No matter the season, last-minute home renovation ideas will pop up in your mind. Whether you want a new modern summer look to your family home, adding a pool or a new deck, or to fix an issue causing you to lose more money, leaky roof tiles, or poor insulation, this article is sure to bring you more insights for you to decide what to do next.
The following content will go over some local Toronto home renovations contractors and what to look for in the process, list some major and minor home renovation ideas, look at more major common home renovation projects for the backyard, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, basement, exterior, and interior spaces, provide you with some frequently asked questions, as well as provide a temporary short-term stay guide perfect for getting away from all the dust and stress.
Local Contractors
Toronto is home to millions of people, allowing you internet access and a network to hundreds of freelance and corporate home renovations contractors. This can be done with a simple Google search like contractors near me or contractors in your area. However, when you are planning a home renovator, choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between complete confidence in their work and countless sleepless nights. The list below is 5 pointers on how you can look for credible and honest home remodeling contractors near you.
Ask for Referrals – Whether you have decided to look for a local Toronto home renovations contractor online or decide to ask family and friends, nothing is more powerful than word-of-mouth referrals. It is the best way to track down a trusted and qualified professional to handle the job. Asking close relatives, friends, and neighbors whom they have trusted to call, have a positive experience with, how the contractor handled the problem, and if they would call them again may help.
Look for Credentials – With your recommendations and top contractors to call in hand, do some preliminary research, through a phone call or a website visit. Find out if the contractor holds all the valid and required licenses within Ontario and Canada, alongside any additional professional associations they are credited with. Such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, and National Association of Homebuilders. Look for contractors that have passed rigorous tests to earn certification and past customer work and testimonials if possible.
Interview Contractors – Narrow down your lists of home renovators to contract and set up a time to call or arrange an in-person meeting. This will allow you and the contractors to view the space you want to be remodeled, talk in person about the expectations and finances, as well as ask questions. Both you and the contractor should have plenty of questions to ask and prepared beforehand. It is best to keep it under 3 contractors as things may become confusing to remember at certain points.
Setting up Payment – Another important tip to keep in mind when hiring a contractor is to work out a payment schedule before agreeing to sign the contract. The payment schedule speaks about your contractor’s financial status and work ethic. If you are looking for half the payment upfront, they may be looking at financial issues, have a poor work ethic, or are worried you may not pay the rest once you see the final work. Especially for large projects, plan to play in increments as the project comes to being complete. All things being equal for you and the contractor, be sure to find someone you are comfortable with when hiring to work on the renovations.
Put it in Writing – When you have chosen the right home renovation contractor for you, make sure to draw up a contract that outlines every detail and step of the project. Including payment schedule, proof of liability insurance, worker’s compensation payments, start date and projected completion date, specific materials and products to be used, and a requirement that the contractor has obtained his licenses and pays bills to subcontractors and supplies. Insist that the contract is clear and strict and is not about mistrust.
Remember that when you are planning on hiring a home renovator, you are choosing to buy a service you believe is the best fit for you. The quality of the service and contractor's work will determine the quality of the finished project. Be sure you review questions you want to ask your contractor when they survey the space you are having redone.
Major Home Renovations
Major home renovation projects are a huge deal. They take a lot of time calling local Toronto contractors planning, preparing materials and design, budgeting, and finalizing a timeline before signing a contract. If you are looking for a local contractor to work on some major home renovation projects, look for our list below on 3 ideas on where you can get started.
Enhance Outdoor Space – It may be due to the pandemic; however, home outdoor spaces are becoming more popular. It can be an added living space and become a place for family and friends to gather in the summer. Homebuyers are paying special attention to outdoor spaces and if they are well maintained. Consider adding a patio, porch, or a new deck to your backyard. It will give it a new look and increase the home’s value.
Installing/Updating HVAC – HVAC is known for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and is essential in every household. Your home might be needing an updated HVAC system to ensure you are not wasting money and energy on heating e harsh Toronto winters, and increasingly hot summers. When an experienced home buyer comes to check your home, they are looking into your current HVAC systems first. Not only is it a great return on investment, but it also ensures you have a clean and healthy living indoor space.
Remodeling the Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, or Basement – These projects can take days and cause disrupting noise from dawn to dusk, and stress in your own home. Look for local Toronto short-term stay suites like Avalon for a comfortable home away from home as your contractor completes the project. These big projects, however, are sure to add value to your home, make your home more accessible, and worth the time and money put into them. These home projects go more in-depth in the later article.
Minor Home Renovations
Not all home renovation projects should take a huge budget and take weeks if not days to complete. If you are looking for some minor home renovations projects that will add décor and value to your home, you can consider 10 projects listed in the following:
Loose Fill Attic Insulation - This is one of the best home renovations, to add attic insulation often adds value to the home. Insulating your attic will also save you money and energy costs.
Steel Door Replacement for Entryway - If you are thinking about selling your home, consider installing a steel entry door as it will increase your home's resale value. It makes a strong statement of a stable family home for potential home buyers.
Manufactured Stone Veneer - This home renovation project is sure to place your home on a high-end list of value homes as it gives it a modern update. It is an acceptable price for hiring someone to do it or as a DIY project
Minor Kitchen Remodel - You can choose this to be a major renovation project as well, but it is not necessary, a minor kitchen remodeling for walls, shelves, or appliances can go a long way.
Window Replacement - Potential buyers or you may notice them first while looking at homes. Visit your local home hardware store for details on how to make buy the right windows for vinyl or wood exteriors.
Universal Design - Aging family members can have a lot to gain from living with loved ones, especially baby boomers. Consider reworking your home to be more accessible such as adding safety features like grab bars and wheelchair mobility applications.
Roof Replacement - The roof is one of the most important structures of the house, if it snows or rains you want the roof to be safe and doing its’ job. Consider fixing any roof problems and replacing old tiles and it will turn out to be a good investment.
Deck Addition - If you are currently residing in a home with a large backyard space, consider adding a deck, it can be an inexpensive renovation weekend project and adds value to your home décor.
Repainting Walls - As you live in your home, wear and tear and paint gets chipped off the wall through the years. Replace holes where old photos hung and try repainting neutral colors in rooms.
Hardwood Floors - Replace your old carpet with hardwood floors to add a luxury feel to your home and reduce the amount of time you spend vacuuming. No need to worry about stains anymore and can be simple to install.
Backyard
If you are looking to create a backyard oasis for you and your family to gather this summer, backyard projects can be a major home renovation game-changer and add value to your estate. Also known as exterior home renovations, landscaping, and designer services, there is a contractor in Toronto or near you that is sure to help you in our backyard project. Exterior home renovations are more than just grass and flowers, ask your contractor if you are interested in and want to add a new deck this summer, porch, balcony, or extended garage. A strong home exterior prevents cracks, mold, poor heating, and cooling if you can get that fixed as well.
Kitchen
When you search for kitchen remodeling and renovations in Toronto, you are sure to find many pop-up ads and competing contractors in your neighborhood. Your kitchen is a very important place in your home. It is the center of your life, and one of the most used areas of your home. Think about the place where you sit down for family dinners at the end of the day, make a cup of coffee in the morning, and try out new recipes. It is important to find the right kitchen designer for your home and budget that can plan a partial or complete remodel of your space and possibly help you look up new appliances. Investing in renovating your kitchen is sure to increase your home resale value and give your kitchen a modern new look.
Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in your home, and which is why it is so important to keep it clean, customize to your liking, and be up to date. Remodeling your bathroom to one in your dreams or adding convenient and accessible features can be a good reason to renovate. Other reasons you may be wanting to give your bathroom a remodel may be to add value before you put your home on the market, give it extra room by removing unnecessary objects, adding bathroom ventilation, adding plans for color and life, redoing the flooring, repainting the walks, changing the bathroom lighting, tub, toilet, or even sink. You may find other issues like the tub needs a new waterproof seal, mold, or a change in the showerhead. This may become a major project in need of a couple of days or more to accomplish. Be sure to check out local Toronto bathroom contractors near you before you remodel.
Bedroom
If you are looking for a renovating contractor to makeover your current bedroom, many factors are considered. Starting with your bedroom’s current size, your budget, time allocation, the furniture you have and want to keep or replace, lighting, any connecting closet or bathroom doors, and space, and where the outlets and windows are. These affect how your current bedroom looks and the options you have when remodeling. When talking to a bedroom renovating contractor, look to choose a subtle color for the walls, keeping it simple, choosing the right size and amount of furniture, adding plenty of storage space, and blinds for the windows. The bedroom is a space where you spend time resting and is private. You want a trusted contractor that will make that space comfortable.
When remodeling your bedroom, you may need to look for a temporary home when you can rest and go to at the end of the day. Visit our website Avalon Suites Yorkville for suites that best suits your needs.
Basement
A basement renovation is sure to increase your home property value. Not all homes with basements are furnished and ready to be lived in, upgraded basements tend to have a better return on investment and market value when you sell. Renovating your home basement can mean increased living space to use as a family room, home office, gym, theater, or children’s playroom. Another reason to renovate could be to increase your storage space. Instead of and in addition to storing home goods in the attic and garage, why not make room in your basement.
A furnished and ready live-in basement with a kitchen and bathroom can be used as a secondary suite. You can use this space as a guest living space, or you can use the furnished basement as an investment to earn rental income to pay off the mortgage and other living expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring a home renovations contractor and one that is qualified is one of the most important parts of starting a new home remodeling project. You want a trusted and experienced professional in the industry with a good reputation that can make that huge difference in the value of your home. You may have no questions or many you want to ask. But which questions are the most important in the survey and interview process, and how can you evaluate each answer? Avalon Suites have created a list of questions for you to ask your contractor to learn everything you can about them so you can confidently choose the right professional for this project. Look for our list of top 10 questions to ask your contractor below.
For more questions to ask your local contractor for home renovations, visit the Avalon Suites Yorkville guide: Question to Ask Your Next Home Bedroom, Bathroom, and Kitchen Renovation Contractor.
How long have you been in the business of home/backyard/kitchen/bathroom/bedroom renovations?
Do you have a valid Ontario provincial or national contracting license?
Can I see your license of insurance?
Will you obtain the permits and set up the inspections required for this job?
Do you have a rough timeline for the completion of this project?
What is the payment schedule?
Will I have a dedicated team working on my job?
What way would you like me to get in touch with you? - best if you will be staying at a temporary rental unit
What is your working day like?
How will you clean up at the end of the day?
Temporary Home
If you are currently residing in Toronto, Ontario, or the greater Toronto area, and are having a major home renovation done and need a short-term rental, look for Avalon Suites Yorkville. Home renovations can be stressful, loud, annoying, and an expensive part of homeownership. Luckily, living in the Toronto area, there are numerous options for you to choose from when looking for the perfect temporary home for just yourself or the family. A temporary home is the best home away from home option when you are renovating, and here are 2 pointers on how to find a great furnished suite with amenities in Toronto that best fit your needs.
Explore Local Neighborhoods – Toronto is made up of so many smaller neighborhoods that make a home renovation a good time to get away from the stress of it all and stay in one you have been looking forward to visiting. One on the list is Yorkville, located in the Bloor Street Cultural Corridor, you are surrounded by well-known international brands, dining experiences, and local tourist attractions, as well as public transportation.
Other notable neighborhoods in Toronto you can stay at include The Annex, Cabbage town, Chinatown, Chruch and Wellesley, City Place, Discovery District, Distillery District, Entertainment District, Fashion District, Financial District, Garden District, Harborfront, Kensington Market, Oldtown, Regent Park, St. Lawrence, and more. There is one best suited for you, your budget, living style and convince.
Even with an estimated timeline, it isn’t always concert and you still need temporary accommodation that is safe and convenient in your local neighborhood. You can take this time to live closer to your workplace, or further away. Even find temporary housing close to home if you have children and need to be close to school and any other community centers.
Research Online – With the internet being so accessible currently, why not look up temporary housing locations in downtown Toronto, or near your current location. Find valuable information on the right short-term rental with the amenities and appliances you need to stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Most short-term rental companies such as Avalon provide fully furnished suites with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry space. Short-term rentals are happy to accommodate you when there is an unexpected delay or incident at home causing you to book last minute. Providing you with plenty of space, beautifully city views, and professional maintained building that will surely satisfy you.
A lot of short-term rentals located downtown Toronto are also strategically located near an abundance of restaurants public transportations, close to shopping, and grocery markets, and attracts and events in the area.
Avalon Suites Yorkville
If you are planning a major or minor home renovation project, soon consider staying with Avalon Suites Yorkville. Avalon Suites offer fully furnished suites with 2x the living space than a hotel room and amenities found at home and all for yourself are the perfect temporary housing solution as you have your home kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom renovated. Here at Avalon Suites, we offer a wide range of suites ranging from a comfortable Economy Suite for one person to a Presidential 2-bedroom accommodation there is one best suited for your relocation housing needs.
Avalon premium luxury suites offer a fully equipped kitchen, filled with cooking utensils; pots, pans, boards, dishes, cups, cutlery, and equipment such as a fridge, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher all in one suite. Even more, each Avalon Suites has an in-suite washer and dryer, allowing you to feel just at home being able to do your own laundry without the hassle of housekeeping and additional services. Every suite also has access to internet and wife services, smart televisions for your cable, Netflix, Prime, or YouTube viewing, complimentary coffee, tea, and bathroom necessities.
Additionally, Avalon Suites have an in-building fitness center and gym, and conference room safely available to be booked, alongside 24/7 concierge services. Located in the heart of Yorkville intersecting Yorkville Avenue and Avenue Road, not only will you get sweeping views of the city, however, you are located minutes to premium dining experiences, shopping departments, tourist destinations, and a Wholefoods supermarket for your in-suite cooking needs.
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Contact us at 416.731.1372 to learn more about our suites and to book!