Are you finally pushing through with your long-awaited home renovation? Congratulations! A makeover project can do wonders for your home’s value, comfort, and curb appeal. However, there’s a flip side to every coin. Home renovations can also be a huge headache, figuratively and literally, if they’re not done right. To avoid any stressful surprises (and extra costs), here are 21 home renovation mistakes that should be avoided at all costs:
1. Not Planning Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes people make when embarking on a home renovation is not planning ahead. This can lead to a number of problems, such as going over budget, not being able to complete the project on time or even having to redo work that was already completed.
2. Not Hiring a Professional
While it may be tempting to try and tackle a home renovation project on your own, it is often best to hire a professional home contractor. They will have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, but they can also help you avoid making common mistakes.
3. Hiring the First Contractor You Talk To
Another mistake people often make is hiring the first contractor they talk to. It is important to take the time to interview a few different contractors before making a final decision. This will help you ensure that you’re getting someone who is reputable and who you feel comfortable working with.
4. Not Getting Everything in Writing
When hiring a contractor, make sure that you get everything in writing. This includes the scope of work, the estimated cost, and the timeline for completion. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
5. Not Getting Permits
If you’re doing any work that requires permits, make sure that you get them before starting the project so you can avoid delays and fines later on. Aside from the home renovation permit, you should also meet with the Homeowners Association to see if there are any restrictions on what you can do. If you’re doing the renovation yourself, you’ll be the one to apply for the necessary permits. If you’re hiring a home contractor, they’ll take care of getting the proper permits.
6. Not Taking Safety Seriously
Safety should always be a top priority when undertaking any type of home renovation. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines and regulations, and never take shortcuts.
7. Not Being Prepared for Unexpected Costs
Unexpected costs are one of the most common problems people face when renovating their homes. Be sure to plan for these by setting aside a contingency fund. This will help to ensure that you’re able to cover any unexpected costs that may come up.
8. Lack of Research
Not doing your research is another usual home renovation mistake people make. Be sure to take the time to learn about the different aspects of the renovation process before getting started. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid making any costly mistakes.
9. Poor Communication Line with Contractor
One of the most important things you can do during a home renovation is to keep a good line of communication with your contractor. This will help to ensure that the project stays on track and that any problems are dealt with in a timely manner. It also helps that you establish a good rapport with your contractor. If you feel uneasy with your contractor, it may be best to look for someone else.
10. Not Staying Involved in the Project
Another mistake people make is not staying involved in the project. It is important to check in with the contractor regularly to make sure that the work is progressing as planned. This will help you catch any problems early on and avoid any delays in the project.
11. Trying to Save Money by Cutting Corners
One of the biggest mistakes people make when renovating their homes is trying to save money by cutting corners. This can often lead to subpar work and can even void warranties. Be sure to get multiple quotes and compare them before making a final decision.
12. Not Being Realistic About the Timeline
One of the most common mistakes people make when renovating their homes is not being realistic about the timeline. Be sure to sit down with your contractor and come up with a realistic timeline
13. Making Changes Mid-Renovation
Making changes to the plans mid-renovation can often lead to delays and added costs. If you do need to make changes, be sure to communicate them to your contractor as soon as possible so that they can be taken into account, says the crew over at Bradenton Bathroom Remodeling.
14. Not Dealing With Problems Right Away
If there are any problems with the work that is being done, be sure to deal with them right away. This will help to avoid any further issues and will also help to keep the project on track.
15. Lack of Patience
One of the most important things to remember when renovating your home is to be patient. The process can often take longer than expected and there may be some bumps along the way. But, if you’re patient and work with a reputable contractor, the end result will be worth it.
16. Not Purchasing Extra Materials
When ordering materials for your renovation, be sure to order extra. This will help to ensure that you have enough in case of any damage or mistakes. It is often better to have too much than not enough. This is particularly important with flooring. If you will install new tile, wood, or laminate flooring, order at least 10% more than the square footage you need.
17. Not Having a Contingency Fund
As we mentioned before, unexpected costs are one of the most common problems people face when renovating their homes. Be sure to plan for these by setting aside a contingency fund. This will help to ensure that you are able to cover any unexpected costs that may come up.
18. Not Checking Behind the Wall
If you’re doing any work that involves opening up walls, be sure to check what may be behind it. You don’t want to damage existing plumbing and wiring. You also don’t want the insulation to fall out or the structure to become weak or imbalanced. If you don’t know how to do this yourself, be sure to hire a professional home contractor. They have the training and experience to know if a wall or part of it can be torn down or not.
19. Not Updating the Electrical System
If your home is older, the electrical system may not be able to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics. Be sure to have an electrician update the system so that it can handle the additional load. This will help to avoid any problems or hazards down the road.
20. Not Adding Ventilation
If you’re adding new appliances or fixtures that produce heat or steam, be sure to add ventilation. This will help to avoid any moisture damage and will also keep the air in your home from becoming too humid.
21. Not Disposing of Hazardous Waste Properly
When doing any type of home renovation, it’s important to dispose of hazardous waste properly. This includes things like paint, thinners, and other chemicals. Be sure to check with your local municipality for the proper disposal methods.
There’s a higher chance of committing these home renovation blunders if you’re planning to do everything yourself. If you have the experience and skills, you should be fine. If not, then it’s best to hire a professional home contractor. The best ones are well aware of the home renovation mistakes that should be avoided so it’s vital that you choose the right one.