What could be more exciting than remodeling your house? remodeling your feature walls, wood paneling, kitchens and what not.
However, most homeowners who decide to give their homes a badly needed makeover have this one little thing in common – they have never done it before. Thankfully, you can set yourself up for success by avoiding the 5 common renovation-related mistakes that most homeowners make:
Failing to carefully consider your plans.
Are you renovating an old house? In case you’re not aware, aging houses come with edges that have shifted, angles that have changed, and lines that have warped. Many people forget that remodeling an old structure requires a lot of careful planning because they’ll have to match a house that is already standing. You can save a lot of time and money if you start out with a clear and well-thought-out plan.
Hiring the wrong people.
Whether you’re hiring a roofer, an electrician or a contractor, remember their craftsmanship and skills will have a significant impact on your investment’s long-term value. Be sure to get at least three estimates on the remodeling project you need to complete. Before getting these people on board, make sure that you’ve already asked for references. It’s best to get in touch with individuals who’ve experienced working with the person. Doing so can ensure that your candidates have enough experience to remodel a house or a building that’s similar to yours. To give you a clear snapshot of their workmanship, you can also try to visit their previous job sites.
Failing to double-check permits.
Sadly, countless homeowners find themselves tearing out all the work they’ve just spent their money on to have done just because they didn’t do their diligence. Unless you’re an expert on building codes, make sure that your general contractor obtained all the required permits before anyone starts working on the project.
Underestimating the costs.
In most cases, remodeling projects take longer and cost more than what you’ve initially expected. When you undershoot your budget, you’ll increase your chances of running out of money halfway through the project. Unless you’re willing to cut corners in areas where you shouldn’t, it’s always best to add at least 20% to what you believe your renovation project will total when you’re setting up your budget. Just make sure that you’ve covered everything. You can look forward to happy surprises if you beat your projections.
Underestimating time.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they’re remodeling their homes is when they immediately assume that the entire project won’t take much time. The most common reason behind delays and time wasted on various job sites is miscommunication. For this reason, it’s extremely important to be on the same page with your contractors especially when it comes to coming up with a list of items that you’ll need to purchase, timelines to keep you organized, and deadlines for making important decisions. Keep in mind that the longer it takes to complete the project, the more money you spend.
Nothing can be more thrilling than renovating a home. Whether your goal is to create a beautiful yet comfortable space for your family or to flip your house for profit, keep in mind that first-time renovation mistakes are extremely easy to make. While some of these blunders are relatively small and simple, others could cost you a fortune. Avoiding them is the key to success.
