Home renovations are more popular than ever before, but this isn’t a journey for the faint of heart. To streamline the process and set yourself up for success, avoid these mistakes:
1. Forgetting about permits
Head to the permitting department at your city or county office and ask them what you’ll need.
2. Setting an unrealistic timeline
Your timeline needs to reflect realistic estimates that you’re hearing from contractors, and a little bit of wiggle room.
3. Creating an unrealistic budget
Like your timeline, your budget needs a little bit of room to stretch.
4. Buying the cheapest materials
The adage “you get what you pay for” is as true for home renovation materials as anywhere else.
5. Skipping prep work
The small steps you take will be well worth the time in the long run.
6. Taking inaccurate measurements
If there’s one home renovation mistake that you should try to avoid at all costs, no matter what, this is it.
7. Starting without a plan
If you’re renovating a room or an entire house, then you need a game plan for exactly what you’re doing and when.
8. Failing to anticipate a mess
A home renovation is usually a big, messy project. Some of your rooms might not be usable.
9. Following trends
Nothing dates a house quite like a trend. Consider asking your contractor about a modern twist or spin on a classic look.
10. Using the wrong tools
Each tool was specifically designed to do one job, and to do it very well.
11. Selecting the wrong paint
Paint comes in so many different finishes and price ranges because it’s meant to be used in different ways.
12. Choosing materials that aren’t sustainable
Even if you aren’t environmentally conscious, there’s a lot of merit in considering “green” building materials.
13. Ignoring additional storage opportunities
Almost every house has some odd nooks and crannies that could use a little attention.
14. Neglecting safety measures
Make sure you’re following best practices for safety for any renovations you’re helping with.
15. Failing to secure subcontractors or backup
Make sure you have a backup plan for what you’ll do if something unexpected happens.
16. Hiring the first (or cheapest) contractors you talk to
You may be tempted to make an “easy” decision. Resist! This is your home, a huge financial investment.
17. Being afraid to think big
Sometimes homeowners just don’t know what’s possible in a renovation, but you might be surprised.
18. Overbuilding
A room can start to look and feel overwhelming if you don’t consider balance when you’re making your plans.
19. Changing your mind
Before you take the first step on your renovation journey, make sure that your mind is set in stone.
If you can avoid these mistakes, your renovation will undoubtedly make your house shine. Good luck!
