12 Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
Doing home renovations is a tall task, it’s a lot of work and can be a costly endeavour. Luckily, there are some things you can do to avoid the most common home renovation mistakes and avoid home renovation costs that get out of hand.
1. Setting an unrealistic budget
Let’s get this out of the way off the bat. Home renovation costs can quickly add up, that’s why it’s important that you set and stick to a budget and also add in an extra 20 percent to your budget so that you are prepared for any curve balls that are thrown your way.
2. Being too trendy
Updating the look of your home is a great thing. Adding in every single look that you see in an interior design magazine is too much of a good thing. Trends don’t last forever so if you are updating solely based on trends that are current right now, you’re setting yourself up for a nightmare when you try to sell your house. Stick with updated, modern looks that are still classic and timeless.
3. Buying cheap materials
We understand home renovation costs can become downright scary but skimping on materials is one way you can guarantee you won’t get your money back come re-sell time. Opt for materials that are high-quality and durable that won’t need to be replaced every few years. Especially when it comes to a kitchen redesign or updating your ensuite bathroom.
4. Choosing contracts in a rush
Choosing your home renovation contractor is an extremely important decision that should not be taken lightly or made because you see an ad on the internet. Interview multiple contractors and ask around for word-of-mouth referrals as well as checking online reviews. Ask lots of questions about the construction process and don’t be shy about telling them exactly what you are looking for. You want to take your time so that you can be sure you are choosing the contractor who is the best fit for you and your needs.
5. Not setting up a timeline
The last thing you want is for contractors to be coming in and out of your home, parking their trucks in your neighbour’s driveways and dragging dirty supplies into your home for an undefined amount of time. Work with your contractor to put together a list of items that need to be purchased as well as deadlines for making decisions.
6. Not thinking about lighting
Lighting is a finishing touch on your home that can really elevate your space and give you a luxury feel, don’t overlook the lighting. In addition to the aesthetic benefits of lighting, it’s also important that you are able to see clearly when reading, doing homework, looking at recipes and directions and so on. You want three types of lighting in your home:
- General overhead lighting
- Task lighting for the areas where you work most
- Accent lighting to create a mood
7. Buying materials too early
It’s important that you wait to buy the perfect appliances, flooring and other materials until the project plans are finalized and the project is far enough along so that you can get accurate measurements. If you get ahead of yourself and don’t wait, you may end up buying the wrong amount of materials or ordering appliances that simply will not fit. A good rule of thumb is to try doing your carpeting or flooring in November or December, that’s because many improvement stores offer sales before the holidays and contractors tend to be a little more willing to negotiate during the slow time of the year.
8. Updating the wrong things
Focus on elements that add long-term value to your home, for instance, storage, large counter space and other features that are sought after that are not solely cosmetic. Think about things that people want in a home other than just how the home looks and make sure those are updated and functioning perfectly.
9. Not seeking the advice of professionals
Consulting architects or designers that can help you fine-tune your plans is an extremely valuable investment. These professionals can double-check your plans and help you avoid costly renovation mistakes while also making your plans more functional and efficient.
10. Impulse buying
If you find a good sale don’t get to impulsive and start buying random things. You need to consider your entire renovation project including the flood, wall colours, cabinets, lighting, the whole package and how it will all look before you buy each item and accessory.
11. Skimping on the quality of the windows
Another area where skimping on initial price can end up costing you a lot more in the long-run is the quality of the windows. Having high-quality windows with the thermal protection for your climate will ensure your home is comfortable no matter the season. If you skimp here you’ll pay for it when it comes to utility bills and re-sale value.
12. Forgetting about curb appeal
Landscaping is the first thing that you, your guests and potential buyers will see when they first look at your home. Landscaping can be the first impression and set the vibe for your entire home, so you’ll want to make sure it’s a good one. Sprucing up your yard, even just a little can be done at a fairly low cost and will give your home an instant boost in curb appeal and value.
As you can see, there is a lot that can go wrong pretty easily and quickly with home improvements, especially if you neglect to consult with an experienced professional. If you are considering doing home renovations in Hamilton, Ontario, please contact Gadoury for a free home renovation quote, we are your Hamilton home renovation contractor. We care about our work, our clients and we understand how important sticking to a budget is, especially these days.