7 Costly Home Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid them

Keep reading to know some common mistakes during renovation. And learn how to avoid them to save your time and money.

1. Trying to DIY or choosing a cheap contractor

Remodeling a house is technical and it requires relevant skills and knowledge. If you are thinking of doing it yourself then keep in mind whether you have relevant skills or not.

People try to do DIY for two reasons. one is the expense on a contractor and the second is that they are too concerned about the project and don’t trust the contractor that they will do it correctly or not.

In both conditions hiring a professional contractor is a better option. When choosing a contractor don’t try to save money because with cheap contractors comes low-quality work. You will save money but will end up spending more on corrections and touchups on other contractors.

Always hire a reputed and licensed contractor. Before finalizing the contractor see his testimonials and ask his previous clients about his services.

2. Not creating a proper budget

Renovation is quite expensive and you don’t want to get stuck in the middle due to insufficient money. Always make a proper budget plan and keep in mind the condition of your house.

After starting the renovation, you will notice many things that need to be changed and were not considered earlier. Add an extra 20% to your budget for those expenses.

3. Not obtaining a home renovation permit

One of the most common mistakes is thinking that you don’t need a home renovation permit. Structural, electrical and plumbing modifications do need a permit from your local authorities.

Not doing so will create problems for you. You could be fined or your work can be stopped and it makes the property difficult to sell.

Contact your local authorities to know what permits you need and have those permits in your hand before starting the work.

4. Ignoring structural problems

While renovating your house it’s important to fix the structural problems. Inspect the condition of your house and fix electrical and plumbing issues. Otherwise, it will create problems in the future and you will have to do it again ruining your decoration and costing extra money.

5. Not considering its impact on daily life

Renovation is time-consuming, it can last for a few weeks to months. You need to find a way to live comfortably during the process. Make a plan to manage work crews and safely shift the furniture. While renovating the kitchen it will be out of service and you might need to order from outside so keep that in mind and make a budget accordingly.

6. Neglecting safety risks

Keep yourself and your family safe during the renovation. Neglecting the safety risks can result in serious physical harm. Always wear safety gadgets like goggles, safety boots, and helmets.

Also, consider the safety of your furniture and appliances during renovation. Cover them with some thick cloth that will protect them from dust and construction material spread everywhere.

7. Neglecting return on investment

During renovation consider the return on investment. Have a clear vision of whether you want to renovate for your living comfort or you want to sell your house any time soon.

If you want to sell your house don’t use trendy designs and popping color schemes that can repel your potential buyers. Choose evergreen designs and beautiful colors that will attract future buyers.

Don’t overspend on renovation, there are certain cases where spending less on renovation can give you a better return on investment. Ask your local real estate agent about features that are in demand and try to focus on them.

Take away

Home renovation can improve your lifestyle and increase the value of your house. You can easily avoid common mistakes during renovation by following the tips mentioned above.

Always choose a professional contractor and make a proper budget plan. Get a permit to avoid future complications, and consider the return on investment to get the most out of your project. Don’t ignore basic electrical and plumbing issues. Consider the impact of renovation on your daily life and stay safe.

If you have ever experienced any of the situations mentioned above, please let me know.

Originally published on Medium