There are ways to survive your renovation keeping your marriage...and sanity...intact while living through the drywall dust and construction chaos. The hustle and bustle of the trades people, the noise of construction and plain inconvenience can cause increased stress. Here are some ways to remain sane...and married:

1. Take a reality check. Your idealized view of a renovation project in terms of time and money: it’s probably going to take more time to complete and cost more than originally budgeted for. Be realistic: renovating an existing home is a major undertaking that uncovers a lot of unknowns in the process.

2. Get your other chores done. During the renovation when your home will likely be disorganized, dirty and noisy and busy with trades people, use the opportunity to get out of the house and tackle the errands you’ve been putting off.

3. Clarify what your builder says. We use specialized language and jargon with our trades people. Make sure you understand exactly what is being said every step of the way.

4. Simplify. Accept that you’re going to be living in some state of chaos and simplify your life. Plan simpler meals, buy prepared meals or go out for dinner. Another good tip is to not take on new projects or commitments either.

Life does get back to normal and you can expect many years of pleasure once your renovation is completed. Whether you are thinking of renovating your home this winter, or are considering an addition, give me a call. Doug Abbott. dougabbott@villagebuilders.ca 705 466 3202.

Here’s a cool vacuum product that we've installed in our Presentation Centre in Creemore that always impresses: the Hide-a-hose retractable hose central vacuum system. This system takes central vacuum technology to the next level. It does that by eliminating the hassle of dragging the hose to the outlet. The Hide-a-hose system stores up to 50 feet of hose inside the wall.

When you’re ready to vacuum it you pull out the length you need, connect a cleaning tool and you’re vacuuming! When you’re finished, the power of the central vacuum retracts the hose back into the wall and out of site. We love it and so do the customers who have had it installed in their homes when renovating. We can’t think of a more convenient central vacuum system.

When you are thinking of renovating your home this winter, consider adding a Hide-a-hose central vacuum system. Give me a call. Doug Abbott. dougabbott@villagebuilders.ca 705 466 3202.

There has been a lot of talk recently about green construction. True green construction is a worthwhile goal and there are some key things you can discuss with your builder when undertaking your renovation or addition to not only be ‘green’ but also realistic with your budget:

1. What recommendations does your builder make about energy efficient windows and doors? The sky is the limit of course so carefully evaluating the cost versus the benefit is key.

2. Building the right sized addition. One of the best ways to not only save energy but money is to build to the right size and not build more than you need.

3. What building materials does your builder recommend to minimize the contamination of indoor air quality? What systems can be installed to maximize fresh air inside your home.

4. Does your builder recommend strong, lasting construction materials and techniques? One of the most important considerations is to build it to last.

As you work on planning your renovation or addition use these ideas to keep thinking green. Give me a call before you get started to talk about your project. Doug Abbott. dougabbott@villagebuilders.ca 705 466 3202

Planning a renovation can be time consuming and stressful. Everything from researching and choosing your builder, securing the financing to choosing finishes requires staying on top of the details. Here is our simplified 7-step checklist to help you through the process:

1. Know your needs. Start with a list of preferences for lighting, flooring and finishes. This will keep you and your builder on the same page about the costs and quality of the work. The more details you can provide the better.

2. Control spending. Have your builder develop a detailed budget that includes all the items and labour required to complete the renovation. Then stick to the plan and resist the urge to change things once construction begins.

3. Investigate your builder. Referrals from customers are a great place to start. A reputable builder will not hesitate to supply you with names of customers who will talk with you about their experience. Also check out the GuildQualiy Guildmaster Awards at this link: http://www.guildquality.com/guildmaster/qualifications/

4. Get it in writing. An experienced and reputable builder will provide you with a detailed price quote, rules about change orders, start and finish dates, clauses on incentives, penalties and termination, payment and schedules and a list of everyone working on the project.

5. Building permits. Your builder will apply for the necessary building permits but it is a good idea to confirm this.

6. Inspection requirements. Again, your builder will take care of the necessary inspections but it is a good idea to keep on top of this during the renovation.

7. Finally, the final inspection. Your builder will want to see you satisfied with the final result. As well, make sure you keep a signed copy of all paperwork from the various inspections for your records.

We want you to be completely satisfied with your renovation. Call me to get started. Doug Abbott. dougabbott@villagebuilders.ca 705 466 3202

Over the years that we’ve been in business we’ve been blessed with the opportunity to meet and work with many fantastic clients. We are honoured to have been chosen to help you achieve your dream whether it was a renovation, addition or all new custom home. This past year was no exception. We were thrilled to meet many of you at the opening of our Presentation Centre in Creemore.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Doug Abbott. dougabbott@villagebuilders.ca 705 466 3202