Should you renovate or sell and build your dream home? This is the question many of us are asking. While there are perks to renovating a space, some like the undertaking of building a new home. Hiring a professional can help you make the best decisions for your home and lifestyle. Leaving it to the pros can ensure that they guide you on all the latest trends such as sustainable building materials and smart home installations, while they do the heavy lifting. That’s why we recently caught up with national award-winning renovation company, Marvel Pro Contracting and Renovations Ltd and put together their top tips that will make your renovation or new build painless.
Marvel Pro Contracting and Renovations Ltd. is a local and national award-winning renovation company that specializes in high-end finishes throughout the Okanagan. They like to take on anything from a small bathroom to a full home renovation. Specializing in bold, edgy, unique concepts and designs, they also gravitate towards custom work.
“What makes Marvel Pro's process unique is the atmosphere and attitude we bring to every job and our ability to come up with a solution to any problem that can arise throughout a renovation,”- Falon Morrison, Marvel Pro Contracting & Renovations Ltd.
“When working in the renovation industry you have to work with what you got so to speak and sometimes you’ll find contractors who say ‘We love what we do and we have fun doing it!’ Our crew is made up of a group of lifelong friends who work together on almost every project and that makes every job we work on personal to us”, added Falon.
Like most contractors, Marvel Pro stumbled upon RainStick organically and fell in love with the concept since eco-friendly, natural, zero waste products have always been a passion of Marvel’s. “Working in renovations, we are always looking for long-term ways to improve a home, and this is one of them,” said Falon.
Where to start: Budget and Contractor Selection
When asked about the things clients should think about leading up to their bathroom renovation or bathroom shower remodel, Falon recommends first establishing a budget. “Budget should be the first consideration, after that, you can start planning your design by getting clear on your vision for the space. This will help you get an accurate quote and give your builder plenty of time to source materials that go with your selected style.” Following this Falon suggests selecting your contractor. “Find someone who you like and trust and who can give you the style you are looking for. The contractor should take it from there by securing trades and selecting materials. If you have a good contractor, that is all you should have to worry about.“ Selecting a builder/renovation contractor can be a daunting task. There are a lot of things to consider and sometimes it can be tempting to go to the first person you come across. When asked about some of their top tips, Falon recommends that you come to see them first ;). “In all seriousness, we recommend meeting with your contractor in person and getting a sense of how you will get along. It is very important to feel comfortable and not pressured. You can also ask to see photos of their finished work.” said Falon.
Resources & Buyer Beware
One of the best tools in a homeowner's arsenal is Pinterest. Not only does this help you find your concept and inspiration photos, but it also provides your contractor or builder with a tangible visual that can save you a ton of money and time. Falon also suggests that you “set a realistic timeline and start date. Since we are still very much feeling the effects of the pandemic in the form of material shortages, longer delivery date wait times and longer trade waitlists. ”It is very easy to get swept up in the fun of renovating and turning your house into your dream home but the last thing you want is to be left in an unfinished space waiting on materials or trades. Although we don’t predict that to be the case forever, it is the case for upwards of a year.” Be mindful that you get what you pay for because “your cheapest choice isn't always the wisest because although it might be cheaper upfront, you will end up paying more, in the long run, to get it redone properly” added Falon.
Trends to Watch
When asked about the top trends they're seeing in building a new home or in bathroom remodels, Marvel Pro said “Open concept designs with rounded edges are here to stay. Softer lighter paint colours, natural wood tones, and organic natural vibes are also on their top list of things to consider for your upcoming projects. In the bathroom space look to incorporate zero threshold showers, linear drains, large format tiles with mitred corners and minuscule grout lines for a fresh modern look.
Read more about the Top Interior Design Trends in 2022 here.
Read more about Shower Remodelling Ideas here.
Learn more about Marvel Pro here
