Renovation Contractors and Virtual Staging: Showing Clients the Finished Space Before Demolition

Special thanks to mystrikingly Virtual Staging Software guide for the Inspiration.

Every renovation has a moment of no return. Until then, the kitchen is still a kitchen, the wall is still standing, and the client can still change their mind for free. After the first swing of a sledgehammer, or the first bite of a mini excavator, every change costs money, time, and goodwill.

Most disputes between renovation contractors and homeowners can be traced back to what happened before that moment. The client imagined one thing. The contractor planned another. Both thought they were talking about the same kitchen. Nobody realized the difference until the cabinets went in, the island turned out smaller than expected, or the client saw the new tile in daylight and hated it.

Visualization tools, including virtual staging, AI-generated renderings, 3D models, and phone-based scanning, are changing that moment. They let contractors show clients what a finished space will look like before anything is demolished, ordered, or built. Used well, they can reduce misunderstandings, tighten scope, speed up approvals, and make the whole project easier to plan, including the equipment, access, and safety logistics that happen long before finishes go in.

This guide looks at how renovation contractors can use these tools in practice: what each tool is good for, how to build visualization into the pre-construction workflow, how visuals support site and equipment planning, how to avoid the traps of overly polished renderings, and what it all means for contracts, change orders, and client trust.

Part 1: The Expectation Gap

Why renovations go sideways

Renovation is uniquely vulnerable to miscommunication. New construction usually starts from detailed drawings. Renovation starts from an existing space full of unknowns, and from a client who often finds it hard to picture anything other than what’s in front of them.

Several things make this harder:

• Most homeowners don’t read drawings. A floor plan or elevation that’s crystal clear to a contractor can be meaningless to a client.
• Clients describe feelings, not specifications. “Bright,” “open,” “warm,” and “modern” mean different things to different people.
• Material samples are small. A 4-inch tile sample or paint chip looks very different across an entire wall or floor, under different light.
• Existing conditions hide surprises. What’s behind the drywall, under the floor, or above the ceiling is often unknown until demolition.
• Budgets and expectations drift apart. Clients see design inspiration online without seeing the cost behind it.

What the numbers say

Research on residential renovation and on construction communication points to how common and costly these gaps are.

2026 US Houzz & Home Study (more than 20,000 respondents)

Finding	Figure
US homeowners who renovated in 2025	54%
Median renovation spend	About $20,000
Spend for the top 10% of projects	$150,000 or more
Renovating homeowners who hired professionals	91%
Homeowners who exceeded their budget	37%
Homeowners who stayed on budget	35%
Homeowners who set an initial budget	75%

That’s US data, but the pattern of renovations running over budget is familiar to contractors and homeowners in Canada too. Not every overrun comes from miscommunication. Hidden conditions, material price increases, and scope creep all play a role. But unclear expectations at the start make every one of those problems harder to manage.

On the broader construction side, a widely cited 2018 study by the construction software company PlanGrid and the consulting firm FMI surveyed about 600 construction leaders in the United States and several other countries, including Canada.

PlanGrid and FMI, “Construction Disconnected” (2018)

Finding	Figure
Time per team member spent weekly on non-productive work (searching for information, resolving conflicts, rework)	More than 14 hours
Hours per week spent searching for project data	About 5.5
Hours per week spent on rework	About 4
Share of rework caused by poor communication and poor project data	About 48%
Estimated annual US cost of rework from miscommunication and poor data	About $31 billion

That study focused largely on commercial projects and is now several years old, but its core message applies to renovation: a large share of wasted time and money comes from people not having the same, accurate picture of the project.

Why visualization helps

There’s also evidence from outside construction about how much visuals help people understand spaces. In real estate, the National Association of REALTORS® found in its 2025 Profile of Home Staging that 83% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home. Staging, physical or virtual, exists because most people struggle to imagine a space differently from how it looks right now.

Renovation clients face the same challenge, often in an even more difficult form. They’re not just imagining furniture in an empty room. They’re imagining new walls, new layouts, new materials, and new light in a space they already know as something else.

Visualization closes that gap. It turns “trust me, it’ll look great” into “here’s what it will look like.” That shift can change the entire dynamic of a renovation project.

Demolition: the point of no return

Demolition is where the expectation gap becomes expensive.

	Before demolition	After demolition
Layout changes	Minutes on screen	May require new permits or engineering
Material changes	Free to swap	May already be ordered, cut, or non-returnable
Scope changes	No wasted labour	Crews may need to redo work
Equipment	Scheduled around a stable design	Rentals extended, idle, or rebooked
Client experience	Calm, exploratory	Living in a torn-up home, stress rising
Cost of a change	Close to zero	Labour, materials, time, and goodwill

The goal of visualization isn’t just to produce pretty pictures. It’s to move as many decisions as possible to the “before” side of that line.

Part 2: The Visualization Toolkit

“Visualization” covers a wide range of tools, from a quick sketch to a fully navigable 3D model. Each has strengths and weaknesses. Understanding them helps contractors choose the right tool for each project and each stage of a project.

1. Hand sketches and marked-up photos

What it is: Drawing over a photo of the existing space, or sketching a layout by hand.

Strengths:

• Fast and cheap.
• Great for early conversations and site visits.
• Shows the contractor is listening and thinking in real time.

Weaknesses:

• Not realistic.
• Easy to misinterpret scale and proportions.
• Doesn’t help clients judge materials, colour, or light.

Best for: First meetings, quick options, rough layout discussions.

2. Mood boards and material boards

What it is: Collections of images, samples, finishes, and colours.

Strengths:

• Helps clarify style and taste.
• Useful for selecting finishes.
• Physical samples let clients see and touch real materials.

Weaknesses:

• Doesn’t show how materials work together in the actual space.
• Inspiration images often come from much larger budgets.

Best for: Defining style and narrowing material choices.

3. Virtual staging and AI-generated renderings

What it is: Digitally adding furniture, finishes, fixtures, and decor to photos of the existing or gutted space. Originally developed for real estate listings, virtual staging has expanded into renovation as AI tools can now restyle a room, change cabinet colours, swap flooring, or visualize a new layout from a single photo.

Strengths:

• Very fast, sometimes seconds per image with AI tools.
• Inexpensive compared with full 3D modelling.
• Uses photos of the client’s actual space, which makes images feel personal and believable.
• Good for exploring style options quickly: “What would this kitchen look like with white cabinets versus green?”

Weaknesses:

• AI images may not respect real dimensions, structure, or code requirements.
• Can show things that aren’t possible, such as removing a load-bearing wall or placing cabinets over a window.
• Lighting and colour may be idealized.
• Limited to the camera angle of the original photo.

Best for: Early concept exploration, style decisions, helping hesitant clients see possibilities, and marketing (with clear labelling).

4. 3D modelling and rendering software

What it is: Building a digital model of the space using measurements, then rendering views from any angle. A wide range of programs exists, from general-purpose 3D modelling tools to home design and kitchen design software built specifically for residential work.

Strengths:

• Dimensionally accurate when built from good measurements.
• Can show any angle, including views that don’t exist yet.
• Can generate floor plans, elevations, and material lists from the same model.
• Makes it easy to compare layout options precisely.

Weaknesses:

• Takes more time and skill.
• Software can be expensive.
• Photorealistic rendering requires powerful hardware or rendering services.

Best for: Layout changes, kitchens and bathrooms with tight dimensions, additions, and projects where precision matters.

5. 3D scanning and photogrammetry

What it is: Capturing existing conditions digitally using laser scanners, 360-degree cameras, or the LiDAR sensors built into some smartphones and tablets. Apple began including LiDAR in its Pro iPhone and iPad models in 2020, and a range of apps can now create floor plans and 3D models from a walk-through of a room.

Strengths:

• Captures existing conditions quickly.
• Produces measurements and models that can be used as a base for design.
• Creates a detailed record of the space before work begins.
• Can reduce return trips for missed measurements.

Weaknesses:

• Phone-based scans can have small inaccuracies, especially in large or complex spaces.
• Professional scanners are expensive.
• Scans capture surfaces, not what’s hidden inside walls.

Best for: Documenting existing conditions, creating accurate base models, and recording the “before” state for both design and liability protection.

6. 360-degree photos and virtual tours

What it is: Panoramic images or connected walkthroughs of a space.

Strengths:

• Gives remote team members and clients a full view of the space.
• Useful for documenting progress at each stage.
• Easy to share.

Weaknesses:

• Shows existing conditions, not proposed designs (unless combined with renderings).

Best for: Documentation, remote estimating, progress tracking.

7. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)

What it is: AR overlays virtual objects onto a live camera view of the real space. VR immerses the user in a fully digital model.

Strengths:

• Lets clients experience scale in a way no flat image can.
• AR is especially powerful on site: clients can stand in their kitchen and see a virtual island where the real one will go.

Weaknesses:

• Requires compatible devices and setup.
• Quality varies.
• Can be overwhelming or uncomfortable for some clients.

Best for: Projects where scale and clearance matter, such as islands, stairs, walkways, and additions.

Comparing the tools

Tool	Speed	Cost	Accuracy	Realism	Best stage
Sketches and marked-up photos	Very fast	Very low	Low	Low	First meeting
Mood and material boards	Fast	Low	N/A	Medium	Style selection
Virtual staging / AI renders	Very fast	Low	Low to medium	High	Concept exploration
3D modelling and rendering	Slow	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Design development
3D scanning	Fast	Low to high	Medium to high	Low	Existing conditions
360 photos and tours	Fast	Low to medium	Medium	Medium	Documentation
AR / VR	Medium	Medium	Medium to high	High	Final review

No single tool does everything. The most effective approach usually combines several: scan or measure the existing space, use AI or virtual staging to explore styles quickly, build an accurate 3D model for the final design, and use AR or rendered views for final client approval.

Choosing tools by project type

Project type	Most useful tools	Why
Kitchen	3D modelling, AR, material boards	Tight dimensions, clearances, many finish choices
Bathroom	3D modelling, tile layout drawings, physical samples	Small space, drain and fixture positions, tile layout
Basement	Scanning, 3D modelling	Ductwork, beams, and ceiling heights shape the design
Open-concept wall removal	Scanning, 3D modelling, structural drawings	Beams and posts must appear in visuals
Addition	Scanning, 3D modelling, exterior renderings	Permits, neighbours, site access
Exterior refresh	Virtual staging, AI renders on photos	Colour and material choices are hard to imagine
Cosmetic update	Virtual staging, AI renders, mood boards	Speed matters more than precision

Accuracy versus realism: the most important distinction

The biggest risk with modern visualization is confusing realism with accuracy.

	Realistic but inaccurate	Accurate but plain
Typical source	AI image, quick virtual staging	Dimensioned drawing, basic 3D model
Looks like	A finished photo	A technical diagram
Dimensions	May be wrong	Correct
Structure and code	Often ignored	Accounted for
Client trust	Very high	Lower at first glance
Safe to build from	No	Yes

An AI-generated image can look completely real while showing an island that’s too large, cabinets that couldn’t fit around a window, or a wall removed where a beam would be required. A rough 3D model might look plain but be exactly right. Clients naturally trust realistic images, which is precisely why contractors need to be careful.

A useful rule: use realistic tools for feeling, and accurate tools for decisions.

Part 3: Building Visualization Into the Pre-Construction Workflow

Visualization for house realtors delivers the most value when it’s built into a clear process rather than used occasionally. Here’s a practical workflow from first contact to the start of demolition.

Stage 1: First contact and discovery

Before visiting the site, many contractors now ask clients to send photos or a short video of the space. This helps with:

• Screening projects for fit and budget.
• Preparing questions for the site visit.
• Starting a rough visual conversation.

Some contractors use AI or virtual staging at this stage to show a couple of quick “what if” images, which can help clients clarify what they want. Be careful, though: early images should be clearly presented as inspiration, not as a design or a price commitment.

Stage 2: Site visit and existing conditions capture

The site visit is the foundation of everything that follows. A thorough capture of existing conditions improves design accuracy, estimates, and site planning.

What to capture:

Category	What to record	Why it matters
Measurements	Room dimensions, ceiling heights, windows, doors, fixtures, outlets, switches, vents, radiators	Basis for accurate design and estimates
Photos	Every wall, corner, ceiling, and floor, plus close-ups of finishes and damage	Design reference and liability record
Scans	LiDAR or 3D scan, if available	Fast, measurable base model
Access	Driveway, gates, doorways, hallways, stairs, overhead obstructions, parking	Equipment and material planning
Utilities	Electrical panel, water shut-off, gas meter, visible service lines	Capacity, shut-offs, safety
Hazards	Mould, water damage, old insulation, older flooring or textured ceilings, age of home	Testing and demolition sequencing

Capture tips that save return trips:

• Shoot systematically. Stand in each corner and photograph the opposite corner, then photograph each wall straight on. Repeat for the ceiling and floor. A consistent routine means nothing gets missed.
• Include a reference. A tape measure, measuring stick, or object of known size in some photos makes it easier to check scale later.
• Photograph measurements as you take them. A photo of the laser measure’s screen pointed at a wall creates a record of what was measured and where.
• Capture above and below. Photograph the attic or ceiling space above the work area and the basement or crawlspace below it, where possible. That’s often where ductwork, plumbing, joists, and wiring run.
• Record the electrical panel. A clear photo of the panel and its labels helps assess capacity for new circuits.
• Note orientation. Mark which way is north, or note where the sun enters at different times of day. This matters for rendering realistic light.
• Capture the route in. Photograph the path from the street to the work area, including steps, turns, doorways, and any obstacles. This feeds directly into equipment and material planning.
• Label and date everything. Organize photos by room and date so they’re easy to find later.

Why it matters: A complete existing conditions record supports design, estimating, and equipment planning. It also protects the contractor. If a dispute arises later about the condition of the home before work started, a dated photo and scan record is valuable evidence.

Stage 3: Concept options

Once the space is documented, the contractor or designer can develop concept options. This is where virtual staging and AI tools shine.

A typical approach:

1. Create two or three distinct concepts, such as a traditional option, a modern option, and a budget-conscious option.
2. Use AI or virtual staging to show each concept on photos of the client’s actual space.
3. Pair each concept with a rough budget range.

Showing options side by side helps clients react. Many people can’t describe what they want but can easily say which of three images they prefer. Pairing images with budget ranges also helps keep expectations realistic from the start.

Tip: Limit the number of options. Too many choices can overwhelm clients and slow decisions.

Stage 4: Design development

Once the client selects a direction, move from inspiration to accuracy. This usually means:

• Building an accurate 3D model or dimensioned drawings.
• Confirming that the design works with structure, plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and code requirements.
• Consulting engineers, designers, or other professionals where needed, such as for removing walls or changing structural elements.
• Selecting specific materials, fixtures, and finishes.

Renderings at this stage should be based on the accurate model, not on AI images from the concept stage. If AI-generated concept images showed something that isn’t feasible, this is the time to explain why, and to show the closest achievable alternative.

Stage 5: Client review sessions

Review sessions are where visualization pays off. Rather than emailing a PDF and hoping the client reads it carefully, walk them through the design.

Effective review practices:

• Show views from where people actually stand. A view from the kitchen doorway, or from the sofa, is more meaningful than a bird’s-eye view.
• Walk the space in person, if possible. Stand in the real room and point to where the island, walls, or fixtures will go. Use tape on the floor to mark outlines. AR can be powerful here.
• Show dimensions alongside images. “The walkway around the island will be 42 inches” means more next to a picture.
• Point out what images don’t show. Explain lighting differences, material variations, and anything that may look different in reality.
• Bring physical samples. Let clients compare rendered materials with real ones.
• Ask direct questions. “Is there anything here that surprises you?” “What would you change?”

A sample design review meeting

A structured review meeting keeps the conversation focused and makes sure key decisions are actually made. Here’s one way to run a 60- to 90-minute review for a mid-sized project such as a kitchen:

1. Recap goals (5 minutes). Start by restating what the client said they wanted: more storage, better flow, brighter space, room for an island. This shows you listened and frames everything that follows.

2. Existing conditions (5 minutes). Briefly show the “before” photos or scan. Point out constraints that shaped the design, such as a plumbing stack, a load-bearing wall, or a window position.

3. Layout first (15 minutes). Show the floor plan alongside a rendered overhead or wide view. Walk through how people will move through the space. Confirm key dimensions, such as walkway widths and island size. Decide on layout before discussing finishes, because finishes are easy to change and layout is not.

4. Eye-level views (15 minutes). Show rendered views from where people will actually stand: the entrance, the sink, the stove, the dining table. Ask the client to imagine daily routines, such as unloading groceries or cooking with someone else in the room.

5. Materials and finishes (15 minutes). Show rendered materials alongside physical samples. Discuss how light will affect them. Confirm selections or narrow down choices.

6. What the renderings don’t show (5 minutes). Explicitly point out beams, bulkheads, vents, outlets, switches, and anything else that will appear in reality. Explain lighting and colour limitations.

7. Budget and schedule (10 minutes). Connect the design to cost and timeline. If the design is over budget, show where adjustments could be made.

8. Decisions and next steps (5 minutes). Summarize what was decided, what’s still open, and what happens next. Follow up in writing the same day, attaching the images that were discussed.

Keeping layout decisions separate from finish decisions is especially useful. Clients often get excited about colours and materials before the layout is settled, which leads to revisiting everything later.

Stage 6: Scope lock and sign-off

Before demolition, the design should be locked and signed off. Visualization helps make that sign-off meaningful.

What a strong sign-off package includes:

Document	Purpose
Final dimensioned drawings	Defines what will be built
Final rendered views	Shows what it will look like
Written scope of work	Lists inclusions and exclusions
Material and fixture schedule	Model numbers, colours, finishes
Allowances	Budget limits for pending selections
Known limitations and unknowns	Sets expectations for hidden conditions

Having clients sign or initial key renderings and drawings, along with the written scope, helps make sure everyone agrees on the same picture. It also creates a clear reference point for any later changes.

Stage 7: Linking visuals to the contract

Renderings are powerful communication tools, but they should be used carefully in contracts.

A suggested document hierarchy:

Priority	Document	Role
1	Written contract and scope of work	Governs what’s included
2	Specifications and material schedules	Define exact products
3	Dimensioned drawings	Define sizes and positions
4	Renderings	Illustrate the intended look only
5	Inspiration and concept images	Reference for style, not commitment

Best practices:

• State the hierarchy in the contract, so it’s clear what governs if documents conflict.
• State clearly that renderings are representations. Colours, lighting, textures, and furniture may differ from the finished project.
• Note that decor and furniture shown are for illustration only unless explicitly included in the scope.

Provincial consumer protection laws commonly require written contracts for home renovation work and set rules for what those contracts include, such as descriptions of the work, prices, and timelines. Requirements vary by province, so contractors should make sure their contracts meet local rules, and consider having a lawyer review their standard contract language, especially around renderings and change orders.

Stage 8: Change orders with visuals

Even with careful planning, changes happen. Hidden conditions emerge during demolition, clients change their minds, or materials become unavailable.

Visualization can make change orders clearer and less contentious:

• Show the original design and the proposed change side by side.
• Include photos of the condition that triggered the change, such as rotted framing or unexpected wiring discovered during demolition.
• Show the cost and schedule impact clearly alongside the visual.
• Get written approval before proceeding.

Clients are more likely to understand and accept a change when they can see why it’s needed and what the result will look like.

Part 4: Pre-Demolition Planning With Visuals

Visualization isn’t just for showing clients finishes. The same images, models, and scans can support the practical side of a renovation: demolition scope, structural concerns, hazards, permits, site logistics, and equipment planning.

Defining demolition scope precisely

“Remove the kitchen” can mean very different things. Does it include the flooring? The subfloor? The drywall? The soffit above the cabinets? The wall between the kitchen and dining room?

Marked-up photos and models make demolition scope explicit:

• Colour-code elements to be removed, kept, and protected.
• Mark walls as remove, modify, or retain.
• Show which flooring areas will be taken up.
• Identify fixtures to be salvaged, reinstalled, donated, or disposed of.

A clear demolition plan helps crews work efficiently and avoids accidental removal of elements the client wanted to keep, such as original trim or a built-in cabinet.

Structural considerations

Open-concept layouts are one of the most popular renovation requests, and many involve removing or altering walls. Some of those walls carry loads from floors or roofs above.

A visualization can show a beautiful open space, but it can’t tell you whether a wall is load-bearing or what’s required to remove it. That requires investigation and, often, a structural engineer’s design for beams, posts, and supports, plus a building permit.

Contractors should:

• Never present wall removal as a done deal until structure has been assessed.
• Update renderings to show required beams, posts, or bulkheads, so clients aren’t surprised when a beam appears in their open-concept space.
• Explain cost and timeline impacts of structural changes early.

This is one of the most common sources of disappointment: a client approves a rendering showing a perfectly open space, then discovers a dropped beam or post is needed. Showing that beam in the rendering from the start avoids the surprise.

Hazardous materials

Renovating older homes can disturb hazardous materials. Canada banned the import, manufacture, sale, and use of asbestos and most asbestos-containing products in 2018, but many older homes still contain it.

Material	Where it may be found	Homes most at risk	Typical first step
Asbestos	Some insulation, flooring, textured ceilings, joint compound, pipe and duct wrap	Especially homes built before 1990	Test suspect materials before disturbing them
Lead-based paint	Older interior and exterior paint layers	Especially homes built before the 1960s, possibly later	Test before sanding, scraping, or demolition
Mould	Behind drywall, under flooring, around leaks	Any home with past water damage	Identify and fix the moisture source, then remediate
Vermiculite insulation	Attics and wall cavities	Older homes	Avoid disturbing it and have it tested

Removal must follow provincial regulations, which may require trained and certified professionals. Health Canada and provincial occupational health and safety agencies publish guidance.

Visualization tools help in a supporting role:

• Mark suspected materials on photos or models during the site visit.
• Sequence the demolition so testing and removal happen first.
• Show clients why testing is needed and how it affects schedule and cost.

Utilities and locates

Any digging, for additions, decks, foundations, drainage, or landscaping, requires locating underground utilities first. Provincial one-call services coordinate locates, are typically free, and are often legally required.

Province	One-call service
British Columbia	BC 1 Call
Alberta	Utility Safety Partners
Ontario	Ontario One Call
Quebec	Info-Excavation
Other provinces and territories	Check the local one-call or utility locate service

Site plans and marked-up photos can then show:

• Locate markings once completed
• Planned excavation areas
• Safe zones for equipment
• No-go areas, such as septic systems, shallow utilities, or fragile landscaping

Permits

Many renovation projects require building permits, especially those involving structural changes, plumbing, electrical work, additions, or changes in use. Municipalities set their own requirements. Permit drawings must meet the municipality’s standards, which usually means accurate, dimensioned plans rather than renderings.

That said, visuals can help with neighbours, heritage committees, or condo boards, which may want to understand how a project will look. Renderings showing the exterior impact of an addition, for example, can make approval conversations smoother.

Part 5: Planning Equipment, Access, and Site Logistics

This is where visualization connects directly to the practical realities of a job site. A clear picture of the finished space, combined with accurate existing-conditions data, helps contractors plan the equipment, access routes, and logistics needed to get there.

Starting from the finished design

Once the design is locked, contractors can work backwards:

• What needs to be removed, and how much debris will that create?
• What new materials need to come in, and how large or heavy are they?
• What equipment is needed for demolition, excavation, lifting, and installation?
• How will equipment and materials physically get into the space?
• Where will equipment, materials, and waste be staged?

Visualization tools make these questions easier to answer, especially when the design model includes accurate measurements of the existing building and site.

Access planning

Many renovation sites have tight access: narrow side yards, small doorways, low ceilings, steep driveways, landscaped yards, or busy streets.

Check	What to measure or note	Why it matters
Gates and side yards	Clear width, including posts and fences	Whether a compact loader or mini excavator can fit
Doorways and hallways	Width, height, and turns	Whether countertops, windows, or beams can be carried in
Stairs	Width, headroom, landings	Moving materials and debris between floors
Overhead clearances	Power lines, branches, balconies, eaves	Limits on lifts, loaders, and telehandlers
Ground conditions	Lawn, pavers, soft soil, recent backfill	Need for ground protection mats or plywood
Slopes	Grade of driveway and yard	Equipment stability
Street	Parking, traffic, sidewalk	Bin placement and delivery access

Marking these on photos or a site plan helps contractors choose the right equipment and avoid the costly surprise of a machine that won’t fit.

Choosing the right equipment

The finished design and demolition scope define equipment needs. Common equipment for residential renovation:

Phase	Equipment	Typical use
Demolition	Hand and power tools	Interior strip-out
Demolition	Compact demolition robots	Some heavy interior demolition
Demolition and earthwork	Skid steers, compact track loaders	Debris removal, grading, light earthwork
Excavation	Mini excavators	Foundations, additions, trenching, exterior demolition
Debris removal	Roll-off bins	Containing waste, sized to expected volume
Debris removal	Motorized carriers, chutes	Moving debris from upper floors or tight areas
Working at height	Ladders, scaffolding	General access
Working at height	Scissor lifts	Ceilings and level-ground exterior work
Working at height	Boom lifts	Higher reach, reaching over obstacles
Material handling	Telehandlers	Lifting materials to upper floors or roofs
Material handling	Material hoists	Vertical movement of materials
Material handling	Dollies, panel carts, lifting aids	Countertops, glass, heavy panels
Site support	Temporary power, lighting, heaters	Working conditions
Site support	Dust containment, air scrubbers	Air quality in occupied homes
Site support	Floor and surface protection	Protecting finishes

Equipment decisions should match the specific site. A visual record of the space and its access points helps decide, for example, whether a compact loader can work in the backyard or whether debris must be moved by hand to a bin in the driveway.

Site layout plans

A simple site layout plan, often a marked-up aerial photo or a drawing of the property, can show:

• Bin location.
• Material staging and storage areas.
• Equipment parking and operating zones.
• Access routes for equipment and deliveries.
• Areas to protect, such as gardens, trees, septic systems, or driveways.
• Safety zones and exclusion areas.
• Temporary fencing.

Sharing this plan with crews, subcontractors, equipment providers, and clients reduces confusion on site. Clients also appreciate knowing in advance where the bin will go and which parts of the property will be affected.

Municipal requirements: Placing a bin on a street or sidewalk often requires a municipal permit. Rules vary by city, so check before scheduling delivery.

Scheduling equipment around the design

Rental costs depend on time, so a stable, approved design makes scheduling more predictable.

Equipment	Scheduling trigger	Risk if the design changes
Demolition tools and bins	Approved demolition scope	Extra bins, extended rental
Excavation equipment	Locates, permits, inspections, concrete pours	Idle machines, rebooking
Lifts and scaffolding	Framing, roofing, exterior phases	Extended rental periods
Material handling equipment	Delivery dates	Missed deliveries, extra handling

When designs change after demolition starts, equipment schedules usually change too. Locking the design before demolition helps avoid those costs.

Estimating debris volume

A detailed demolition scope helps estimate the volume of waste, which in turn determines bin size and the number of bin swaps. Measurements from scans or models make it easier to estimate:

• Square footage of flooring, drywall, and ceiling to be removed.
• Linear feet of cabinets, trim, and counters.
• Volume of concrete, masonry, or soil to be removed for exterior work.

Accurate debris estimates help avoid both overpaying for oversized bins and the delay of waiting for an extra bin.

Sustainable demolition planning

Visualization can also support more sustainable renovation practices. By identifying salvageable materials before demolition, contractors can plan for:

• Deconstruction instead of demolition for reusable items such as cabinets, doors, fixtures, and hardwood.
• Donation to reuse centres or charities that accept building materials.
• Separating materials such as metal, clean wood, and drywall for recycling, where local facilities accept them.

Marking salvage items on photos or models makes it easier for crews to remove them carefully rather than sending them to landfill.

Part 6: Safety and Training Through Visual Planning

Renovation sites carry real hazards: falls, struck-by incidents, equipment rollovers, electrical contact, dust and hazardous materials, and injuries from lifting heavy loads. Visual planning tools can support, though never replace, proper safety programs and training.

Planning for falls

Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in construction. Provincial occupational health and safety regulations set requirements for working at heights, including when fall protection is required and what training workers need. Ontario, for example, requires approved working-at-heights training for many construction workers who use fall protection systems.

Visual tools help by:

• Identifying fall hazards early: open stairwells, floor openings, roof edges, balconies, and areas where guardrails will be temporarily removed.
• Planning fall protection: marking where guardrails, covers, anchors, or scaffolding are needed.
• Choosing the right access equipment: deciding whether ladders, scaffolding, scissor lifts, or boom lifts are appropriate for each task based on height, reach, and ground conditions.

A 3D model or annotated photos can show exactly where openings will exist during each phase of the project, such as when a floor is opened to install a new staircase or when an exterior wall is removed for an addition.

Equipment safety zones

Mobile equipment creates hazards for operators and anyone nearby. Site layout plans can show the controls for each:

Hazard	What to mark on the plan	Typical control
Excavator swing	Swing radius	Exclusion zone, spotter
Loader travel	Travel paths	Marked routes, separation from foot traffic
Overhead power lines	Line locations and clearances	Distance limits, utility consultation
Unstable ground	Soft soil, slopes, backfill	Avoidance zones, ground mats
Public access	Sidewalks, neighbours, children	Fencing, signage

Sharing these plans in pre-job safety meetings helps crews understand risks before they’re on site.

Operator training and competency

Equipment operators need appropriate training and, in many cases, documented competency for the equipment they use. Requirements vary by province and equipment type. For aerial work platforms, for example, Canadian standards set out requirements for design, safe use, and operator training, and provincial regulations often reference those standards.

Visualization can support training by:

• Showing the specific site where equipment will be used, so operators know what to expect.
• Highlighting site-specific hazards, such as tight access, slopes, or nearby structures.
• Supporting equipment familiarization when combined with manufacturer materials and hands-on instruction.

Many equipment rental companies offer safety and training resources and courses, and it’s worth asking what’s available when renting unfamiliar equipment.

Dust, noise, and occupied homes

Many renovations take place while families continue living in the home. That creates additional responsibilities:

• Dust control: containment barriers, negative air machines, and floor protection, especially when disturbing drywall, plaster, or other materials that create fine dust.
• Noise: scheduling noisy work at appropriate times and following local noise bylaws.
• Safe separation: keeping residents, children, and pets away from work areas.
• Maintaining exits: making sure residents can still leave the home safely.

Marked-up floor plans showing containment zones, protected walkways, and work areas help both crews and clients understand how the home will function during the project.

Daily and phase-by-phase planning

A safe layout during demolition may not be safe during framing or finishing. Updating visuals at each phase helps crews adapt.

Phase	Main safety focus
Demolition	Debris paths, containment, hazardous materials control
Structural	Temporary shoring, open floors, lifting heavy beams
Rough-in	Open walls, temporary power, trade coordination
Finishing	Protecting new finishes, managing deliveries

Part 7: Managing Expectations: The Limits of Renderings

Visualization is powerful precisely because it’s persuasive. That’s also its biggest risk. A rendering can create expectations that reality can’t match. Managing that gap is one of the most important skills in using these tools well.

Where renderings commonly mislead, and how to fix it

Element	How renderings mislead	How to fix it
Lighting	Perfect, even light or glowing sunsets	Render typical daylight and evening views
Colour	Screens shift colours	Approve real samples, not screen colours
Natural materials	Shown perfectly uniform	Show real slabs, boards, or tiles
Scale	Wide angles enlarge rooms	Show several realistic viewpoints with dimensions
Furniture and decor	High-end styling not in the scope	Use the client’s furniture or neutral pieces
Hidden infrastructure	Vents, outlets, beams, bulkheads left out	Include them where they’ll actually be
Cleanliness	Spotless spaces	Remind clients that daily life looks different

More strategies:

1. Separate inspiration from design. Label early images “concept” and accurate ones “design.”
2. Explain differences openly, and put them in writing.
3. Use mock-ups when stakes are high, such as feature walls, large tile layouts, or cabinet colours.

Handling AI-generated client images

Increasingly, clients arrive with their own AI-generated images. They may have uploaded a photo of their kitchen to an app and generated a dream design.

These images can be useful as a starting point for conversation, since they show what the client likes. But they can also create unrealistic expectations, because AI tools don’t account for structure, plumbing, budgets, codes, or real product availability.

When clients bring AI images:

• Treat them as inspiration. Ask what they like about each image: colours, materials, layout, mood.
• Identify what’s feasible and what isn’t. Explain gently where the image doesn’t reflect real constraints, such as structural walls, plumbing locations, or budget.
• Show realistic alternatives. Create accurate visuals that capture the spirit of their image while respecting reality.
• Discuss budget openly. A design created in seconds by AI may represent tens of thousands of dollars more than the client expects.

Part 8: Honesty in Marketing and Portfolios

Contractors also use renderings and virtual staging in their own marketing: websites, social media, brochures, and proposals. This raises important honesty considerations.

Label renderings clearly

Prospective clients reviewing a contractor’s portfolio assume they’re looking at completed work. If a “project” image is actually a rendering or an AI-generated image, it should be clearly labelled as such.

In Canada, the Competition Act prohibits false or misleading representations to promote a business, and the Competition Bureau enforces rules against deceptive marketing practices. Presenting renderings as completed projects, or using AI images to suggest work a contractor hasn’t done, risks misleading customers. Beyond legal risk, it can seriously damage trust if clients discover the difference.

Good practices:

• Label images clearly as “rendering,” “concept,” “AI-generated,” or “completed project.”
• Show real before-and-after photos of completed work wherever possible.
• Pair renderings with finished photos of the same project. “Here’s the rendering we showed the client, and here’s the finished kitchen” is compelling marketing, and it demonstrates that your visualizations are reliable.
• Don’t edit completed project photos to hide flaws or add features that weren’t built.

Client privacy

Photos, scans, and 3D models of clients’ homes contain personal information about their living spaces, belongings, and sometimes security features. Before using any images in marketing:

• Get written permission from clients.
• Remove or blur personal items, such as family photos, documents, and identifying details.
• Avoid showing addresses, house numbers, or security systems.
• Store scans and images securely, and consider how long you keep them.

Part 9: The Business Side of Visualization

For renovation contractors, visualization isn’t just a communication tool. It’s also a business investment that affects sales, efficiency, and profitability.

Costs to consider

Cost item	Typical range	Notes
AI and virtual staging tools	Low	Subscriptions or per-image fees
3D design software	Free to significant annual licences	Depends on capability
Hardware	Moderate to high	Capable computer, LiDAR device, 360 camera, or scanner
Outsourced rendering	Varies widely	Per image or per project
Staff time	Often the largest cost	Modelling and presentation preparation
Training	Moderate	Learning curve for new software

Pricing visualization services

Approach	How it works	Pros	Cons
Free	Basic visuals included in the sales process	Helps close sales	Costly if prospects don’t proceed
Design fee, credited	Paid up front, credited if hired	Filters for serious clients	Some prospects won’t pay
Tiered	Basic concepts free, detailed design paid	Flexible	Needs clear explanation
Built into pricing	Covered in overhead	Simple	Less visible value

Whatever the approach, being clear with clients about what’s included avoids misunderstandings.

Potential returns, and how to measure them

Direct data on these returns specifically for renovation contractors is limited, so track your own results.

Potential benefit	What to track
Higher close rates	Proposals won versus proposals sent
Fewer change orders	Change orders per project
Less rework	Hours and materials spent redoing work
Faster approvals	Days from first meeting to signed contract
Better equipment and material planning	Rental overruns, extra deliveries
Stronger marketing	Inquiries from before-and-after content
Higher client satisfaction	Reviews, referrals, repeat clients

Integrating visualization into the team

Question	Options
Who captures site data?	Estimators or project managers, using a consistent routine
Who creates visuals?	In-house designer, owner, or outsourced service
How are files shared?	Cloud storage or project management software
How are visuals used on site?	Renderings and plans available to crews
How are changes tracked?	Version control so nobody builds from outdated images

Part 10: Project Scenarios

Here’s how visualization might work across common renovation types. These are illustrative examples, not case studies of specific projects.

Scenario	Main visualization tools	Biggest risk avoided
Kitchen with wall removal	Scan, 3D model, AR, floor tape	Surprise beam, tight island clearances
Basement finishing	Scan, accurate renderings	Low, cluttered-feeling ceilings
Bathroom	3D model, tile layout, samples	Disputes over tile, niches, glass
Rear addition	Survey, 3D model, site plan	Equipment that can’t reach the yard
Exterior refresh	Virtual staging on photos	Regretted colour and material choices

Scenario 1: Kitchen renovation with wall removal

Client goal: Open the kitchen to the dining room, add an island, and update finishes.

Visualization approach:

1. Site visit: Measure and scan the kitchen and dining room. Photograph existing conditions, including the wall to be removed, the ceiling, and the floor transition between rooms.
2. Concepts: Use AI or virtual staging to show three style options on photos of the space, including the open layout.
3. Structural check: Determine whether the wall is load-bearing. If so, engage a structural engineer.
4. Design development: Build an accurate 3D model showing the island, cabinet layout, required beam or bulkhead, and new flooring.
5. Client review: Walk through rendered views from the kitchen and dining room. Use tape on the floor to show the island footprint and walkway clearances.
6. Sign-off: Approve drawings, renderings, scope, and material selections.
7. Pre-demolition planning: Mark demolition scope, plan dust containment for an occupied home, schedule a bin, and plan how the new beam will be brought in and lifted into place.

Key value: The client sees the beam in the renderings from the start, so there’s no surprise. Walkway clearances around the island are confirmed before cabinets are ordered.

Scenario 2: Basement finishing

Client goal: Convert an unfinished basement into a family room, guest bedroom, and bathroom.

Visualization approach:

1. Site visit: Scan the basement, documenting ductwork, beams, posts, the furnace, the water heater, plumbing stacks, windows, and the electrical panel.
2. Design: Plan rooms around existing mechanical elements. Show bulkheads where ducts and beams require them.
3. Rendering: Show realistic ceiling heights and lighting, since basements often feel darker and lower than clients imagine.
4. Code considerations: Plan for requirements such as egress windows for bedrooms, which may involve exterior excavation.
5. Equipment planning: If an egress window is needed, plan locates, excavation equipment, access to the side of the house, and soil removal.

Key value: Accurate renderings of bulkheads and ceiling heights prevent the common disappointment of a basement that feels lower or more cluttered than expected.

Scenario 3: Bathroom renovation

Client goal: Replace a tub with a walk-in shower and update finishes.

Visualization approach:

1. Site visit: Measure carefully, noting plumbing locations, window position, and ceiling height.
2. Concepts: Show tile and fixture options on photos of the existing bathroom.
3. Design: Confirm drain location, shower dimensions, glass panel placement, and niche positions in an accurate model.
4. Material approval: Have clients approve real tile samples and a tile layout drawing, not just renderings.
5. Pre-demolition: Plan protection for adjacent rooms, debris removal (often by hand through the home), and timing for plumbing rough-in.

Key value: Tile layout and fixture positions are agreed in advance, avoiding disputes over grout lines, niche positions, or glass panel sizes.

Scenario 4: Rear addition

Client goal: Add a family room at the back of the house.

Visualization approach:

1. Site visit: Survey the property, document the rear of the house, landscaping, access routes, trees, overhead lines, and neighbouring properties.
2. Design: Create a 3D model of the addition and how it connects to the existing house.
3. Exterior renderings: Show how the addition will look from the yard and from neighbouring properties, useful for permits and neighbour conversations.
4. Site logistics plan: Mark locates, excavation areas, equipment access, bin placement, material staging, and protected landscaping.
5. Equipment planning: Determine whether a mini excavator or compact track loader can access the backyard, plan foundation work, and schedule lifts or telehandlers for framing and roofing.

Key value: Equipment access problems are identified before excavation day, and the client understands how their yard will be affected during construction.

Scenario 5: Exterior refresh

Client goal: New siding, windows, and a front porch.

Visualization approach:

1. Site visit: Photograph all elevations and measure windows and doors.
2. Concepts: Use virtual staging or AI to show siding colours, trim options, and porch designs on photos of the house.
3. Design: Confirm window sizes, porch dimensions, and any structural requirements.
4. Equipment planning: Plan scaffolding or lifts for upper-level work, considering ground conditions, overhead wires, and landscaping.

Key value: Exterior colour and material choices, often the hardest for clients to visualize, are decided before materials are ordered.

Part 11: Canadian Considerations: Condos and Winter Work

Two situations come up constantly for Canadian renovation contractors and deserve their own attention: renovating inside condominiums, and working through winter.

Condominium renovations

Condo renovations add a layer of rules and logistics that single-family homes don’t have. Condo corporations typically control what owners can change, when work can happen, and how materials and equipment move through the building.

Common condo requirements:

Requirement	What it usually involves
Alteration approval	Submitting plans, sometimes signing an alteration agreement
Flooring and sound rules	Approved acoustic underlayment under hard flooring
Working hours	Noisy work limited to set hours and days
Elevator bookings	Reserved service elevator, padding, time limits
Loading dock access	Scheduled deliveries and bin pickups
Insurance and credentials	Proof of insurance and documentation
Common elements	No changes to structure, exterior walls, windows, or shared systems without approval

Visualization helps in several ways:

• Approval packages. Clear drawings and renderings help condo boards and property managers understand proposed changes quickly.
• Logistics planning. Measurements of elevators, corridors, and doorways determine whether large items, such as countertops, long cabinets, or bathtubs, can physically reach the unit. A countertop slab that fits in the kitchen but not in the service elevator is an expensive surprise.
• Equipment selection. Heavy equipment is rarely an option inside condos. Instead, contractors plan around hand tools, compact equipment, carts, and dust control systems that fit through standard doors and elevators.
• Neighbour communication. Visual plans showing work areas and timelines can help property managers inform other residents.

Winter renovations

Canadian winters affect almost every aspect of renovation, especially exterior work and projects that involve opening up the building envelope.

Planning considerations:

Winter factor	Impact	Typical response
Frozen ground	Slower excavation	Ground thawing, heavier machines, or scheduling foundations for warmer months
Concrete curing	Cold slows or harms curing	Heated enclosures, insulated blankets, cold-weather mixes
Temperature-sensitive materials	Adhesives, paints, sealants, some flooring	Heated storage and work areas
Snow and ice	Slip and fall risk, blocked access	Clearing, ice control, snow storage areas
Short days	Less natural light	Temporary lighting
Open building envelope	Heat loss, moisture	Temporary enclosures and heaters

Where visualization helps:

• Phasing plans can show when the building envelope will be opened and closed, so clients understand when parts of the home may be colder or inaccessible.
• Site plans can mark snow storage areas, cleared access routes, heater placement, and temporary enclosures.
• Equipment planning can account for winter needs, such as heaters, ground thawing equipment, temporary power, and lighting, alongside standard renovation equipment.
• Client communication becomes easier when clients can see how temporary protection will work and why winter adds cost or time.

Winter renovation is entirely possible, and interior projects often run year-round without much disruption. But it rewards careful planning, and clear visuals make that planning easier to share with clients and crews.

Part 12: A Pre-Demolition Checklist

Before the first wall comes down, contractors can run through a final check. Visualization tools support many of these items, but the checklist itself is what matters.

Design and approvals

• [ ] Final design approved and signed, including drawings and key renderings
• [ ] Written scope of work signed, with inclusions and exclusions clear
• [ ] Material and fixture selections confirmed, with long-lead items ordered
• [ ] Allowances documented for any pending selections
• [ ] Rendering disclaimer included in the contract
• [ ] Change order process explained to the client

Structure, hazards, and permits

• [ ] Structural assessment completed for any wall removal or structural change
• [ ] Engineering drawings obtained where required
• [ ] Building permits issued and posted where required
• [ ] Suspected hazardous materials identified and tested
• [ ] Hazardous material removal planned with qualified professionals where required
• [ ] Condo, heritage, or neighbour approvals obtained where applicable

Site and utilities

• [ ] Utility locates requested and completed for any digging
• [ ] Shut-off locations confirmed for water, gas, and electricity
• [ ] Existing conditions documented with dated photos and scans
• [ ] Items to salvage, protect, or remove marked clearly

Equipment and logistics

• [ ] Access routes measured and confirmed for equipment and materials
• [ ] Equipment selected and booked for each phase
• [ ] Bin size and placement confirmed, with municipal permits where needed
• [ ] Material delivery schedule coordinated
• [ ] Site layout plan shared with crew, subcontractors, and client

Safety

• [ ] Fall hazards identified and protection planned
• [ ] Equipment safety zones marked
• [ ] Operators trained and competent for the equipment being used
• [ ] Dust containment and air quality controls planned for occupied homes
• [ ] Emergency exits and resident access maintained
• [ ] Pre-job safety meeting held

Client communication

• [ ] Client knows the start date, phases, and expected disruptions
• [ ] Client knows which areas of the home and property will be affected
• [ ] Client knows how to reach the project lead
• [ ] Client understands that hidden conditions may require changes

Part 13: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake	Fix
Showing AI concepts as final designs	Separate inspiration images from accurate design renderings
Skipping accurate measurements	Base design renderings on careful measurements or scans
Leaving out structural and mechanical realities	Include beams, bulkheads, vents, and outlets
Over-styling renderings	Use realistic lighting and neutral furniture
Relying on renderings instead of written scope	Make written scope and drawings the primary documents
Not updating visuals after changes	Use version control and share only the latest images
Forgetting site logistics	Use the same tools to plan access, equipment, bins, and safety zones
Ignoring hazardous materials	Flag suspected materials early and test before demolition
Using client photos without permission	Get written consent and remove personal details
Presenting renderings as completed work	Label renderings and pair them with real photos

Part 14: Where Visualization Is Heading

Trend	What it could mean for contractors
Better phone and tablet scanning	Faster, cheaper existing-conditions capture
AI-assisted design	Layout options, not just styled images, from scans
Integration with estimating and ordering	Fewer quantity and pricing errors
Digital twins of homes	Lasting records of what’s inside walls
AR on site	Routine use in client reviews and crew coordination
Clearer rules on AI images	Growing disclosure expectations in marketing

The underlying principle won’t change: the earlier everyone shares the same, accurate picture of a project, the smoother it goes.

A Starter Kit for Small Contractors

Item	Purpose	Cost level
Phone or tablet, ideally with LiDAR	Photos and scans	Moderate
Laser measure	Fast, accurate measurements	Low
Consistent photo routine	Complete existing-conditions records	Free
Scanning app	Floor plans and basic 3D models	Low
AI or virtual staging tool	Quick concept images	Low
Basic 3D design software	Accurate design models	Low to moderate
Sign-off package template	Drawings, renderings, scope, schedules in one place	Free once made
Rendering disclaimer, reviewed by a lawyer	Contract protection	One-time legal cost
Site layout template	Access, equipment, bins, safety zones	Free once made
Shared file system	Everyone works from the same information	Low

Start small. Even consistent photos, marked-up images, and one or two concept renderings per project can make a noticeable difference.

Glossary of Key Terms

AI rendering: An image generated or modified by artificial intelligence to show a proposed design, often from a photo of the existing space.

Allowance: A budget amount set aside in a contract for items not yet selected, such as light fixtures or tile.

AR (augmented reality): Technology that overlays digital objects onto a live view of the real world through a phone, tablet, or headset.

Bulkhead: A lowered section of ceiling that hides ducts, pipes, or beams.

Change order: A written agreement to change the scope, cost, or schedule of a project after the original contract is signed.

Deconstruction: Carefully dismantling building elements to salvage materials for reuse, rather than demolishing them.

Existing conditions: The documented state of a space before renovation begins, including dimensions, finishes, systems, and defects.

Exclusion zone: An area around operating equipment or hazards where workers and the public must not enter.

LiDAR: A sensing technology that measures distances using laser light. Some phones and tablets include LiDAR sensors that can create 3D scans of rooms.

Load-bearing wall: A wall that supports weight from floors, roofs, or other structural elements above. Removing one requires engineering and support.

Photogrammetry: Creating 3D models or measurements from overlapping photographs.

Rendering: A computer-generated image showing how a design will look.

Scope of work: The written description of what a contractor will and will not do on a project.

Site layout plan: A drawing or marked-up image showing access routes, equipment locations, staging areas, bins, and safety zones on a project site.

Virtual staging: Digitally adding furniture, decor, or finishes to photos of a space. Originally used in real estate, now increasingly used in renovation design.

Utility locate: The process of identifying and marking underground utilities before digging, typically coordinated through a provincial one-call service.

Conclusion

Renovation has always depended on trust. Clients trust contractors to understand what they want and to deliver it. Contractors trust clients to make decisions and stick to them. Most problems arise when that shared understanding breaks down, often because each side was picturing something different.

Market is also in a weird place now (or better said risky) for Home Sales and house contracts as economy crashes.

Virtual staging, AI renderings, 3D models, scans, and AR give contractors a way to make the finished space visible before demolition starts. Used thoughtfully, they help clients make decisions with confidence, reduce costly changes after work begins, and turn vague ideas into clear, approved designs.

The same tools also support the practical side of renovation: defining demolition scope, identifying structural and hazardous material concerns, planning equipment and access, laying out the site, and keeping crews safe. A clear picture of the finished project is the starting point for planning everything needed to get there.

The key is to use visualization honestly and accurately. Realistic images are persuasive, so they must be grounded in real measurements, real constraints, and real materials. Inspiration should be labelled as inspiration. Designs should be built from accurate data. Contracts should rely on written scope and drawings. And every rendering should help the client understand what they’re actually going to get.

Done well, visualization doesn’t just make projects look better on screen. It makes them run better on site.