Guides

Home renovation guides

Step-by-step planning tips, expert advice, and best practices to help you navigate every stage of your renovation journey.

Home Renovation Glossary

Home Renovation Glossary

Get familiar with home renovations with Billdr's glossary. With regular updates, learn about all the latest terms and lingo used by industry professionals.

Read the guide
montreal
chicago
toronto
during-construction
pre-construction
Building a garden suite in Toronto

Building a garden suite in Toronto

Learn more about garden suites and what is involved in the process of building one for your home renovations.

Read the guide
home-extension
exterior
pre-construction
toronto
How to build a home addition

How to build a home addition

Planning on adding an extension to your home? Discover how to increase your home's footprint with this step-by-step guide to organizing your home extension process.

Read the guide
home-extension
during-construction
after-construction
How To Build a Home Addition For Your Home: A Step-By-Step Guide

How To Build a Home Addition For Your Home: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning on adding an extension to your home? Learn more about how you can prepare for your extension project with our step-by-step guide.

Read the guide
home-extension
pre-construction
after-construction
during-construction
Adding a secondary suite to my property in Toronto

Adding a secondary suite to my property in Toronto

Learn about the process of building a secondary suite in Toronto and what you need to research before starting construction.

Read the guide
home-extension
pre-construction
toronto
Who do I need to hire for my renovation project?

Who do I need to hire for my renovation project?

Find out the difference between a general contractor, project manager, structural engineer and more in our handy guide to getting your renovation started.

Read the guide
pre-construction
Billdr’s ultimate kitchen renovation guide

Billdr’s ultimate kitchen renovation guide

Planning a kitchen renovation? Whether it's a full remodel or design update, discover how much a kitchen renovation costs and how long it takes.

Read the guide
kitchen
What you need to know about your work schedule

What you need to know about your work schedule

Learn more about what a construction schedule is and how important it is for your home renovations.

Read the guide
pre-construction
during-construction
Home Renovation: Hire a General Contractor or Do It Yourself?

Home Renovation: Hire a General Contractor or Do It Yourself?

Find out which home renovation projects you can do yourself and when it’s best to hire a professional. Here’s our guide to DIY vs. hiring a general contractor.

Read the guide
pre-construction
Getting started with a secondary suite in Toronto

Getting started with a secondary suite in Toronto

Learn about secondary suites in Toronto, the causes of their rising demand, the benefits they offer, and the different types of configurations that exist.

Read the guide
home-extension
toronto
Obtaining a building permit in the Greater Toronto Area

Obtaining a building permit in the Greater Toronto Area

Need a building permit in the Greater Toronto Area? Get expert knowledge on when it's required, how long it takes, the cost, requirements, and more!

Read the guide
pre-construction
toronto
How to navigate change orders for your renovations

How to navigate change orders for your renovations

Learn what change orders are, understand their impact on your schedule, and discover how to navigate them during your renovation project.

Read the guide
during-construction
HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance

HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance

Learn about what HELOC and cash-out refinance loan options are, how they differ, and which one will work better for you for your next home renovation project.

Read the guide
pre-construction
Understanding your project's completion process

Understanding your project's completion process

Learn more about the two main stages of the completion process of your renovation project: substantial completion and final completion.

Read the guide
after-construction
during-construction
How to hack the Toronto permit system and save weeks

How to hack the Toronto permit system and save weeks

Get the 10-step breakdown on how to obtain your building permit in Toronto and shorten your project’s timeline.

Read the guide
pre-construction
toronto
How to communicate with general contractors during the bidding phase and site visits

How to communicate with general contractors during the bidding phase and site visits

Learn how to best communicate with general contractors during the bidding phase and site visits to keep your project on track.

Read the guide
pre-construction
How to prepare for the construction phase of your home renovation project

How to prepare for the construction phase of your home renovation project

Learn about all the essential steps to prepare for the construction phase of your home improvement project.

Read the guide
pre-construction
How to find a reliable general contractor in Illinois

How to find a reliable general contractor in Illinois

Learn how to vet general contractors in Chicago, Illinois, with a clear understanding of license, insurance, and other home renovation requirements.

Read the guide
chicago
pre-construction
Billdr's complete guide to bathroom renovation

Billdr's complete guide to bathroom renovation

Planning a bathroom renovation? Whether it's a remodel or design update, discover the average cost, timeline, and if you need a permit for your project.

Read the guide
bathroom
How Much Does a Home Addition in Montreal Cost?

How Much Does a Home Addition in Montreal Cost?

The prices of home additions and extensions in Montreal can vary depending on the type and size of addition you’re looking to build for your home renovation project. Learn more about how much it costs to build a home addition and how you can budget accordingly.

Read the guide
home-extension
montreal
How Much Does a Home Addition in Toronto Cost?

How Much Does a Home Addition in Toronto Cost?

The prices of home additions and extensions in Toronto can vary depending on the type and size of addition you’re looking to build for your home renovation project. Learn more about how much it costs to build a home addition and how you can budget accordingly.

Read the guide
home-extension
pre-construction
toronto
What is the difference between architectural and engineering drawings?

What is the difference between architectural and engineering drawings?

Learn about architectural and engineering drawings and the types of renovations that require them.

Read the guide
pre-construction
Getting a building permit in Chicago

Getting a building permit in Chicago

Learn how you can get permits in Chicago, their costs, the criteria for application, and the risks you may encounter if you don’t have one.

Read the guide
chicago
pre-construction
Why should you work with Billdr’s general contractors?

Why should you work with Billdr’s general contractors?

Find out why it is beneficial and more cost-efficient to work with general contractors within the Billdr network.

Read the guide
pre-construction
Dos and don'ts at the start of your construction

Dos and don'ts at the start of your construction

Learn about the do’s and don’ts when construction for your renovation project starts with best practices on communication and site maintenance.

Read the guide
pre-construction
during-construction
How to establish your project’s budget

How to establish your project’s budget

Learn how to set a budget for your renovations to understand what is feasible within the scope of your project.

Read the guide
pre-construction
How to get a building permit in Montreal

How to get a building permit in Montreal

Everything you need to know about applying for a building permit in Montreal: permit application, architectural and engineering plans, costs, and more.

Read the guide
pre-construction
montreal
How to prepare for your pre-construction kickoff meeting

How to prepare for your pre-construction kickoff meeting

Learn what to expect and how to prepare for pre-construction kickoff meeting. Get all your renovation questions answered by your project manager.

Read the guide
pre-construction
The importance of the building permit process for secondary suites in Toronto

The importance of the building permit process for secondary suites in Toronto

Learn about why it’s important to get a building permit for your secondary suite in Toronto and the penalties you might face if you begin construction without one.

Read the guide
pre-construction
toronto
Why choose a general contractor with a valid RBQ license?

Why choose a general contractor with a valid RBQ license?

Why is the RBQ license important? Find a certified general contractor in Montreal easily. Get free quotes fast. Pay securely via credit card.

Read the guide
montreal
Home renovation: How much deposit should you pay?

Home renovation: How much deposit should you pay?

Why do you need to pay a deposit for your home renovation? How much should you pay upfront and at key milestones throughout your project?

Read the guide
pre-construction
Building the best way to plan, manage, and execute your large home renovation project

Building the best way to plan, manage, and execute your large home renovation project

Find out why you should work and trust Billdr as your renovation partner to find you architects, interior designers and general contractors in your area. Avoid the guesswork and let yourself be guided through this process. Free of charge.

Read the guide
pre-construction
during-construction
Home renovation warranty: what can I expect?

Home renovation warranty: what can I expect?

Learn more about the differences between the home renovation warranty provided by law and the warranty offered by your contractor.

Read the guide
pre-construction
What are the hourly rates in Chicago for renovation in 2021?

What are the hourly rates in Chicago for renovation in 2021?

On average, how much does construction labor cost per hour in Chicago? What does it cost to hire a plumber, electrician, or general contractor?

Read the guide
chicago
during-construction
pre-construction
Quebec hourly rates construction 2020

Quebec hourly rates construction 2020

How much does construction labor cost in Montreal? What does it cost on average to hire a plumber, electrician, or general contractor?

Read the guide
during-construction
montreal
pre-construction
How to negotiate the payment terms of your home renovation project?

How to negotiate the payment terms of your home renovation project?

The general terms and conditions for payments sent and received via the Billdr platform.

Read the guide
pre-construction
9 proven methods for growing your architecture firm: From diversification to staying up-to-date

9 proven methods for growing your architecture firm: From diversification to staying up-to-date

Learn more about how you can successfully grow your architecture firm by following these effective strategies.

Read the guide
What are the risks of paying my home renovation project in cash & undeclared?

What are the risks of paying my home renovation project in cash & undeclared?

Are there risks in paying for your home renovation in cash? Find a certified general contractor easily. Get free quotes fast. Pay securely via credit card.

Read the guide
during-construction
pre-construction
What about my insurance for my property during the renovations?

What about my insurance for my property during the renovations?

Learn why it's important to get home insurance during your renovation project.

Read the guide
pre-construction
Driveway paving and paver stone installation guide

Driveway paving and paver stone installation guide

Planning on updating your driveway? Learn about residential driveway paving, excavation, and installing paver stones for a parking pad or backyard patio.

Read the guide
paving
What role do waivers play following the payment of my home renovations?

What role do waivers play following the payment of my home renovations?

Why are waivers for home renovations important? Find a certified general contractor easily. Get free quotes fast. Pay securely via credit card.

Read the guide
during-construction
montreal
No guides match these filters yet. Try another space, city or phase.
Construction worker wearing a white hard hat and dark jacket inside an unfinished wooden building, looking at a smartphone with a window showing roof shingles behind him.

Your construction business, in your pocket. 
Get the Billdr app today.

Your office goes wherever you build!

FAQs

Still have questions?

Have questions?
Talk to our team we’re here to help you get the most out of Billdr.

Contact us
Is Billdr built for my type of construction business?

Yes. Billdr is built for residential and commercial general contractors, home builders, and specialty contractors across North America. Whether you're a small & medium team (1-30 FTEs) or a growing business (30-100 employees), Billdr scales with the way you build.

Note: Billdr is not adapted for general contractors building high-rises, airports, industrial projects.

Can my entire team use Billdr?

Absolutely. Billdr is designed for owners, project managers, estimators, office staff, field crews, subcontractors, and even your clients through dedicated portals. Everyone stays connected in one system.

Does Billdr integrate with my accounting software?

Yes. Billdr syncs with QuickBooks Online, so invoices, expenses, purchase orders, bills, payments, and customers move across automatically and nothing gets entered twice. Your operations team works in Billdr while your accountant keeps working in QuickBooks

Can I try Billdr before committing?

Yes. You can book a personalized demo with our team or start your subscription and schedule a free onboarding session. We'll help you get set up quickly so you can experience Billdr with your own projects.

Can I import my data from Excel or another software?

Yes. Billdr includes import tools to help you migrate customers, contacts, projects, price lists, templates, and more. Our Customer Success team is available to guide you through the transition and ensure a smooth setup.