You don’t want to spend years dreaming about your home renovation and then spending months doing the remodeling work only to be less excited about the results. The good news is that you don’t have to. We asked three renovation experts to share the 10 most common renovation mistakes to avoid so you can be sure of a good outcome. Their reviews are accompanied by photos of the beautiful space that has been properly handled.
1. Underestimating Costs
Renovators with poor budgets can quickly run out of money. When this happens, they may be forced to sell their unfinished property. No buyer is willing to pay a premium for an unfinished product, so renovators tend to suffer losses.
Keep in mind that you won’t be giving a second chance on your budget and you’re not losing money by making an irreparable mistake. Proper budgeting and planning from the start is crucial.
Tip: I also always include a 10% to 20% cushion in my budget to cover unexpected costs – you can be sure that there will be some of this when retrofitting you.
2. Choose the Cheapest Contractor
This often happens when retrofitters are trying to reduce costs, and can lead to increased costs when they end up having to fix bugs or redo poorer quality work.
The cheapest bid doesn’t equal the best job – I can’t stress this enough. Don’t just focus on what the contractor can afford, but check exactly what the quote covers – that’s where the real value or lack thereof.
Get quotes from at least three contractors and compare them in detail. It’s also worth knowing each person’s workload so you can gauge the potential turnaround time.
Tip: You should also look for evidence of high-quality work, such as testimonials, project photos, and professional advice, before making a decision about the contractor.
3. Choose a Bad Floor Plan
The function of the room, as well as the flow of traffic within the room, are the two most important aspects, as they directly affect your experience of using the space. A well-designed room layout can also increase the value of your home. However, many remodelers neglect functionality and traffic flow when developing floor plans, instead focusing all their attention on colors and finishes.
To avoid making this common mistake, spend more time in the planning phase. Consider details such as the location of doors, windows, and electrical outlets. Develop a reasonable floor plan that allows it to move around the space easily and reach its full potential. For example, in a compact space, you may want to maximize the use of built-in seating and storage space so that it doesn’t impede traffic flow and enhances the room’s sense of spaciousness.
4. No Detailed Budget
Not having a detailed budget in place can make it easy for you to have excess capital or run out of money. Your budget needs to decide on the renovation, not the other way around.
5. Thinking That DIY Will Automatically Save You Money
The DIY trap makes it difficult for many newcomers to decorating. Not only do you likely get a substandard renovation, but it may cost you three times as much time as an experienced professional.
Limit your DIY tasks to things like painting and simple landscaping work, and spend your time managing project renovations.
6. Not Having a Clear Plan and Detailed Scope of Work for Your Renovation
This often comes down to insufficient research and planning at the beginning of the retrofit, before any work begins. If you don’t have a clear plan, you’ll find yourself constantly changing your mind, which can cost time and money, and it can also upset contractors.
Tip: It is also a very convenient reliance in case of a dispute with a contractor.
7. Unfair Division of Responsibility
It’s about renovating couples. If a clear area of responsibility that matches the respective strengths and weaknesses is not worked out at the outset, it can lead to arguments, resentment, and wasted time. Before any construction work begins, take the time to determine exactly who will do what and who will be available when.
8. Not Sure Exactly What You Want to Look like – or Don’t Know How to Describe It Exactly
Before you start building, take the time to figure out what look you want to achieve. Create a creative manual on Houzz and use digital visualization tools to understand how different layouts and finishes work and look.
Also, familiarize yourself with the correct terminology for the look and finish you want. This can really help you communicate your wishes accurately to professionals.
9. Not Looking for Builders Who Understand Your Vision
Not only is the lack of communication during the construction process frustrating (for both parties), but it can mean that you end up with a home that’s far from what you want.
Take the time to find a builder who is good at creating the look you want. Ask them to describe to you what it looks like and how it differs from other architectural or decorative styles. Once your project work begins, you’ll find all sorts of detail issues and decisions related to your chosen aesthetic come up, and you’ll be very grateful that you’re dealing with a professional.
10. Neglecting to Fully Research All Material Options
Materials play a vital role in the look and function of a home, but builders can rely on the same materials they’ve been using instead of researching contemporary alternatives that may be more appropriate for your project.
That’s where you come in. Take the time to research the various material options available (including appearance, price, pros and cons, sustainability, durability, and which materials are best for your location) and bring that information to your builder. With this knowledge, you can collectively decide on the best materials and finishes for your project.