Environment

A renovation checklist worth clipping and saving

By Cindy Stephen,Mary Beth Roberts

Copyright vancouversun

A renovation checklist worth clipping and saving

Ignoring a home inspection that could reveal hazardous materials, including lead, asbestos, mould and radon. Often these are discovered mid-renovation, causing delays and cost overruns.

Trying to be the general contractor or hiring a designer without a builder involved at the beginning. Have an integrated plan that includes all parties, down to your energy adviser, for the best results.

Not having a master plan for the whole house, so you don’t do the same job twice. You can do one room at a time, but plan for the whole home. All of your plumbing might need replacing, not just pipes in the bathroom.

Using cheap materials, which can contribute to poor air quality in the home. A good contractor can help create an environment with hospital-quality air, or better.