The plain and simple fact is that we like to renovate in Manitoba... a lot. In a recent national poll, almost 60 per cent of all Manitobans said that they are planning a renovation this year.
For more than a decade, Manitobans have spent more money on renovations than new home construction; the only province in Canada to do so. Of course, part of that is based on the fact that new homes are much more affordable here than in many other regions in Canada, but one can't argue that Manitobans lead the country when it comes to renovation projects.
In Winnipeg, renovations are a logical extension of home life. Winnipeg has the third oldest housing stock (behind only Montreal and Halifax) in Canada. Older homes in older neighbourhoods require work to keep them in good shape.
Winnipeggers are fixated on living in particular neighbourhoods, often where they grew up. In order to do so, they frequently purchase an older home and then engage in a significant renovation project to enable that home to suit their more modern tastes.
A home renovation project can be as simple or complicated. However, in order to get started down the right path, every homeowner needs to be more aware of all aspects of a renovation project.
That is why the RenoMark Renovators Council of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association is offering a FREE renovation information session on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Norwood Hotel.
This seminar will feature professional renovators discussing the whys and hows of planning a renovation, how to best create and modify your wish list, and how to best go about selecting the renovator that is right for you.
There will also be expert advice from Manitoba Hydro on energy-saving techniques; Steinbach Credit Union on financing your renovation; and from the City of Winnipeg on what does and doesn't require a permit, along with other money saving strategies.
There will also be helpful hints regarding warning signs from those who may be passing themselves off as renovators but have less than honest motives and business practices. After the presentations, there will be plenty of opportunity to drill down to your particular project through the question and answer period.
This seminar will assist homeowners in making the right decisions for their renovation projects.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
