Home Reno Part 1! Trip to Improve Canada

So, we took down a wall the other day. By we, I mean Donny.

Was it a little out of the blue? Kinda sorta.

We've been talking about a renovation project almost as long as we've lived in this house (which is 11 years ago, by the way). Throw in a couple of maternity leaves and a lost job and it just never got done.

So we took down a wall. Now it needs to get done. (We did meet with a Structural Engineer, so the house won't collapse, not to worry)

Honestly, it's already overwhelming. So many trades, so many steps -- where do you start?

The first things we've done, in addition to the wall, is talk to people we know, look at pictures (thousands of pictures) and take a trip to Improve Canada. Improve Canada is located on Keele Street, south of the 407, and there are hundreds of contractors, trades, designers, all under one roof.

I will tell you: the place is huge, and can be overwhelming, so I suggest you visit their website and book appointments with the businesses inside. Luckily, there is a very easy-to-follow guide that can help you once inside, if you just want to take a walk and explore.

Improve is Canada's largest home improvement centre and inside you'll find everything from kitchen manufacturers, designers, lighting specialists, bathroom and tile companies and more. If you need ideas, you'll find hundreds here, so pack a notepad and some water and get to work.

I am a research nerd, so I plan on meeting and learning from a variety of trades to make this reno happen the right way.