Top 14 Home Renovation Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them
Home renovation projects, whether you go the DIY route or hire contractors to handle the work, are serious undertakings. Although the end result will be awesome, the journey can be pretty rough if you skip key steps or go into the overhaul with unrealistic expectations.
An “impromptu” project started on a weekend whim is unlikely to go as easily as expected. However, if you step back for a moment and really focus on the planning stage, you can mitigate some of the inherent risks associated with renovation work. If in doubt where to begin, contact a local real estate professional for pointers!
Here is a collection of common home renovation mistakes homeowners face during remodeling projects and how thorough planning can help you avoid them.
1. Setting an Unrealistic Timeline
We all want to see our amazing redesign plans come to fruition as quickly as possible. But construction projects are infamous for taking more time than expected, often due to unforeseen obstacles. There are so many factors at play in renovation projects such as getting materials, work time, weather considerations, etc. that something is bound to take longer than you anticipated.
Be sure to build extra time into your project schedule so you will not get stressed if things do not go exactly as planned. If things do go south you need to have a fall-back plan to help minimize delays and get your project back on track. This may include changes to your original plan or skipping an upgrade altogether if need be.
2. Buying Cheap Products/ Materials
There is no better application of the phrase “You get what you pay for” than a renovation project. If you choose inexpensive materials, you are more likely to run into problems such as wood warping, rough saw cuts, products that are inefficient energy-wise and a shoddy look to your finished project.
Although it may seem a splurge at the time, you should always go with the highest quality materials you can afford. The small additional expense will be worth it in the long run. On a related note, be sure to buy extra materials, especially flooring, to allow for damaged items, incorrect cuts, or future repair work. A good rule of thumb is to add 10-15% contingencies due to waste.
3. Having a Narrow Budget
Everyone wants to save money, but if it means cutting corners during a home remodeling project, it is a bad idea. Not only will the end result fall short of what you envisioned, doing work on the cheap can actually result in damage to your home. Take the time to price out materials, appliances, fixtures and flooring before you make your budget so you have a realistic idea about what the bottom line will be.
Do not forget to add 20 percent for unforeseen contingencies. Knowing you have some wiggle room will lower your stress level and make it easier if/when you have to make unexpected decisions. Also, as long as you stay within your budget boundaries, you may find out you have extra funds at the end of the project for decor or an additional upgrade.
4. Skipping Prep Work
No matter how simple your home improvement plan is, from a one-day painting job to a bathroom addition, there is prep work to be done. Take the time to tape off areas before painting. Use drop cloths to protect your furniture. Set up a makeshift food area before you start the kitchen demolition. Bring new flooring into the house to acclimate before you plan to lay it.
Doing the prep work beforehand will save you many headaches farther down the road and not only help keep you on budget but also on schedule too. A little time spent upfront on both the minor and major details can reap rewards throughout the project and keep your nerves from getting frayed.
5. Taking Inaccurate Measurements
Bad measurements lead to additional costs. There will likely be many important measurements you take during your renovation project, but none is more important than kitchen cabinets. If you are getting custom cabinets made, one wrong measurement can double your costs.
Some contractors take the old adage about measuring a step farther by advising “Measure twice, cut once.” Hiring a professional to measure will cost a little up front but can help with additional cost down the road. When it comes to kitchens, it is better to choose your appliances first, then arrange everything else around them.
6. Starting Without a Plan
Every important project needs to start with a plan. You must do your homework to make sure you understand and have considered every part of the work. Find out what pertinent building codes you need to follow. Take the time and pay the money to get permits. Seek the advice of professionals.
Do not just start gutting a room unless you have everything lined up to put it back together. Avoid starting something that seems like a small job, such as removing wallpaper, if you do not have time to address it if it becomes a huge job. If you know you are good at starting projects but not always prompt about finishing them, it might be a prudent move to hire a contractor for the job.
7. Failing to Prepare for Mess
No one likes living in chaos, but it is expected in a work zone. If you plan to stay in your home while the renovation is happening, you will have to be mentally prepared to deal with a mess. It will be loud, you will have workmen invading your space, and there is the possibility your home will get very dirty.
Cover adjacent rooms with drop cloths, stock up your remaining functional bathroom and embrace your slapdash “kitchen” space and try not to get to anxious about the chaos. Remember, the inconveniences are only temporary and your new and improved renovation will make the distractions worthwhile.
8. Following Trends
Too often, homeowners are inspired by a magazine picture or home improvement show on television and want to bring a trendy look into their homes. But trends come and go, so it is a much better choice to select timeless designs instead. After all, you may be living with your decision for decades, or you may want to sell your house down the road.
Trendy choices could hurt your resale value if they look dated or do not match the style of your home. That said, there are some places where it is OK to have some trendy fun, such as the kitchen backsplash. It is a safe move to only go trendy on things that are simple to change out in the future.
9. Using Incorrect Tools
Nothing will chew through your costly materials faster than using the wrong tools for the job. To avoid cost over-runs, you need to ensure the right tools are available as necessary. For instance, trying to cut baseboard molding without a miter saw likely will mean incorrect cuts that will render large pieces of wood useless.
You cannot use a regular dry saw to cut ceramic tile or you will break the tiles. There are many rental companies that can supply the proper tools you need at an inexpensive hourly rate. If hiring a contractor, ensure they bring the right tools for the task at hand. Use the correct tools and the project will go much smoother!
10. Selecting Materials That Are Not Green
You want your home renovation to make sense from a sustainability and energy efficiency standpoint. Choose eco-friendly materials where you can, and be sure to select efficient appliance if you plan to replace any. The cost may be more initially, but so-called green products will stand the test of time and save you money.
11. Disregarding Additional Storage Opportunities
Depending on your project, it is typically a smart move to add storage or convenience features if possible. For example, in a kitchen renovation, you may have a corner where a lazy susan could be added, a large drawer that could be subdivided for addition storage, or a nook or corner could be put to good use with a slide-out drawer.
Make use of that weird space under that stairs for a closet or bookshelf. Even utility closets can be value rich with shelving or storage bins to keep items in. Adding storage options is typically a good idea and will make your life easier and could even slightly boost your home’s resale value.
12. Neglecting Safety Measures
We often think of our own safety last when working on home improvement projects but it should be the first thing we consider. All it takes is one slip-up to derail your whole plan. You cannot paint a ceiling if you are on crutches after falling off a ladder nor can you finish a project if you seriously hurt yourself by improperly using tools (such as saws).
Be sure to wear safety glasses when needed, wear a harness if you are working on the roof, and hire a home contractoror electrician to deal with electrical wiring. Hiring a professional installer can help to ensure all safety measures are observed. Regardless of the project size, it is important to follow all safety guidelines, avoiding taking shortcuts along the way.
13. Failing to Vet Contractors or Subs
Speaking of contractors, you may need to hire one for the whole project or just specific parts, such as heating and cooling or new roofing. Do not hire one on a whim, and do not choose the lowest bid without proper consideration of what the other bidders will provide.
You will benefit from taking the time to get multiple bids, reading them carefully, and checking with contractors’ previous clients to make sure they were satisfied. It can also be worthwhile to check out any online reviews they may have received. As always, make sure a detailed contract is in place before any work begins.
14. Overbuilding
One of the most common errors in home renovation is going overboard on the design and materials. Sure, you love the new look, but if you over improve your house compared with the rest of your neighborhood, you are unlikely to be able to recoup your renovation costs when you eventually sell the house.
Make sure any changes you make are in keeping with surrounding homes. It is OK to be the nicest house in the neighborhood, but you do not want to push that too far. Unless you plan to live in the home for several years, and enjoy the benefits of over-building, it is a good idea to weigh all your options, including scaling back a little if need be.
Clark, Anita. "14 Home Renovation Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them." 2016. Anita's Corner, Selling Warner Robins. http://sellingwarnerrobins.com/14-home-renovation-mistakes-to-avoid/.
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