There are many reasons to renovate. You may need to repair or replace something, such as roofing, siding or windows. You may want to modernize a tired-looking kitchen or bathroom. Or changes in your household, such as the arrival of a new child or the need for a home office, may require alterations to your home. Thinking through what you want to change, and why, serves as the foundation for your renovation plans.

• Take an inventory. Make a list of everything in your home you want to change. This should include "must-do" repairs, maintenance and remodelling, as well as things you would like to change if your budget allows. It's also useful to note things you really like about your home and want to preserve as-is.
• Describe each item on your list briefly in terms of your day-to-day living experience. Here are a few examples of how homeowners describe some of the more common problems that lead to renovation:

"We only have one bathroom and with two teenagers and two working parents, getting everyone out the door in the morning is a real headache. I feel like I've been in a traffic jam before I even leave the house.

"We never really use our living room. It's too formal for the way we live, and with the smaller windows in these older homes, it's too dark and feels closed-in."

• Make sure that everyone in your home participates. Renovators find that people often overlook inconvenient aspects in their homes simply because they are used to them. So take some time doing this inventory and get input from all members of your household.
• Think about seasonal conditions. If you are planning your renovation in the summer, think back to last winter. Did you have enough closet space for coats and boots? Are there areas of your home that are drafty or hard to heat? Conversely, if your planning is taking place during the colder months, think about your lifestyle during the summer.

To help you: Download and use Worksheet "A" to record the changes you want to make to your home.