The adage goes, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” However, that’s not always a good idea when it comes to home renovation projects.
When it comes to home improvement, certain things should be left to professionals and others that you can handle.
To help you avoid mistakes during your home renovation project, here are nine common mistakes to avoid.
1. Choosing the Wrong Contractor
A wrong contractor is one of the most common mistakes people make. You need someone who has experience in their field, does quality work at affordable prices, and won’t take advantage of you or leave you hanging once they’ve got your money.
The best way to find a reputable contractor is by asking for recommendations from friends and family members and then checking reviews online before making an appointment with them.
If you’re looking for a general contractor, consider hiring someone who also specializes in other areas of home improvement (for example, a kitchen remodeling company that also does roofing).
2. Not Using a Storage Unit to Store Furniture
When renovating a home, you don’t have time to move out everything, especially while living in the house. That means you’ll need a place where you can store furniture you can’t immediately move back into your home.
You can keep your furniture safe by renting a storage unit until you decide what to do with it. Plus, you can use your storage unit to put away any valuables that might get damaged during the renovations.
Look for storage facilities in your area, like storage units Houston or wherever you live, for the best facility to store your belongings and protect them from outside elements.
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3. Forgetting About Insurance
No matter how carefully you plan every aspect of your renovation project, accidents can still happen. So, to protect yourself against unexpected circumstances, you need insurance.
Check with your homeowner’s association or your landlord to see if they offer coverage that may apply to your renovation project. Still, if not, you can purchase insurance to cover the costs of anything that goes wrong.
For example, if you damage your neighbor’s property during demolition, you can file a claim with your policy and receive compensation for repairs.
4. Ignoring Your Neighborhood Association Rules
Before starting any home improvement project, check with your neighborhood association to ensure you’re following the rules.
Most neighborhoods have building restrictions and regulations about what types of improvements are allowed and which ones are prohibited.
If you violate these rules, you could face fines and even be forced to tear down your newly renovated structure.
5. Overlooking Safety Precautions
Safety precautions should always be a top priority when working on a home improvement project. This includes wearing protective gear such as gloves and eye goggles, using proper tools and equipment, and taking breaks to rest while working on your home renovation project. If you’re going to rent power tools, read the warning labels carefully and follow all safety instructions.
6. Skimping on Materials
You wouldn’t build a house without laying the foundation first. The same principle applies to home renovation projects. Before starting a renovation, make sure you have enough money saved to pay for all the materials you need.
Make a list of all the supplies you’ll need, including tools, paint, and lumber. It is also imperative to properly maintain the materials used in the renovation. Once you’ve finished a renovation, don’t just toss the leftover materials in the trash.
7. Making Decisions Without Taking All Your Options into Consideration
Don’t rush through your home renovation process. Choosing your materials wisely and giving each option adequate consideration is important.
Don’t jump right into selecting a particular product or material before researching its pros and cons. One of the biggest mistakes people make is failing to weigh all their options before deciding. Remember, you can always change your mind later.
8. Failing to Plan Ahead
To keep your home renovation project running smoothly, it’s crucial to plan. Start by deciding exactly what you want to accomplish. Then figure out how much time, energy, and money is needed to complete your renovation.
Finally, create a timeline with specific dates for each project phase. As you begin each new step, make sure you know the deadline. You can avoid many common mistakes people make when renovating their homes with careful planning.
9. Underestimating the Time, Effort, and Money Involved
Home renovations can be expensive, especially if you’re doing them yourself. It’s critical to set a budget and stick to it. You should also estimate how long it will take for you to finish your renovation, based on the scope of your project.
On average, most home remodels take at least six months to complete. You should also consider the cost of hiring professionals, purchasing new furniture, and moving out of your home while renovations are underway.
While the above mistakes sound simple enough, they can significantly affect the outcome of your home renovation project.
If you’re not careful, you may waste a lot of time and money on a project that doesn’t meet your expectations. If you want your home renovation to go smoothly, you must avoid these common mistakes.
