Home renovation is a fairly complicated task when it comes to organization and implementation. First-timers often make mistakes that set them back financially, or yield unwanted results.
If you are new to renovation or are simply keen not to make an investment you will regret, this post is for you. Read on for five of the most common home renovation mistakes, and tips to steer clear of them.
1. Doing it yourself
DIY is a cheap and fun way of going about renovation, but its downsides almost certainly outweigh the pros for the non-experts.
For one, you are more likely to produce substandard results, and there is a good chance you will end up paying more if you have to acquire the necessary tools.
You are also likely to hurt yourself or a family member and create safety hazards. To save yourself all the risks, hire a trusted team of custom home builders, and let them build on your plan.
Experts will also come in handy if your blueprint has mistakes, or you just want some informed advice when laying down your plan.
2. Doing too much at once
Oftentimes, new homeowners find it hard to resist the urge to redecorate the entire home.
If you have the money, there is nothing wrong with that, but if you are working on a budget, it would be wiser to focus on one thing at a time.
When you concentrate on only a small section of your home, you address even the tiniest details and ensure your specifications are followed to the letter.
3. Going with the lowest estimate
Many homeowners still put price over everything when choosing builders for home renovation products. Price does matter, but not as much as qualifications, experience, and reputation.
Give these factors priority, and only consider cost estimates when there are not many differences in other aspects of your candidates’ services.
4. Failure to anticipate setbacks
Once you have the plan and the money, it may seem as though nothing will stop you. Roadblocks do show up, and they are more common than people think.
Regardless of the comprehensiveness of your plan, it is advisable to brace up for the worst. You could get a medical emergency, lose your contractor mid-project, or even get your cards at work.
Always have a backup plan or at least have some extra money for incidentals and project- and non-projected-related extra costs.
5. Focusing too much on trends
Trends come and go, but your house will be there for a very long time. Keep this in mind when planning a home renovation project.
If a trend goes out of style too soon, you will be forced to either remain with your humdrum design, plan another renovation (which can be costly), or sell your home (which can be difficult if potential buyers don’t have a trendy taste).
Endnote
These are some of the common mistakes homeowners make when renovating their property. Try to avoid them, reduce project costs, and get better results.
