Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
Home remodeling can be a great way to not only get the perfect look you want but also add substantial value to your home. It’s often seen as a good way to invest in your property, and buying a fixer-upper can also be used to get into the neighborhood of your dreams. Whether you’re doing a home renovation to update a room, add an extension or flip a house, escape a potential disaster by avoiding common home renovation mistakes.
Not Having a Plan
Planning your home renovation is the only way to make sure everyone involved in the project knows what to expect. Planning gives you a better idea of what you want vs. what you need and is essential to building your budget. As you plan, be sure to consider building permits, codes and other red tape before you start the project. Good planning will also consider measurements of any appliances and other items that need to fit with your new design ideas.
Overestimating Your DIY Skills
Planning your home renovation is the only way to make sure everyone involved in the project knows what to expect. Planning gives you a better idea of what you want vs. what you need and is essential to building your budget. As you plan, be sure to consider building permits, codes and other red tape before you start the project. Good planning will also consider measurements of any appliances and other items that need to fit with your new design ideas.
Not Sticking to Your Budget
Home renovation projects can easily go beyond their projected budgets. Worst-case scenarios have homeowners with incomplete houses because they ran out of funds before the project could be finished. Planning is important here to give you a better sense to see if your desires meet your budget. When planning a home remodeling budget, be sure to add on an extra 10-20% cushion for any unforeseen cost increases.
Getting Cheap Materials
There’s a fine line between saving money and being cheap. Skimping on quality materials can lower the value of your home. While budget-friendly material may make your wallet happy, using better materials can really make your home pop. If you don’t have the budget for the materials you want, it’s better to wait and save more money rather than settling for instant gratification.
Hiring the First Contractor
Do your research as you look at home remodeling companies to do your project. Make sure the home contractors are appropriately licensed, insured and offer a warranty on their work. Also, consider the skills of the contractor—do you want a general contractor or a specialist? Don’t let price be the main factor of this important choice—a number can’t accurately reveal the quality of work you will be getting. As you interview renovation companies, be sure to review everything in writing: project summaries, design plans, contracts, etc. If you have questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to say something!
Following Trends Blindly
Remember that trends don’t last forever. Making a design trend a permanent part of your home can lower resale value and make your home clash with your neighborhood. Understand the limitations of your house and consider the changes you want to get done—instead of dramatically transforming major parts of your home, it might be better to just find a new house that better suits your tastes.
Are you looking to do a home renovation and want new, beautiful floors? Consider using a Bona Certified Craftsman. They can give you samples and recommendations based on your needs and region. Connect with a trusted local flooring contractor and see just how easy it is to get the floor of your dreams.