No matter if you love them or hate them, home renovations are something every homeowner goes through. While some projects are usually easy and quick, some take a bit more time, but all of them can be made even easier if you know a few common mistakes to avoid.
Not creating a battle plan
You might be anxious to start renovating, but don’t let that stop you from coming up with a good plan of attack. If you carefully consider your project and know what you want from your renovation, you’re already half-way there! For instance, first, consider exactly what you want your space to look like once everything is finished. Then, create a good design plan (revise it a few times). Once this is over and you’re happy with the results, you can start your project knowing you’ll be satisfied at the end of your renovation.
Not measuring enough
If you buy kitchen cabinets and realize your fridge can’t fit, you’ll lose on many different fronts. Not measuring enough is a waste of money, time and nerve. So, if you want to have a fail-proof renovation make sure to measure and remeasure a few times before making any purchases.
Not coming up with a good budget
It’s truly amazing how quickly costs accumulate during a renovation, so good budgeting is the key. Let’s say you’re installing new kitchen cabinets and you nick the wall. Now you also need to pay for drywall replacement! These things happen all the time, so make sure to set aside at least 15-20% of the total budget for unforeseen situations that are almost certain to arise.
Picking the wrong contractor
This is something many people mess up. Don’t just pick the first contractor you find, but take your time to get several bids and look at their work. For instance, you can hire your neighbor’s buddy to do your paint job, but don’t expect excellence. If you want something that looks amazing, it’s always better to contact experts and end up with quality painting services that will add not only style but also value to your home. Seek experts that use the best quality products and know exactly how to tackle your project. This will not only leave you with the best results but also ensure your repainting goes quickly and smoothly. So, don’t hesitate to spend a bit more on true experts!
Not choosing something timeless
The bolder your new design is, the quicker it will bore you and the quicker it will become outdated. Additionally, if you ever decide to sell, it will bring down your resale value. So, don’t overdo it with vibrant colors, expensive counters and high-tech appliances.
Not investing in things you can’t see
Things like energy-efficient windows and good insulation are always worth the cost. Additionally, if you’re planning a bathroom renovation, don’t hesitate to invest in a bathroom membrane system installed under the tiles. This might not be visible to you, but it will keep your tiles from cracking and popping and keep all the water from getting into your foundation. Not all home renovation projects have to be aesthetic.
Not investing in quality
If you’re planning to conduct a DIY renovation, you’ll need some quality tools. With tools, you usually get what you pay for, meaning that some items look the same, but don’t perform the same. Expensive tools will definitely see the end of your renovation while cheap ones might crumble under some heavy duty jobs. The same applies to your materials and fixtures as well.
If you keep these common mistakes in your mind, you will save yourself a lot of money, time and nerve. It’s always much better to learn from other people’s mistakes!