Behind the Scenes: 5 things to consider to Help Mitigate Rising Renovation Costs
A previous first-floor renovation project in Oakville
Renovations are costly, and we are certainly in unprecedented times financially. Our world feels like it’s been turned upside down, and the uncertainty for the future is real. As we navigate these turbulent financial waters, here are some designer secrets to help you keep costs down during your remodel.
1. Structural & Beams
Taking down walls is expensive. Some walls we want gone have major arteries running through them, which inevitably means rerouting a bunch of HVAC elsewhere. This is incredibly costly. Sometimes, there is no way around it, and biting the bullet is the answer. At other times, there might be alternatives. Is it possible to take down part of the wall? Perhaps you can achieve the same goal with half the wall removed. I encountered this issue during a Burlington full-house remodel. The wall we initially wanted removed had so much running through it that it was a better financial decision to remove as much of the wall as we could without needing to reroute any ductwork. We were still able to fit in a sizable kitchen island and maintain sight lines to both the dining room and living room, which were significant reasons for doing the renovation.
Did you know that structural beams vary in price depending on the rating required to span the opening you want? Yes, the larger the opening, the more support you need, which means it’s more expensive. Some spans may only require a wood beam, but if you have a large expansive span in mind, you may need steel. To help cut costs, consider the visual and functional value before deciding on the size of your opening. You might achieve the same goal with a smaller opening, ultimately saving you a ton of money.
The Partial wall we took out was on the chair-side of the island
2. Stone Countertops and Backsplash
As with anything on the market, there is a wide range of quality and price when it comes to stone countertops. You may have heard of popular choices like Cambria or Caesarstone; these products are undeniably beautiful, but their price tags can be difficult for some to manage in this economy. Fortunately, other companies, such as Lucent Quartz and Kstone, offer similar-looking products at more affordable price points. I have used these brands in the past, and they have not only looked stunning but also performed very well.
Lucent Quartz - Onyx pictured above
It's important to note that not all surfaces in a kitchen need to be made of stone. This might be a controversial opinion, but it's worth considering. When it comes to tiling, even if the tiles are inexpensive, you still have to pay for installation labor. Moreover, some tile patterns can be more costly to install if they require additional cuts.
A slab backsplash can be breathtaking, especially if you have a small kitchen and enough leftover material from the countertop for the backsplash. In such cases, using a slab backsplash may actually be a cost-effective option. However, if you need to use a new slab for the backsplash, it can become quite expensive. Pricing for slabs is based on quantity, so it’s essential to keep that in mind.
This brings me back to my earlier point: not all backsplashes need to be stone. Consider using unconventional materials for backsplashes in lower-traffic areas. For example, wallpaper can provide visual interest, softness, and personality, breaking up the hard surfaces in your kitchen.
Baking Nook at my Collingwood Project
3. Store-Bought Vanities with Countertops
I have a strong preference for custom millwork, but it can be quite expensive. One effective way to manage costs during a bathroom renovation is to choose a premade vanity that includes the countertop instead of opting for a custom one. If your space can accommodate a standard-size single or double vanity, this can be a more budget-friendly choice. With the variety of options available in the market, you might find something that closely matches your vision. Some vanities even offer customization options for faucet installations, allowing you to choose between a single-hole or an 8-inch widespread faucet with three holes.
Vanity with Top on my Ferncroft Project
4. Plumbing, Electrical, and Gas
Based on my experience, when retrofitting an existing bathroom, kitchen, or any space requiring water, gas, or electrical connections, it's usually more cost-effective to keep the plumbing, gas, and electrical systems where they are. Relocating these systems often leads to increased labour and material costs because new lines need to be installed. Depending on the distance from the existing sources, this can become quite costly. Therefore, it's worth considering how essential it is to relocate water, electrical, or gas lines. If the current layout works well, it might be best to leave everything in its original position.
We did not change the layout of this Bathroom in Burlington.
5. Materials and Labour Costs
While I touched on this briefly in the section about countertops and backsplashes, I want to elaborate on it more comprehensively. There is a significant variation in quality, cost, and materials for construction and finishing supplies for various projects. For instance, cladding your house with stone rather than siding can lead to a substantial increase in costs. Not only do you need to enhance your house's structural supports to accommodate the weight of the stone, but the materials and labour required for stonework are also more expensive. In this case, you might consider using stone selectively, such as at the bottom of the house or around a central window, to make the stone a focal point while managing costs effectively. Use your stone wisely.
If you’ve fallen in love with a handmade tile from Italy that costs $100 per square foot, consider using it strategically. Instead of covering the floors, ceiling, and walls of your primary ensuite, you might opt to use it on the floor of your small powder room. This way, you can still enjoy the tile while managing your budget effectively.
Renovations can be expensive, whether times are good or bad. Compromise is a part of every renovation I’ve worked on with clients, regardless of their budget. The final result is always impressive, even if the journey to get there isn’t as glamorous as you might have hoped. Happy budgeting, Everyone!
