Being prepared, it's a simple concept that commonly gets overlooked.

Doing your homework, your due diligence, being informed...whatever you wish to call it, being prepared for a kitchen, bathroom or full-scale home renovation can save you thousands of dollars and most importantly peace of mind down the road.

When tackling a renovation of any magnitude like a kitchen/bathroom, remember to check what your expectations are on the timing of the project, the overall cost and even what time of year will best suit you and/or your family.

Ask yourself how long am I willing to be inconvenienced if my kitchen/bath is under construction?

What is the most I am willing to spend? A budget is great, but allow for some concessions down the road if necessary.

For example, if I am not able to cook, is summer a better time to proceed as barbequing outdoors alleviates the stress of being able to prepare a meal? Typically meals are easier to do in during tje summer season anyway. If it's your bathroom, can your secondary bathroom handle all your needs for the time being?

Lastly, remember to look at different styles and tastes so you have a clear idea of what you're looking for. To do this, look at pictures of other projects, get together a list of your needs and then add them to your wishlist. Be sure to compare apples to apples when gathering your quotes and always ask for referrals. Visit a company's actual showroom to get their insight and determinr if they're a good fit.

All of these preparations will help ensure you're fully prepared for when the renovation begins!