Wealth management you can understand
BE SURE TO BRING YOUR CONTRACTOR ON BOARD FOR A COST ANALYSIS — AND A HEALTHY DOSE OF REALITY — AS SOON AS YOU HAVE A PRELIMINARY DRAWING.
• For women, retirees, and couples about to retire • Personalized strategies for your financial needs • Meetings as needed to keep up with changes in your life
TIP #4 AN IDEA AND A DESIGN ARE NOT THE SAME THING So you want to remove the dining room wall to open up the kitchen, and convert three tiny bedrooms upstairs into one large master, expanding the ensuite bath while you’re at it? No need to spend thousands on a design, right, when you already know what you want and are primed to bust down walls? In truth, Rannala says, the most important thing homeowners can do to ensure renovation success is to start with a good design. Miss the mark here and you could have a disaster on your hands down the road. Some companies handle all aspects of both design and construction. But keep in mind that if your designer isn’t skilled in construction, she/he may not understand the actual costs of the plan, and may not foresee potential problems based on the home’s substructure. Be sure to bring your contractor on board for a cost analysis — and healthy dose of reality — as soon as you have a preliminary drawing. A good designer can spot your home’s redeeming qualities and use those features to create flow and continuity throughout. Rannala also says a pro will have a keen eye for incorporating finishing materials that define a space and create character. “Ceilings are the most under-utilized design element in home design, with the most dramatic results when done properly,” says Rannala, who loves using faux beams, traditional coffered ceilings and calculated use of wood for a luxurious, rich effect. “A talented designer will also know when to salvage materials like kitchen cabinets, and what features can be modified and adapted instead of starting over completely.” True, a professional design will cost you, but it adds immense value to the project. As the old proverb goes, a vision without a plan is just a dream. Start with a well-crafted design, and you’ll see your vision — your dream home — become a reality. There’s nothing mythical about that. ::
• Peace of mind that comes from working together
Joanne Vesprini, BA (Econ.) Investment Advisor 250-356-4679 | joanne.vesprini@rbc.com
RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2015 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved.
Always a good sign. YAM MAGAZINE MAR/APR 2016
51