Things to Keep in Mind for a Successful Main Floor Renovation in Oakville

Renovating the main floor of your home is one of the most rewarding—and often stressful—projects a homeowner can do. It’s the center of the home, where people congregate, cooks, entertain and unwind. An expertly negotiated main floor renovation in Burlington can transform the look and feel of your space while increasing your property’s value. This blog discusses a few key things to remember before jumping on it to make sure everything goes smoothly. Explore more below.

1. Start with a Clear Plan

Before getting to work on any walls or ordering materials, you want a detailed plan. What would you like the renovation to achieve? Do you have an open-concept design in mind? How about a bit of extra space in the kitchen that can be functional too? Are you revising for tone or improved flow? Decide what matters most, and collaborate with a designer or contractor to create a floor plan that meets those needs. Keep in mind that modifications made during the project can result in delays and added expenses.

2. Have a Practical Budget with a Buffer

Main floor renovations in Oakville are always more than expected. When you have quotes from contractors and suppliers, add a contingency buffer of at least 10-20% to your budget. This will help cover any surprises — hidden water damage or required electrical upgrades, for example — that may arise once work starts.

3. Think About How It Should Feel and Work

Your main floor is where you do most of your life, so designed for daily life. Consider how people will navigate through the space. Is it easy to get in and out of the front door/garage to the kitchen to bring in groceries? Is there ample space for dining and lounging? Does the living area flow well with the kitchen for entertaining purposes? A lovely renovation that doesn’t work will become a source of frustration over time.

4. Don’t Overlook Lighting

Lighting can really set the tone (or break it). A successful renovation overlays lighting: ambient (general overhead lights), task (under-cabinet or pendant lights for workstation areas), and accent lighting (for mood or accentuating features). Natural light is equally vital — think about enlarging windows or tearing down walls to flood spaces with light.

5. Collaborate with Reputable Experts

The team you choose to partner with will make all the difference in your main floor renovation in Oakville. Do take your time to research contractors, read reviews, and request references. It is important to communicate well, so pick people you feel comfortable talking to and who understand your vision.

6. Expect the Unexpected

No matter how much you prepare, things can (and likely will) go wrong — delays in shipping materials, unexpected structural challenges, and permit hold-ups. Be flexible and try to maintain a big-picture perspective. A few missteps aren’t going to matter in the end if the outcome is a main floor you love.

7. Plan for Living Arrangements

If your whole main floor is being redone, don’t wait until the last minute to decide where you’re going to cook, eat, and lounge. Establishing a temporary kitchen — or spending some time elsewhere during a big part of the project — could save you a world of aggravation.

Looking for a trusted contractor for main floor renovation in Burlington? Your search ends with Orella Group! Get in touch with us today.