06/11/2026
I was on CHCH Morning Live last week sharing my top renovation do’s and don’ts. Lets recap it…
After 15 years of running my firm, the pattern is always the same: most renovation regrets come from skipping the planning phase.
Start with the plan, not the finishes. Define your scope of work, get a scaled floor plan, set a design direction, and build your budget before you pick a single tile. Prioritize function first.
Splurge on what stays. Cabinetry, natural stone countertops, quality plumbing fixtures, flooring, and architectural details. These anchor the space and you’ll have them for decades.
Save on what moves. Trend-driven decor, accent lighting, accessories, and furniture pieces you’ll naturally want to update over time. No need to over invest here.
The mistakes that cost the most: going in without a detailed plan, and not accounting for lead times on cabinets, plumbing, and electrical. These need to be ordered early and the single biggest budget killer is changing decisions once construction has already started.
