Home renovation can be equal parts exciting and stressful. Whether a small weekend project or a total house overhaul, homeowners spend a lot of time, effort, and money when making upgrades. To help make your next renovation a success, we’ve compiled a list of the top mistakes homeowners make when tackling a home improvement project on their own.
- Know what you’re getting yourself into. This is especially important if you’re taking on your first renovation project. To avoid as many issues as possible, conduct thorough research before you break out your toolkit. Each project requires a specific set of time, patience, and knowledge. Essentially, you have to be prepared for anything, including hidden expenses or pushing back deadlines in case something comes up (see: rusted pipework, or other hidden treasures behind your walls). If you plan on hiring a professional to handle the task, it’s still a good idea to educate yourself on the process so that you can understand the work being done and know the right questions to ask.
- Be realistic with your budget. Many people go into renovations with a particular budget and come out spending more than they had originally intended. To avoid this issue, set a budget that leaves wiggle room. These extra funds will cover any emergency costs that arise. In order to set the most accurate budget, consider the space that you’re working with (a powder room doesn’t require the same budget as a full-bath), your personal tastes (do you love thrifted items, or do you prefer designer/luxury brands?), and whether or not you’ll need to hire a professional to handle certain aspects of the project.
- Pick the correct paint type. People often forget that there is more to your paint selection than the color. Paints come in a variety of finishes – some are going to look much better in certain places than others. For example, you wouldn’t use the same paint on your walls to paint your kitchen cabinets, as you wouldn’t use a flat paint on the walls of a child’s bedroom (the experts of Jacksonville, FL painters recommend an eggshell finish to hide future scratches!).
- Understand that cheaper isn’t always better. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to save some money by choosing the cheapest options. This is especially true when it comes to materials and contractors, according to the experienced Montvale, NJ interior decorators of Decorating Den. This is the last place you want to cut corners. Hiring a professional who will guarantee that you are happy with the finished product can save a ton of time, money, and frustration in the long run!
- Get the right permits. Before starting any work, make sure you obtain the correct permits (if necessary). If you start renovations without getting permits and a neighbor reports your construction, you may have to tear down all of the work and start all over again with the correct permits. Conversely, if an accident happens and you’re unpermitted, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover anything. Generally speaking, projects that involve fence, window, plumbing, electrical installations and of course, those that involve structural changes, typically require a permit.
- Think long term. When renovating your home, make decisions that will still make sense a few years down the road. Consider factors like kids, pets, and future buyers (if you’re planning to move). Some design choices you make may be trendy now, but will those styles carry through over the years? Make evergreen design choices that take your home’s overall style and aesthetic into consideration.
Save yourself the stress and avoid a headache by following these helpful tips to avoid making common home renovation mistakes!