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1

The Biggest Renovation Mistakes People Make, According to Mike Holmes
May. 26, 2018 Mike Holmes

 

Mike Holmes is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Holmes and Holmes, Holmes: Buy it Right, and Home to Win.

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renovation can add great value to your home and can increase the enjoyment you get from your living space. It is a big undertaking and you need to be realistic going into it. Here are some of the most common mistakes that I see when a homeowner decides to take on a renovation:
1. Hiring the Wrong Contractor
I see this all the time – homeowners hiring the first contractor who responds or hiring the one with the cheapest quote. Good contractors are busy contractors; they won’t be able to start on your renovation right away.
Don’t be turned off by a contractor who can’t start your renovation tomorrow or next week. A good contractor will always provide you with a detailed estimate of work to be done, including materials being used and required permits (if any). This will help you to compare apples to apples and understand the variance between quotes from different contractors. A detailed estimate takes time to put together, so be prepared to pay for it. And always make sure there’s a contract. This is all part of doing your homework before hiring your contractor. Don’t you want to know exactly where your money will be spent? Don’t you want a clear understanding of timelines? You’ve put a lot of thought into your renovation needs, so don’t rush the process of finding the right contractor. It may mean the difference between a job done quickly, and a job done right.

Related: Mike Holmes Reveals the Red Flags to Watch For When Hiring a Contractor.
2. Unrealistic Budget
So you’ve allocated funds for your complete kitchen renovation with all the bells and whistles – be realistic about your needs and wants, and what you can afford to spend. This is where that detailed estimate will come in handy. I’ve seen so many homeowners go way over budget or simply run out of money halfway through a big project. Create a budget that’s tied to your must-haves and don’t forget to include a buffer for those unexpected surprises.

3. Focusing on the Bells and Whistles

Fancy finishes look great but you also want to think about your renovation being done right. Your home just shouldn’t look good; it should be good. A renovation that starts with a complete gut can reveal some unexpected issues, like mould and poor insulation. Putting money towards an unexpected mould remediation or to beef up your insulation isn’t “fancy” but it’s necessary. You may need to shift your focus to stay within budget. And your contractor can help you with choosing more cost-effective finishes that will help you get the look you want and take care of those nasty surprises – all while staying within budget.
4. Going for the Quick Fix
People think that a quick fix will save them time and money, but they couldn’t be further from the truth. A bathroom renovation isn’t just about getting a new tub, sink and toilet. It’s about taking it down to the studs and seeing what’s going on behind the walls. It’s about checking the plumbing, the electrical and insulation and making sure that everything is brought up to code. I’ve been called in to do a bathroom renovation where it was drywall over tile over drywall, completely covering up issues with mould. I was the fourth contractor called in to do the job! Talk about a total waste of money. So don’t go for the quick fix. Plan carefully and make it right the first time.

5. Trendy Designs

What’s trendy now can quickly become outdated, so don’t spend a small fortune on bold designs that will become out of style. This will end up reducing the value of your home rather than adding to it. Think of the design you want, and if it’s in your budget, consider bringing in a designer to help. Be smart about it – think of the layout and what would work best. Go for functionality rather than trendy. You’ll end up with the renovation you want and one that is timeless.
6. Cutting Costs
Some people will make the mistake of going with cheap fixtures and materials to cut down on renovation costs. Big mistake! Being realistic about what you can afford to spend does not mean that you should scrimp on quality. Cheap fixtures and materials will cost you more in the long run by having to be replaced more often, not to mention causing more waste in our landfills. Spend your money wisely and go for quality products.
7. Living in a Renovation
Renovations can be very stressful. Most homeowners make the mistake of living in the space during a renovation. Going through a renovation typically means having the electrical, heating and water supply shut-off, which is a huge inconvenience to homeowners. Although containment chambers are put in place to enclose dirt and dust, it will still be an issue throughout the renovation, along with the constant noise. And having crews clean up every day to accommodate you living in the space will add to your costs.
There’s always the risk of the construction going longer than expected. Things like unexpected surprises or emergency repairs can push the renovation timeline, and if you’re still living in the home, this can cause added stress. I always recommend homeowners move out during a renovation. Discuss this with your partner during the planning process. For a successful renovation, always keep the lines of communication open, especially with your contractor.

Bathroom Transformation Markham

Posted on March 9, 2018

We were approached by a couple who wanted their Bathroom completely Remodeled from their older concept to a modernized one. Beginning with the demolition process as well as removing and disposing of the site. The next steps began with relocating the plumbing as well as roughing in the tub, faucets and shower. We advised the customers to use Schluter Shower System, which is one of the most advanced shower systems in the market. 

Densshield was used for the enclosure and we waterproofed the corners, as well as the base of the shower.  Based upon their complaints of a lack of heat in the bathroom, we suggested an electric radiant floor and thermostat. The customers wanted their bathroom to be bright and modern, so we advised them to choose wide, light colored tiles to open up the room. As for the flooring, to contrast those tiles with a darker color scheme. The customers also wanted a drop in tub, so we built a deck for it, with a wooden accent skirt (as per their request).We install thermostatic valve , more convenience faucet which set the right temperature , a wide rain drop and hand held shower .

We updated their fan with a Panasonic Whispering Fan and also installed a chandelier above the tub, as well as a vanity light.  To fit the color scheme chosen by the customers, we selected a light colored vanity, with a Calcutta Caesarstone countertop.

Filed Under: Blog

5 Tips to Help You Plan a Home Renovation

Posted on February 27, 2018

Canadian homeowners have seen a huge rise in the commonality of home renovation as opposed to home upgrades through purchases. The current housing market prevents easy purchases, and creates the necessity for home renovation as a means of improvement in space and design. The last decade alone has seen unprecedented increases, reaching billions, in home improvement expenditures within Canada. Renovating your home is an easy way to upgrade your living space, add value to your home and make your life easier. But unfortunately, not every single renovation idea is a good one. While planning a renovation may be difficult, there are experts out there who can make your home renovation easier by helping you plan, budget and design your new living space. Before you consider a home renovation however, there are some steps you should take to ensure that you are doing the right thing. For your benefit, we’ve taken the time to assemble these 5 key tips meant to help you get the most out of your home renovation…. [Read More]

Filed Under: Blog

The Do’s and Don’ts of Home Remodelling

Posted on August 30, 2017

Working on a home renovation can be a stressful, and often times you find yourself grasping for ideas which don’t come naturally to you. In these situations, working with a contractor can help you gain insight into new perspectives into remodelling or renovating certain areas of your home. In fact, simply getting a glimpse into the mind of a contractor often allows you to look at your home in a different way. Often, your vision of a project may be simply unrealistic, and your lack of experience may negatively affect the outcome of the project. For your benefit when planning your next home renovation, we’ve assembled some lessons which can be of help. Here are some of the fundamental do’s and don’t many contractors will list as most important in the success of a project:

Renovation Tips:

  1. Don’t delay decisions until the last moment: The success of a renovation project depends on careful, precise planning and budgeting. If you want your home renovation to go well, the best thing you can do is make all the decisions before work starts in full. This way you have an idea of how the decision will affect the end project, and how to budget accordingly. Even small issues such as trim, paint, flooring type and appliance selection may affect the timeline and create problems with space and function. Taking in every eventuality with the eye of a contractor is your best bet to avoid delays and issues.
  2. Do stick with decisions: Though changes are inevitable, avoiding major changes to the plan after orders have been placed or construction has started is the best possible thing to do. Every time you change your mind, you are costing yourself unnecessary money and your contractor extra time. For this reason, it’s best to plan every minute detail before you start construction or place any orders.
  3. Don’t buy your own materials: Most contractors provide the materials they use for construction at a lower price. While your company or construction worker may mark up the prices for materials, you are assured you are getting quality products that will work with the interior. Always cooperate with your contractor to be assured that you are getting the best quality and choice materials for the job.
  4. Do listen to your contactor’s suggestions: Though you may have ideas which you will want to stand to, often times a homeowner’s inexperienced eye will cause problems which can be anticipated by experienced contractors. Be open to the suggestions of professionals, though remember that your renovation should be your project and accommodate your specifications.
  5. Do plan for overhead: The number one mistake made by homeowners when renovating is underestimating costs, and ending up with unfinished or shoddy work. Homeowners have been shown to consistently set unrealistic expectations, and lower than possible budgets for renovation projects. Remember to take into account installation in addition to construction, should you be renewing electrical, plumbing or gas fixtures, as well as any appliances. These costs, as well as costs for new flooring, windows and doors, creep up quickly and suddenly homeowners are faced with the prospect of paying much more than they originally believed. When planning, remember to do research and budget accordingly to costs.
  6. Do prepare your home for renovation: Generally speaking, living in your home during the renovation is not a good idea unless you are only renovating a single room. Try not to get in the way of your contractors, and allow them to complete the job without having to work around the home’s residents.
  7. Don’t ever work without a foolproof design: Your project, depending on scope, will require architectural blueprints, complete interior design and a talented builder/team who can help you achieve your specifications and plan every aspect of the renovation. This way, you avoid mistakes and shoddy work, and prevent major changes from having to be made during the project.

Renovations and Remodeling Services

              

 A & R Renovations Inc. is a company dedicated to quality home and interior renovations and remodelling services. Working within the Greater Toronto Area, our company is your number one choice for all forms of renovations and improvements, having served the area for over 20 years. We specialize in bathroom, basement and kitchen renovations, but are completely versed in all manners of renovations and remodelling, offering commercial and residential services. Our unique approach allows us to work one on one with clients, focusing on a single project at a time. This means we are able to invest our complete enthusiasm into your dream renovation.

 

We ensure to serve our clients with enthusiasm, professionalism and integrity, offering trustworthy skills and reliable staff. Offering a 1 year limited warranty, we ensure that all our work is done to your complete and utter satisfaction and guarantee 100% customer satisfaction throughout the GTA, including Markham, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, North York, and other locations throughout. Please visit our website or take a look at our project gallery for more information about what we can do for you and your home today: https://www.aandrrenovations.com. Call us today for a free consultation at: 416-677-9316. We are always happy to answer any and all of your questions regarding our services.

🏠 The 2025 Renovation Renaissance: Fresh Trends to Transform Your Space

 

Welcome to my corner of creativity and construction—where peeling paint meets possibility! Whether you’re flipping a fixer-upper or daydreaming about a designer bathroom, 2025 brings a buffet of renovation trends that are bold, functional, and fabulously green.
🎨 Color Outside the Lines
Gone are the greige walls and shy beige tones. This year, homes are draped in deep jewel tones—think emerald greens, eggplant purples, and rich navy blues. Full-room color immersion is officially in, with ceilings, trims, and walls matching for a cocooning effect.
🌿 Earthy Kitchens
Green cabinetry paired with warm wood and brass accents is giving kitchens a grounded, yet luxe feel. It’s about embracing natural tones and organic materials—your kitchen is no longer a sterile lab, it’s a lush gathering spot.
🛁 Shower Rooms with Spa Vibes
Standard showers are stepping aside for steam-ready sanctuaries. Think built-in seating, mood lighting, and even aromatherapy systems that turn the daily rinse into ritual.
🔄 Hybrid Spaces
The home office now doubles as a guest room. The kitchen is a homework zone. Living rooms hide clever bookcase doors that lead to surprise storage nooks. If it can multitask, it’s a winner.
🔥 Backyard Bliss
Outdoor spaces aren’t just patios anymore—they’re full-on living areas with fire pits, pergolas, and even wood-fired pizza ovens. People want the freedom to roast marshmallows in January, and we’re here for it.
☕ Specialty Kitchen Nooks
Coffee stations, beverage alcoves, and range hoods with flair add personality and efficiency. These focused areas help organize the chaos while still looking cool.
🧱 Backsplash Bonanza
Say goodbye to basic subway tile. This year’s backsplashes are wild with texture, color, and geometric drama—like wallpaper’s bold cousin that also fights grease.

Want me to help you build out some more posts—like tips for green renovations or a budget guide? Or we can draft an “About Me” section next to give your blog some personality.

Filed Under: Blog

Filed Under: Blog

6 Home Improvements to Consider for Renovation

Posted on August 30, 2017

When it comes to home improvements, it’s difficult to know how, A&R Renovations inc. understands that renovating your home involves a lot of decision making and that you can use all the help you can get!  On our blog we will post tips and advice to help make the process a little easier.n to do it yourself and when to hire a professional. We have the lowdown on when to draw the line – it usually involves things like plumbing, electricity, expensive materials and renovations that are downright dangerous. So before you try to get handy with a hammer, consult this list to see what you should never attempt yourself.

… [Read More]

Filed Under: Blog

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