Renovating your home is an exciting experience, but it can also cause a lot of undue stress, especially if you’re not prepared.
Before you start knocking down walls and picking out paint colors, it’s a good idea to be aware of some common mistakes many people make when doing home renovations.
Read on to learn how you can avoid these mistakes so that your renovation goes off without a hitch.
Not Planning a Budget
When it comes to home renovations, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to not plan your budget accordingly. Be realistic about your renovation plans and make sure you have the funding well in advance.
It’s also a good idea to leave a financial “cushion” in place for things like unexpected emergencies or hidden problems. When your money is planned out, the renovation should go more smoothly in general.
Try to get several cost estimates for materials and labor before you begin your project. This will help you stay within your budget and understand exactly what you can get for your money.
Your Home Renovations Measurements are Off
If you’re planning to do some DIY renovations, getting the correct measurements is crucial. Whether it’s installing new cabinets and countertops or buying carpet, every measurement you take and write down must be precise.
For anyone who’s not confident when it comes to measuring, a professional is your best bet. They can at least give you an estimate in terms of the cost of materials by providing you with the most accurate measurements possible.
Even a measurement that’s off by an inch can cause the entire renovation to go awry. When in doubt, call in the experts so they can assist you with your measuring needs.
Improper Site Prep
Whether you’re re-doing the kitchen or adding carpet to a bedroom, site preparation is crucial when it comes to home renovations. Make sure you’re demolishing everything in one area at a time and removing and disposing of the old materials responsibly.
Preparation can involve anything from sanding your hardwood floors to crawl space cleaning. The key is to make sure that every room you’re renovating is properly prepped so you have a clean slate.
Try to demo one area at a time while you renovate. Otherwise, the process will start to seem overwhelming and you’ll also end up reducing the available amount of livable space in your home.
If you’re not sure how to prep for specific projects, be sure to do your research in advance. Never start demo-ing rooms before you understand how to do everything correctly to avoid expensive mistakes.
Going Cheap on Materials
No matter why you’re planning to renovate your home, the materials and finishes you choose make a huge difference. You can always buy a cheaper vinyl floor, but tile or hardwood is always a better option.
It’s tempting to buy the cheapest materials possible to save some money on your budget. Unfortunately, the cheap materials tend to wear out faster and you might end up having to change things much sooner than you anticipated.
Don’t be afraid to go a little more high-end on your next home renovation. You can still save money on quality materials if you take the time to shop around and do your research.
Quality materials can mean the difference between a successful and beautiful renovation and one that you regret. Make a list of your priorities and write down which materials are the most important to you like solid surface countertops or solid wood cabinetry versus laminate and pressboard.
Spending Too Much on Renovations to Impress Buyers
If you’re planning to sell your home, you’re probably thinking that those gorgeous granite counters will allow you to raise your asking price. While some renovations can be good for your bottom line, others might end up leaving you scratching your head.
Any updates to an older home will make it more appealing to new buyers. However, don’t go crazy on spending a ton of cash on extremely high-end finishes, since they won’t give you much return on your investment.
If you’re planning to renovate your home to get more money when you put it on the market, focus on the major components of the home. Put your hard-earned cash toward things like a new roof, new windows, or an upgraded HVAC system.
The main elements of a home are what matters most to buyers. It’s also a good way to be sure your home passes inspection when you go to sell. A few cosmetic updates are great but don’t sink a lot of money into aesthetics if you think it will bring you more money, because it likely won’t.
Talk to a real estate agent in your area who can give you advice on which renovations you should make. They understand your local market and have a better idea of what’s currently enticing buyers in the neighborhood.
Update Your Home with Renovations
Whether you’re sick of your outdated kitchen or you’re ready to list your home on the market, be sure to avoid these mistakes when it comes to home renovations. Always have a budget written in advance so you can be sure you’re not spending too much.
Take all measurements carefully and plan out your demo so that your home is prepped and ready for all of the changes.
If you need help with your next renovation project or you’d just like to learn more, be sure to visit our website today.