Do you ever come home from work and flop down on your couch and wonder to yourself, what happened to the home that you loved? That paint color you pick with such care, just doesn’t seem to have any life left in it. And how you would have thought that after such a short time a carpet could look like this. Time can be tough on the things you love best and your home is no exception to the rule. Let’s face it, aging can show more rapidly then you might ever want to on your home. But the idea of renovating has you heading for the nearest closet and hiding yourself between the clothes, in fear. For most of us, it seems like a task that will be a never-ending headache. Not to mention a huge hit to the pocket book. How can you win?

Well, John Sillaots, who will be appearing at The Renovation Show, in Edmonton, February 2 to 4, might just be the answer to your prayers. Sillaots is the man, if you’re looking for some common sense answers and a little bit of good old fashion guidance. As the owner of the successful Barnside Custom Cabinetry and Furniture, working throughout southern Ontario and host of HGTV’s “In the Workshop”, Sillaots will give you a little insight to make the job a whole lot simpler. Not to mention a wealth of helpful information and a lot of good advice.

Sillaots has come up against it all in his business and his own personal experience. This D.I.Y guru could inspire the handyman in just about anyone. Yet his sage advice won’t lead you down the wrong road. Sillaots is a firm believer in knowing your limitations.

So who really needs to renovate? According to Sillaots, “If your house is tired, it’s time to spruce it up.” So take a good long look around your place. Does it look as though they could shoot “That 70’s Show” in your living? Do your friends tell you that your home brings back memories of their childhood? These are all great cues that it‘s time to bring your house back into this century.

So where do you begin? Take a field trip to a new development and visit a number of showhomes. Sillaots suggests, “Take the ideas and details in model homes and bring them home.” Next it’s time to have a good look at your home inside and out. For most of us the next step is to make a list of what you know you need to change. Ask yourself what will make your home more appealing. This will give you a starting off point.

Now it’s time to decide what you can do yourself and what need you professionals for.

Today the Internet and instructional videos are a great resource for renovating. Sillaots says, “Do you homework.” The explosion in the D.I.Y. marketplace has lead to the creation of fabulous websites. You’ll find a ton of useful information and step-by-step instructions for all most every type of renovation project. There’s a wealth of information to base your decision, to do it yourself or not. “Don’t practice on your house”, says Sillaots. “Things like stripping wallpaper are easy. Hire someone for the big jobs. The problem with most people is they bite off more then they can chew. Start off small”, explains Sillaots.

You need to know when you can do something yourself and when you can’t. So if painting is on your list for your renovation, don’t start off by painting your bedroom. Sillaots says, “You’ll lay in bed looking at your mistakes.” “Paint your bedroom closet,” according to Sillaots. In the closet you’ll face many of the painting challenges that your house will hold, all in one little space. “If you can make it look good, then go on. If not put your clothes back in it”, said Sillaots.

When it comes to your floors, Sillaots has many fabulous tidbits for you. One of the biggest mistakes that many do-it-yourselfers make, according to Sillaots is, “They don’t read instructions.” They are there for a reason. This is especially true when it comes to clic laminate flooring. When installing, one of the hottest products in the D.I.Y market Sillaots has found most people have barely looked at the instructions yet are unhappy with the end result. “The sub-floor has to be very level for laminate” says Sillaots. If not, the laminate will truly float over those uneven areas in a way the manufacturer never intended them to. The home owner will be left with those uneven areas having a squeak or spring to them. The directions can help eliminate costly mistakes and enable you to do the job to the best of your ability. They may even tell you, that this project might just be out of your comfort zone.

He also advises to have a plan when installing flooring especially with laminates, hardwoods and tiles. If your rooms aren't square, you need to know where to start and finish so cut tiles; laminates and hardwoods will be least likely to show. Think about you furniture placement and how to best hide the irregularities.

What about those jobs that you know, without even thinking are out of your league, like the kitchen. Look for companies with good reputations, no cash upfront and to make sure you get a contract or invoice stating exactly what you will be getting for the quoted price. It’s also a good idea when talking about cabinets to get quotes on new cabinets and re-facing the old ones. Re-facing is fine if you’re not planning to stay in your home long-term Sillaots says, “Re-facing usually falls apart in 3 to 4 years.” So know what you really need. And don’t shy away from custom designed work. Sillaots says, “People are usually surprised at the cost.” Ask lots of questions of your contractor and/or cabinet company. Get a schedule. You need to know exactly what to expect from them before you even start.

“If your house is tired, it’s time to spruce it up.”

Still worried about the cost? Sillaots has a great piece of advice; sell your old kitchen cabinet as soon as they are pulled out. “Take a picture before you dismantle the cabinets,” says Sillaots. That way you can show potential buyers how it looked originally. Ask for best offer. You would never have any idea just how much people will pay for your old tired kitchen, to them it’s a gem. Place them in your garage with the biggest piece forward. According to Sillaots, you’ll be surprised how much you’ll get. People are always looking for old kitchens for basement apartments, lake homes and even garages. It’s possible to get anywhere from $800 to $2000 for your old kitchen that you were just going to have taken to the dump. He suggests, “Invest it back into the Kitchen.” What a great way to offset costs.

So don’t let the “R” word strike fear in your heart any longer. Renovating doesn’t have to a pain in the b…., anymore. It just requires a little bit of common sense advice. So stop by and see John at The Renovation Show in February, he gets you pumped up and ready to tackle your renovation.