Renovations are one way of getting a step closer to your dream home. Since moving to Toronto, I’ve noticed just how many peers and colleagues are doing some form of reno. And while at times the thought of it sounds very daunting, I’m also rather intrigued at how the whole thing works.
In this blog I interview a friend, Taryn Green, who together with her husband, had no background in renovating properties. Despite this they managed to turn their house into one hell of a home.
Read on for a very honest and inspiring tale of a house reno in Toronto’s Riverside.
Q1: Is there ever a good time to renovate and if so when?
A: Renovating is stressful, expensive, and time consuming so I’d generally suggest avoiding renos when you have other things going on in your life that share those qualities. Consider how it will impact your day to day life: Will you have to relocate? Do you have major expenses coming up? Are you on a really strict timeline? If so, you may want to wait or adjust your scope. That being said, we recently started a reno project when I was 30 weeks pregnant with the goal of completing it before the baby arrived. Recognize that your life will be somewhat thrown into turmoil for a while and try to manage your expectations. You are going to experience delays and setbacks so it’s wise to prepare yourself mentally and financially so you can stay as zen as possible during the process.
Q2: How did you plan and schedule your renovations?
A: In our case, we were working with a very old house that needed a lot of behind-the-scenes work. A room by room schedule would have been challenging because so much work was needed throughout. We were fortunately able to move out while we gutted the entire house and addressed all the structural, electrical and HVAC issues at once. We’ve been gradually putting things back together floor by floor. We started with the main and second floor so that we’d have somewhere to live and have since done the third floor. The basement and kitchen will be the final phase and are in progress now. Every home and project is different so the planning and scheduling is dependent upon existing conditions, what your ultimate plan is, your budget, etc. I highly recommend seeking the advice of a contractor and architect during the planning stages. Even if you don’t hire them for a whole-house reno, they will be able to give you insights into the best way to schedule the work in order to minimize disruptions and costs.
Sneak peak of some during and after photos:
Living room during reno
Living room post reno
Living room and staircase during reno
Living room post reno
Hallway post reno
Q3: What did you enjoy most about the process?
A: I loved watching the progress day to day and seeing a space come together. It’s exciting to anticipate each stage and watch your vision come to life. We also did some of the work on our house ourselves and I really enjoyed learning new skills throughout the process. It was empowering to learn how to use a saw and a drill and build something with my own hands.
Q4: What advice would you give to someone considering renovating?
A: It will always cost more and take longer than you expect. Planning is also critical – allow time for planning, procurement, scheduling contractors, etc. If you’re making all your decisions on the fly, you risk backing yourself into an expensive, stressful corner.
Q5: What was the most disruptive part of the process?
A: Demolition is messy and very noisy. Plaster dust finds its way into everything.
Q6: Where did you find your inspiration?
A: All over! We got ideas from restaurants we loved, hotels we’ve stayed in, and other homes we saw while we were house-hunting. Design magazines are great but most people aren’t going to be featured in Architectural Digest so I especially love “real home” tours on Apartment Therapy and design blogs that show the entire process of a renovation.
A *HUGE* thanks to Taryn for her thoughtful response to my questions and for sharing such awe-inspiring and beautiful photos of their renovation project in Riverside.
I hope you found this interview to provide you with a solid understanding of the considerations surrounding a renovation. As well as a little inspiration for the brave who are up to the challenge of a reno, both mentally, physically and financially!
A renovation is by no means a challenge to be approached lightly, however as demonstrated in the interview and photos, the results can be truly spectacular.
Great interview, thank you for sharing. Renovation it is time-consuming when you do it yourself. But I know people here in Toronto who has such business. They buy old houses, renovate them and then sell. They receive then good money and a lot of good feedback. It is nice to look at pictures before and after renovation.
I’m actually planning on doing some reno’s for when I move later in the year. It sounds like these things are well worth the effort though. I will take a look at what Taryn mentioned as inspiration. I haven’t thought to check out any design magazines yet!
Great photos! The after pictures look beautiful, Taryn must really have an eye for design! I think anyone who has done any renovations will definitely agree with her point that it always takes longer and costs more than anticipated – but hopefully the end result is something that you can enjoy for a long time.
Thanks Leora for reading my post. Taryn studied urban planning and is a sustainability consultant so she does have a bit of an advantage! That said, I don’t think you need to be a designer to appreciate and create your own great design. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos!
This interview definitely distils everything anyone needs to know about the home renovation process. A homeowner definitely needs a written work quote, in addition to proper planning, just in case. I would’ve loved to see how Taryn decided on her renovation budget and how much she estimates it increased her property!
I agree Geoff, just as in business you should always work to a quote, the same applies to one’s personal life. There are so many horror stories of reno’s creeping out of control, so a budget and quote are essential. I don’t believe that Taryn has had the house revalued, although no doubt the reno will have made a huge difference, as well as providing a beautiful home to live in.
This was a really great interview! I liked how honest Taryn was about the process. It really felt like it was something she loved doing even though it was hard at times. The after photos were gorgeous and it all turned out amazing!
Awesome interview! When I was very young my parents had our house renovated and I don’t think I really appreciated how much was involved in the process. These questions and thoughtful answers provided great things to think about when going through a reno. I really like the renovated living room in the picture btw!
Thanks for reading my blog Josh. I think when we’re little kids we don’t appreciate a lot of things as they miraculously just ‘happen’, although now we know how much work really goes into a reno, for instance. I love the living room too!
Great interview Katie!! It is very interesting to see all the aspects involved in these processes. I think that once you have finished your reno you have to feel really good. I love the pictures, what a change!
Wow – amazing transformations! Great interview Katie, I think Taryn gives a lot of good, realistic and accurate advice. The reno road can be super long but this is proof that if you work hard throughout, the end result will be worth it!
Very useful post, Katie!
Your friend has a talent for design and renovation!
I want to know that:
How long can I live in the house after renovation.
Could you recommend some non-toxic paints?
Hi Celine, thanks for reading my post and I am glad you enjoyed the read. It really depends on the type of renovation and whether you need to move out, or simply move to another floor. As for non toxic paints, there are many out there. Check out: http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm Good luck if you do decide to do a reno!
I love the before and after photos! They don’t even look like the same room! I admire them for taking this on, despite not having experience in renovating properties. You’re right, I think they a hell of a job and I love when she said that she got her inspiration all over. Awesome interview Katie! 🙂
Great post, Katie! For some like me lacking creativity to plan any sort of renovation, this post and the amazing and inspirational pictures will surely be a help in future. Thanks for sharing!
I love the photos. This interview was great and it brought back memories. I grew up in a house that went through a reno. This interview can help a lot of people who want to have a reno but don’t know the process. The interview can give them the insight they might need. Great work.
Great interview post, Katie! The photos really show what renovation is really like! The end product is gorgeous though 🙂
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Thanks Anja – I am glad you enjoyed the before and after pics!
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Great interview, thank you for sharing. Renovation it is time-consuming when you do it yourself. But I know people here in Toronto who has such business. They buy old houses, renovate them and then sell. They receive then good money and a lot of good feedback. It is nice to look at pictures before and after renovation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE the before and after pics too Yulia, they really help bring the reno to life! Thanks for stopping by.
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I’m actually planning on doing some reno’s for when I move later in the year. It sounds like these things are well worth the effort though. I will take a look at what Taryn mentioned as inspiration. I haven’t thought to check out any design magazines yet!
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You best get looking now Mark and get inspired for your reno’s!
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The before and after photos were a great addition, the advice about an architect or contractor I thought was a very good idea.
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Thanks Nicholas. I think while the architect/contractor are an additional expense, they are well worth the investment!
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Great photos! The after pictures look beautiful, Taryn must really have an eye for design! I think anyone who has done any renovations will definitely agree with her point that it always takes longer and costs more than anticipated – but hopefully the end result is something that you can enjoy for a long time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Leora for reading my post. Taryn studied urban planning and is a sustainability consultant so she does have a bit of an advantage! That said, I don’t think you need to be a designer to appreciate and create your own great design. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos!
LikeLike
This interview definitely distils everything anyone needs to know about the home renovation process. A homeowner definitely needs a written work quote, in addition to proper planning, just in case. I would’ve loved to see how Taryn decided on her renovation budget and how much she estimates it increased her property!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree Geoff, just as in business you should always work to a quote, the same applies to one’s personal life. There are so many horror stories of reno’s creeping out of control, so a budget and quote are essential. I don’t believe that Taryn has had the house revalued, although no doubt the reno will have made a huge difference, as well as providing a beautiful home to live in.
LikeLike
This was a really great interview! I liked how honest Taryn was about the process. It really felt like it was something she loved doing even though it was hard at times. The after photos were gorgeous and it all turned out amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading my post Danny and I am glad you appreciated the honesty around the process.
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Awesome interview! When I was very young my parents had our house renovated and I don’t think I really appreciated how much was involved in the process. These questions and thoughtful answers provided great things to think about when going through a reno. I really like the renovated living room in the picture btw!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading my blog Josh. I think when we’re little kids we don’t appreciate a lot of things as they miraculously just ‘happen’, although now we know how much work really goes into a reno, for instance. I love the living room too!
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Great interview Katie!! It is very interesting to see all the aspects involved in these processes. I think that once you have finished your reno you have to feel really good. I love the pictures, what a change!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely Ainoa, you have to love the end result which is why planning is so important to the process.
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Wow – amazing transformations! Great interview Katie, I think Taryn gives a lot of good, realistic and accurate advice. The reno road can be super long but this is proof that if you work hard throughout, the end result will be worth it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the read Aryana and glad you found the advice realistic. Lots of project management is key to success!
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Very useful post, Katie!
Your friend has a talent for design and renovation!
I want to know that:
How long can I live in the house after renovation.
Could you recommend some non-toxic paints?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Celine, thanks for reading my post and I am glad you enjoyed the read. It really depends on the type of renovation and whether you need to move out, or simply move to another floor. As for non toxic paints, there are many out there. Check out: http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm Good luck if you do decide to do a reno!
LikeLike
I love the before and after photos! They don’t even look like the same room! I admire them for taking this on, despite not having experience in renovating properties. You’re right, I think they a hell of a job and I love when she said that she got her inspiration all over. Awesome interview Katie! 🙂
LikeLike
Great post, Katie! For some like me lacking creativity to plan any sort of renovation, this post and the amazing and inspirational pictures will surely be a help in future. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the photos. This interview was great and it brought back memories. I grew up in a house that went through a reno. This interview can help a lot of people who want to have a reno but don’t know the process. The interview can give them the insight they might need. Great work.
LikeLike
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