Sign up today for Northern Edge’s Newsletter, and we’ll send you a list of insider’s tips on how to choose a renovation contractor, as well as information on how to help make your renovation dreams a reality.
Which renovations add the most value come resale time? Renovating doesn’t just make a better home for you and your family today; it adds value come resale time. Generally speaking, a home that is as close to move in condition as possible will be the home that sells more quickly and for more money. This doesn’t mean it has to be the most lavish home on the street, but it needs to be attractive, up-to-date and well maintained. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, the following home improvements (in order of importance) will return the most money come resale time:
Homeowner's Guide to Green Renovation. Thinking about renovating? Then it’s the right time to “green” your home. Any project, large or small, can be a step towards a greener, more environmentally friendly home. There are lots of good reasons to think green when you plan to make changes to your home. A green renovation helps to reduce your impact on the environment. It also means a better home—a healthier and more comfortable living space, lower monthly operating costs and increased value. A home to enjoy, a home to be proud of! Learn more by downloading the Homeowner's Guide to Green Renovation.
How do you avoid being the hapless homeowners on one of those “fix your reno” television shows? The short answer is to call Northern Edge Construction. Sadly (for the homeowners involved, who end up paying twice to get a job done) we’ve been called in to re-do plenty of bad renos over the years. The first step in avoiding a bad contractor is the quotation process. Watch a few episodes of those shows – every single one of them starts with the homeowner explaining, “he was the cheapest quote by far.” The “cheapest quote by far” is probably a warning that something is wrong. There are many reasons that quotes may be way off base, including a misunderstanding of the specifications or drawings, quoting significantly different materials, or, worst of all, deliberate undercutting -- a strategy used by less than scrupulous renovators who under price, and then make it up in “extras,” or, worst of all, vanish never to be seen again with your home in tatters. Do your homework – talk to past clients about issues like extras, warranties and construction quality. And then contact Northern Edge Construction Services to get the job done right the first time.
