How to successfully complete your home renovations

1. Planning your home renovations

How do you properly plan your home renovation?

Before starting any home improvement projects, define your needs and priorities, then establish a clear plan. Will you tackle the renovation work yourself or hire a professional contractor?

Which tasks should be handled by specialists?

• Electrical and gas work: must always be done by a certified professional.
• Plumbing, ventilation, heating: strongly recommended to hire a specialist.
• Complex projects: kitchen remodels, removing a load-bearing wall, home additions.

Pro tip: Book your experts early to avoid project delays.

2. Building permits and compliance

Do I need a building permit for my renovations?

Most likely. A building permit is required for the majority of major home renovation projects. Check with your municipality to confirm whether your project requires a permit.

Start your permit applications early to avoid delays. If you’re completing the home renovation yourself, make sure you follow all building code compliance requirements and municipal regulations, which may vary depending on the type of project.

3. Project timeline and job-site organization

How do you organize your renovation site to avoid delays and surprises?

Create a detailed list of tasks in the order they need to be completed and set a realistic project timeline.

• Confirm material availability and order early to avoid backorders and work stoppages.
• Schedule a dumpster rental for waste removal.
• Keep a file with invoices, photos, and all renovation-related documents.

4. Home insurance: What to check before renovating

Do you need to notify your insurer before renovating?

Yes. Always inform your home insurance provider before starting renovations.

If you’re doing the work yourself:

• Review your liability coverage, especially if friends or family are helping.
• Take this opportunity to update your home insurance coverage based on the scale of the project.You may even qualify for a premium reduction—for example, when replacing a heating system or redoing a roof.
• Consider purchasing accident insurance to cover risks during the work.

If you’re hiring a general contractor:

• Make sure they have professional liability insurance and valid documentation.

5. Renovation budget

How do you estimate renovation costs and plan your budget?

Renovations are expensive. You’ll need to set your investment amount and stick to it. Your renovation budget should include:

• Materials
• Experts and labour
• Tools
• Permits
• Décor
• Dumpster rental
• Temporary relocation, if needed

Pro tip: Set aside 10% to 15% for unexpected expenses.

What are the most common surprises during home renovations?

Common unexpected issues include:

• Hidden structural issues (wood rot, unstable foundations)
• Outdated plumbing or electrical systems
• Planning errors
• Material delivery delays
• The classic “might as well” additions

Good budget planning reduces the risk of surprises, impulse purchases, and cost overruns.

How to save money on your home renovations

Here are simple and effective strategies to save money on your home renovations while maintaining quality:

• Do some simple tasks yourself: removing partitions, painting, installing floating flooring.
• Reuse or repurpose materials: wood, cabinets, finishes.
• Rethink costly projects—for example, relocating plumbing.
• Watch for sales and take advantage of discounts offered through the Rabais Dollars CAA rewards program.
• Check for home renovation grants, tax credits, and financial assistance from governments, municipalities, and specialized organizations.

6. Choosing the right contractor

How do you find a reliable contractor for your renovations?

Here are helpful tips to find the best contractor:

• Contact 2 to 3 contractors, such as those in the CAA-Quebec Approved Residential Suppliers network.
• Check the contractor’s RBQ licence and potential complaints with the Office de la protection du consommateur (Consumer Protection Office).
• Ensure they have the required permits and valid liability insurance.
• Ask for references and detailed written quotes (ideally 3). CAA-Quebec’s Residential Advisory Services can help you compare estimates.

What clauses should a renovation contract include?

A proper renovation contract should include:

• Contractor’s contact information and RBQ licence number
• Detailed description of the work and materials
• Total cost and payment terms
• Warranties
• Termination clause in case of contract breach
• Work timeline and completion date
• Renovation waste management details

Request the same information when dealing with subcontractors. Keep records of all communication and monitor job-site progress.

Which renovations offer the best return on investment?

Some home renovations offer excellent resale value. Here are the six most profitable home improvements and the percentage of investment you may recover:

• Kitchens and bathrooms: 75% to 100%
• Interior and exterior painting: 50% to 100%
• Flooring: 50% to 75%
• Doors, windows, and roofing: 50% to 75%
• Basement renovations: 50% to 75%
• Heating and cooling upgrades: 50% to 75%Pro tip: Avoid upgrades that are significantly above the neighbourhood standard. Adding features commonly found in nearby homes tends to deliver better returns.