Bryan Baeumler

You really have to examine how long you are going to live in the house; budget and then you have to come up with a plan that fits within all of those things. Then you have to stop, sit down and stare at that plan for a couple of months, take your time and live with it in your mind. Once you've got your budget, plan it.

Most people look at their homes, and they are trying to decide what things cosmetically they want to do. When I go through a house and I make a decision about what we are going to do, I start with health and safety, followed by efficiency and longevity. It's really difficult because everyone has a different budget and situation.

I really like natural, warm finishes. I like any of the natural stones, the oiled wood that is kind of a pre-finished flooring. I'm very tactile.