Renovating your home is a big undertaking. It can be a great way to freshen up your space and improve its efficiency. However, these jobs don’t come cheap and are often far from smooth sailing.
Maximize your time and budget by steering clear of these common pitfalls:
Hiring the first contractor you meet
Your contractor will be there with you every step of the way, so make sure you choose one who is experienced and trustworthy. A professional contractor will take the time to sit down with you, discuss his plans in detail, and provide you with a breakdown of labor and material costs.
When selecting a contractor, take as much time as you need. Get several bids and ask for references. Check if their portfolio matches your vision for your home. More importantly, choose contractors with insurance coverage in place.
Failing to check neighborhood guidelines
When you purchased your home, you must have agreed to comply with particular neighborhood association or historical commission regulations. These rules often dictate the kind of exterior home elements allowed in your neighborhood.
Before you start tearing down walls, make sure to revisit all your housing contacts and files. Consult with your local housing authorities in case specific regulations have been modified. Go through the correct approval process to avoid any trouble down the road.
Being overly frugal
When it comes to home remodeling, it’s not always wise to opt for the cheapest option. The lowest bid, for example, can bring poor quality results or hidden costs along the way.
This also goes for materials. Cheap materials bring more expensive repairs in the long run. Most contractors recommend spending more on things you use and touch every day. These include doorknobs, handles, cabinets, faucets, and other furniture.
Home renovations require technical skill and know-how. Unless you have professional experience, don’t attempt to fix your house by yourself to save money. Hiring a professional contractor will ensure quality results and reduce the risk of injury.
Working on too many rooms at once
Home renovations can cost thousands of dollars. The last thing you want is to drain your savings or settle on poor results to make your home livable again.
Be realistic about what you can afford. Try focusing on areas you spend the most time in, such as your den, bedrooms, or kitchen. There will be plenty of time for garage or basement finishing later on. Working on multiple rooms simultaneously will only leave you feeling tired and frustrated.
Changing your mind a lot along the way
Once your project has begun, try to stick to the plan and keep changes to a minimum. Even the slightest adjustments can cause a lot of work on the back end. Remember, bringing in too many changes can slow down the project and bring more costs.
The best way to limit unexpected changes is to iron out all the details with your contractor from the beginning.
Remodeling won’t just make your home look better. It can also increase property value should you plan to sell in the future. That said, it takes proper planning and research to ensure your renovation goes smoothly.
