Plan this into your budget before you begin your renovation. This way, you don’t encounter any unforeseen costs during the process.

Use the eieihome.com directory to find the home service professionals you need to transform your kitchen.

Planning your budget

Everyone has a budget. Even Donald Trump has a budget when he’s building a condo. Before you begin looking on the eieihome.com website for kitchen design inspiration, establish your budget. Since there are so many things to consider (as we listed above), it makes sense to start here.

The answers to these factors will help you along:

• Establish your home’s value;
• Divvy up your budget to each kitchen renovation component;
• Finalize a breakdown (this is a good time to bring in a kitchen contractor to help you out).

Establish your home’s value

A rule of thumb to follow is spending anywhere from 5 to 15 per cent of your home’s value on a remodeling project. According toViolaPark.com, spending less than 5 per cent is too little and could actually devalue your home. In reality, a kitchen renovation is almost always going to increase your home’s value. It’s a wise investment, one that needs careful consideration when establishing your budget.

Another factor to consider in terms of how much of a percentage you want to spend is how you’ll be using your kitchen. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen and it’s a big space, one that commands a lot of attention in terms of size and location, then a remodel will have a big value impact on your home’s value once it’s complete.

Remember, the bigger your home and higher quality your home, the more you should be spending to improve it. That’s the expectation people will have when walking into your newly renovated space should you choose to sell one day.

Divide your budget among every component

Source: ViolaPark.com.

Once you’ve developed a budget you’re comfortable with and have secured the necessary funding to build your dream kitchen, it’s time to decide how your money will be spent. According to a survey conducted by the National Kitchen Bath Association, their findings suggest this is how homeowners will allocate a renovation budget. Keep in mind – this budget is not related to a DIY kitchen, but a professional kitchen built by a kitchen renovations expert!

But maybe you want to invest in better cabinetry and spend less of your budget on fixtures. Maybe you’re interested in state of the art appliances.

Stick to your budget, but adjust the values based on what you want to spend your money on. Here are sample budgets based on three different home values:

Source: ViolaPark.com.

Finalize a breakdown

Unforeseen circumstances are bound to happen in a home renovation. No matter how closely you work with your kitchen renovator, you may find the product you want is no longer available, or you’re capable and willing to go over your budget to get something you want. We advise you stick to your budget as closely as possible, but make room for these circumstances. Do the best you can to at least finalize the budget to a certain extent. Having a clear number in mind and a plan of how much you’ll spend on what will help you keep track of expenditures along the way.

A new kitchen in your home should be an exciting prospect! With the right attitude and planning, the renovation itself will be a breeze and you can enjoy the process of choosing new fixtures, appliances and more!

Don’t forget to use our directory to hire a kitchen contractor to conduct your next renovation! They can help you establish a budget, one that works for you and satisfies your lifestyle/needs associated with the kitchen renovation. Above all, they can provide inspiration and options that suit your tastes!