The stress of a home renovation can feel like a ton of bricks, whether you’re facing emergency repairs or finally tackling that long-awaited kitchen update. Between setting a budget, deciding what you can DIY, and finding the right vendors, the choices can feel endless.
Fortunately, Milton is home to many trusted professionals who can help make the process smoother. From kitchens to blinds to landscaping and financial expertise, your space can go from headache to happy place. In this article, we’ve gathered insights from Adore Your Kitchen, Milton Blinds & Shutters, and Enviro-Loc, along with financial guidance from Fig Financial, to share practical tips for planning a renovation that fits your goals and your budget.
This article is sponsored by Fig Financial. Thank you to Fig for supporting our mission to champion the people and small businesses of Milton.
Planning Your Project Budget
Budgeting may not be as exciting as picking out tiles or paint colours, but it’s the backbone of a successful renovation. Costs can add up quickly, and a solid financial plan ensures your project improves the comfort, quality, and resale value of your home. That’s where Fig Financial comes in.
Fig is an innovative online lender that helps Canadians access personal loans for home improvements fast, conveniently, and without judgment. Their fixed-rate loans are designed to give you predictable monthly payments and a clear end date, so you stay on track with your budget.
Here are Fig’s top tips for financing a home renovation responsibly:
Start with a Plan—and Stick to It
Create a prioritized list of renovations with cost estimates. Borrow only what you need, based on a well-thought-out plan, to avoid overspending.
Focus on High-Impact, Low-Cost Upgrades
Small changes like fresh paint, lighting, or bathroom updates often make the biggest difference for the lowest cost.
DIY Where It’s Safe
Save money by handling small tasks yourself, and hire out to qualified trades where safety or expertise is needed.
Time Purchases Around Sales
Buy materials during seasonal promotions or clearance events to stretch your budget further.
Choose a Fixed-Term Loan Over Credit
A personal loan gives you predictable monthly payments and a clear payoff date, helping you stay disciplined. Fig’s fixed-rate loans come with no hidden fees or prepayment penalties—making them a safer, more reliable option than high-interest credit cards.
Design a Kitchen You’ll Adore
The kitchen is known as the heart of the home, so it’s often at the top of the list for home update projects.
Jim Ginwalla, owner of kitchen cabinet refacing and remodelling company Adore Your Kitchen, has helped Milton area families design their dream kitchens with function and style for over 16 years.
He shared some of his top advice for homeowners planning a kitchen renovation:
Work with the Features of the Room
To optimize the functional and visual layout of the kitchen, the stove should be centred on the longest wall of the kitchen. This is aesthetically pleasing and ensures there is workspace on both sides, which helps with meal preparation. If possible, the sink should be centred on a window, providing natural light while washing dishes. If you have a wall with a cavity or a right-angle intersection, try to tuck the fridge in there.
Keep the Work Triangle in Mind
The stove, sink, and fridge are the three main work centres of the kitchen, and the goal is to form a triangle between these three areas. This minimizes movement, improving efficiency when cooking. Ideally, the paths between these areas should be kept unobstructed and proportionate in length to minimize the distance between them.
Hire a Qualified Contractor
When researching vendors, I start by searching Google or HomeStars and sorting by the highest to lowest reviews, then actually reading the reviews to understand why they’ve generated those ratings. Try to narrow your options down to two or three top choices for home interviews – too many, and it can be easy to confuse details. The final decision should be based on product quality, promptness, and service standard of the point person, the project cost, and timeline – but also that all-important gut feeling.
Choose the Right Window Fittings
From controlling light to adding privacy and aesthetic appeal, window treatments are a true workhorse and one of the most valuable investments you can make in your home.
Vikki Rozon, Owner of Milton Blinds & Shutters, has been helping Milton homeowners find window coverings that add comfort and style to their living spaces for nearly 20 years.
Here are her tips for updating your window fittings:
Think Function First
Choose blinds based on the room’s purpose. For example, moisture-resistant Shutters are perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, while Blackout Blinds are ideal for bedrooms.
Measure Precisely
Accurate measurements, bracket styles, and mount location are key for a clean, professional fit. At Milton Blinds, this service is free. Take advantage and book your appointment today!
Consider Light and Privacy
Adjustable Zebra Blinds offer flexible control over natural light and privacy — great for living spaces where both are important.
Create an Outdoor Space You’ll Love Long-Term
From adding curb appeal to creating functional outdoor living spaces, landscaping can not only boost your home’s value, but it can also help make your home more livable overall.
Najma Ashrafi, Manager at Enviro-Loc, a local landscaping and stone interlock company committed to environmental care, offers this advice:
Plan with Purpose
Think about how you’ll use the space – dining, entertaining, kids, pets – before you design. This will ensure your layout, materials, and features fit your lifestyle.
Build on a Solid Foundation
A strong base and proper drainage are the keys to long-lasting hardscapes. Without it, shifting and water issues will cause costly headaches down the road.
Follow the Maintenance Schedule
It is recommended to maintain interlocking stones 2-3 years after the initial installation, and then every 3-5 years following that. If the surfaces are ignored and left to the elements, you will see weed growth, moss, dirt, shifting, and sinking.
Final Thoughts
A successful renovation comes down to planning, knowing what you want, what you can afford, and who to trust along the way.
If financing is part of your plan, Fig Financial makes it simple with fixed-rate personal loans designed for home improvement. You can get a quote in seconds, complete an application in minutes, and receive funds as soon as one business day.
