As a savvy homeowner, you have decided to invest in your property. Remodelling in the current market is the right step for you. First you have to carefully consider your present situation and where you would like to be when your project is completed. Here are questions to stimulate your thinking.

MAINTENANCE

Your home is a major investment. Don`t lose money by getting behind on maintenance. A "Yes" answer to these questions could mean that you are also saying yes to losing money.

Do I have high heating and cooling bills?

Is my current siding rotting, warping, fading or discontinued?

Can I hear outside noise when the windows are closed?

Do I have excessive heat gain from sun?

Are floors drafty? Damaged? Cheap? Outdated?

Are there cracks or watermarks on ceilings?

BATH and KITCHEN

As rooms that everyone uses everyday it is important that baths and kitchen areas are comfortable, convenient and easy to maintain. You want to say "No" to every one of these questions.

Are cabinets damaged or outdated?

Are there damaged wall tiles, caulking to ceilings?

Do faucets leak?

Are there enough electrical outlets and lighting fixtures?

Is there a good supply of hot water?

Is there enough storage space and counter area?

Is there any moisture damage?

Is this room a problem space for your family?

HEATING

No one wants their money to literally fly out the window. Check that your money is safe. Don’t live with these money stealers.

Drafty, poorly sealed doors.

Drafty windows with broken seals.

Poorly insulated walls.

Poorly insulated ceilings, attics or crawl spaces.

SPACE SAVING or CREATING

Sometimes it’s not what you have but what you don’t have that causes problems. Not enough space is a major problem that can be solved with a carefully considered remodelling strategy. Check the ones on the following list that could help your home.

Change hinged doors to pocket doors

Create more closet space or storage niches.

Remove walls to make rooms function better.

EXTERIOR

Everyone knows the value of curb appeal. Keeping the following areas well-maintained will also keep dollars in your pocket. That’s appealing too!

Damaged or missing shingles

Guards for gutters

Deck repair

UPGRADES

Although you’re not planning to move in the near future, upgrades will save you dollars on utility bills and make your home more liveable now and market ready for the future.

Finished basement

Energy- saving electrical systems, lights and appliances

Interior/exterior painting to enhance appearance

Add more usable living space

To increase fire safety

Grading to improve erosion control

Water quality improvements

Worn appliances fixed or replaced

ADDITIONS

Careful assessment of your neighbourhood and the real estate market may have you considering one of these additions to your property.

Bonus room. Everyone needs a "special" place.

Screened porch. "Bug free" is a great selling feature.

Garage. Another big investment needs a proper care and maintenance space.

Of course, there is much to think about when you plan to remodel. Hopefully, this small exercise has stimulated your thought processes and you are ready to design your own checklist for remodelling now!