Remodeling a home isn’t easy; many things can go wrong during these projects. It is easy to make mistakes renovating a home, but there are steps and tips you can follow to reduce the potential problems.
We look at some of the home renovation mistakes that people make so you can avoid them. These ten remodeling mistakes can prove to be costly.
Avoiding inspections
While there is a cost to have inspections completed on your property, it gives you a better understanding of what needs to be done to renovate your home.
You should complete as many inspections as possible before you buy a property. A general home inspection might indicate further problems and reasons for more specialty inspections.
Even with the additional cost of inspections, it could save you many thousands of dollars. You might find more problems than you want to deal with, allowing you to back out of the purchase.
Ignoring difficult issues
While it will be tempting to complete your dream kitchen as soon as possible, don’t ignore less glamorous repair jobs.
While tackling a water leak isn’t going to be the highlight of your remodeling, it is something you have to do. If you neglect these tasks, you could create bigger headaches for yourself later on.
For example, if your roof is past its useful life, you’ll want to address it now rather than wait for water penetration.
By the time that happens, you could have additional issues like mold growth.
If your inspection report highlights old or worn-out systems in your home, factor this into your remodeling costs and plan.
Choosing contractors
Don’t pick the first contractor who gives you an estimate. Even though the price might seem good, get at least three estimates to understand better what is available and your options.
You should also ask for references and check customer feedback online. This will show you if their quality of work is good enough, as the finish will affect how much your home is worth.
It is vital to double-check that the contractors have pulled permits when necessary.
Trying to do everything yourself
While you might have great DIY skills, you might not be experienced with everything needed during the project. If you try to tackle a big project and then need to hire professionals to do it properly, you will have wasted a lot of time and money for nothing.
Long-term planning
You need to be realistic about what needs renovation in the home and how quickly this can be completed. List parts of your project as short-term and others as longer-term goals. This will give you more time to deal with the work required and save the funds needed for completion.
Future needs not met
While you might want to remodel to fit your lifestyle perfectly, this could affect how easy the home is to sell later. You could spend a lot of money renovating only to reduce the value and saleability of your home.
You might want to change the use of a bedroom, but this change could rule your home out to future buyers. Before you sell, you don’t want to have to undo your changes to increase the value of your home.
Consult with a local real estate agent before making significant renovations. Finding out the return on investment will be key.
Overlooking the easy option
Sometimes a few coats of paint might be enough to rejuvenate a room. Don’t overlook using primer and quality paint on the walls to save time and money on your remodeling project.
Tearing down walls
Making large structural changes can lead to more work than you expect. Removing a wall can mean pipework and electrical utilities must be relocated, adding more expense, time, and potential problems.
Removing a wall might reveal new previously hidden problems and increase your renovation budget.
Not checking the regulations
There might be restrictions on what you can do to the outside of your property. Don’t begin repainting or making an exterior structural change to your home before you are sure nothing stops you.
You might need to seek approval before beginning the work. Otherwise, you might have to undo any changes you’ve made.
If you have a homeowners association, check with them first. There could be restrictive covenants in place. It is one of the things you should always research before moving into a neighborhood.
Ask your neighbors
If your neighbor has made some similar renovations to their home as you plan for yours, ask them about it. They might have some valuable advice that will make your project easier or be able to recommend a contractor.
Connecting with neighbors like this is a great way to establish a long-term relationship and help you fit into your new neighborhood.
Final thoughts
The most straightforward renovation projects entail proper planning and research. Before moving forward, you dot your eyes and cross your T’s.
