Home renovations are usually big projects that require a significant amount of time, resources, and planning. Still, people choose to renovate their homes for various reasons. Some remodel to increase the comfort or enjoyment of their homes. For others, renovations are necessary to fix serious problems such as electrical faults, plumbing problems, roof leaks, or cracks in their houses’ foundations. If such issues are left unattended, they could result in severe damage to family members or a total loss of the building.
Also, some people opt for home remodeling to improve their houses’ functions or efficiency. For instance, you may need a second bathroom or more space to accommodate visitors or make things much easier during busy mornings. Or, you may need new windows to let in natural light, a heat pump, or insulation to help you lower energy costs and make your home more efficient.
If you plan to sell your home after a few years, an upgrade to the style and function can help improve your property’s value and allow you to get the most from it when it’s on the market.
If your home renovation project is property executed, you’ll definitely enjoy the rewards of your hard work and investment. This article will show you the mistakes to avoid when renovating your home so that your house can be in tip-top shape when the remodeling work is over.
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4 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating Your Home
1. Rushing Into a Renovation Without Proper Planning
You shouldn’t start demolishing any structure in your home just because the thought of a ”new look” crossed your mind. No matter how small a remodeling project is, you must take time to plan instead of simply going with the flow.
Your home renovation plan should factor in your budget, demolition stages, and a breakdown of every action needed for the work to be completed. Remember to set timelines for every aspect of your remodeling project during planning. For a big home renovation project that involves reroofing, you need to have a solid plan and budget in place months before you begin work.
According to St. Joseph’s Roofing, a Northern VA roofing contractor, ‘’Before you can even start your roofing process, it is always good to come up with a budget for the whole process. This will be essential to ensure that no component required in the roofing process is left unaccounted for.”
2. Choosing Any Contractor You Meet
Anyone involved in construction work knows that your contractor can make or break your project. Don’t just hire the first contractor you meet. When hiring a contractor for your home remodeling project, take your time to research anyone you’re considering. Conduct interviews and get estimates from up to three contractors. Request to see samples of projects they’ve done in the past and look for client reviews.
Also, ensure that anyone working on your remodeling project is appropriately licensed for their job. Typically, licensed contractors know the local building standards and codes. With a licensed contractor, you can be assured that your renovation project will be executed correctly (legally compliant).
Remember, the best contractor isn’t necessarily the cheapest. You may end up disappointed if your only criteria for choosing a contractor is price. Your contractor plays a vital role in your renovation project, so price should only be one criterion for hiring. Apart from price, it would be best if you communicated your time expectations with your contractors to avoid unprecedented delays in the work.
3. Wrong Measurements
Measurements matter when renovating. Whether you’re ordering new flooring, changing your cabinets, or painting, you need to have the correct measurements. This is especially crucial with products that require a minimum order or custom-made ones. So, don’t just measure once; take all measurements twice to avoid costly errors.
Consider hiring a professional to measure your kitchen cabinets. Although all measurements must be accurate, kitchen cabinet dimensions must be perfect to avoid missing the stove opening. Remember to factor in the correct cutting allowance when ordering flooring. Depending on the quality and type of flooring you’re using, a 10% allowance is usually sufficient.
4. Being Too Trendy
Just because a trend looks good today doesn’t mean it will remain that way forever. So, when decorating, go with neutral wall colors and timeless furniture and flooring, not the trendy ones. This is especially important if you plan to sell your house after renovation. Neutral designs usually appeal to a wider range of potential home buyers.