Whether you need extra space or are looking forward to getting an aesthetic boost, investing in a home remodeling project is one of the best decisions you can make for your property. Before you take on this major undertaking, however, make sure you cover all the bases involved. It requires careful planning, but it’s still easy to commit a few mistakes. Apart from extra costs, there’s the risk of not achieving the expected results you want.
Here are the things you shouldn’t do when remodeling your home.
Start Your Project Too Soon
This mistake is common among new homeowners. If you are one of them, it would be best to live in your home for a while before making any big decisions to remodel. During the first few years of owning a home, you must first understand the flow of the space and how it is going to work for you and your family. Once you do so, the remodeling ideas or priorities you’ve come up with from the beginning might change. Of course, there is an exception – significant deficiencies like active leaks or mold growth in certain areas like your bathroom must be addressed right away.
Overlooking the Cost of the Project
Home remodeling projects vary in scope and duration. Some take a longer time to complete, which means they can cost more than you might expect. A good rule of thumb when setting up the budget is to add about 20% to what you think the project’s total cost will be. This will help you become better prepared for any surprises you might encounter once the project is underway. If doing so will put you over the budget, consider cutting back on the job.
Believing That Everything Will Go According to Plan
No matter how much planning you do for your home renovation, things can go wrong. Working on older homes can yield several unforeseen circumstances like existing leaks in the plumbing fixtures, loose wiring and other structural issues. Although new construction is a more controlled endeavor, there’s no guarantee that it won’t encounter roadblocks along the way. As a homeowner, you must be prepared for any hindrances that might come your way as you navigate through the entire remodeling process.
Choosing a Contractor on a Whim
A qualified contractor for your bathroom or kitchen remodeling project can save you time, money and trouble. However, choosing one isn’t something that shouldn’t be done in a rush. Do your homework: interview multiple contractors, and reach out to their references and previous clients. See to it that each one understands your requirements. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their process as well as the particulars of your project like the materials that will be used.
Going for the Lowest Quote
Choosing the cheapest contractor seems like the easiest decision, but it is a fatal mistake you must avoid at all costs. You might spend less on upfront costs for the labor and materials, but you might not get the results you want as soon as the project is finished. Subpar craftsmanship can break your bank in the long run. Be willing to pay for a contractor that has extensive years of industry experience and expertise.
Changing Your Mind Too Often
Some aspects of the remodeling work may require you to change your mind, especially when you realize the progress isn’t in line with your expectations. Doing it often, however, can delay the work timeline that may result in additional expenses. To make sure your project is completed on time and within budget, talk to your chosen contractor and finalize the layout, color, and design of the space you intend to renovate before agreeing on a start date. This way, you avoid change orders and keep everything on track.
Prioritizing Form Over Function
The aesthetic aspect is usually the exciting part of planning a home remodel. After all, this is where you draw inspiration from Pinterest images and interior design magazines. While it is easy to get lost in it, make sure you don’t forget another thing: functionality. Put aside visual appeal for a while and take a moment to consider your home’s specific needs. In a kitchen remodel, for instance, focus on a better layout, especially if you have a small space that makes it difficult for you to move around and perform your kitchen-related tasks.
Smart Tips to Keep in Mind
A major home upgrade can seem overwhelming, and, inevitably, you’ll have to smooth out a few bumps along the way. Taking your time and staying organized are keys to ensuring you get the expected results and achieving the success of your project. Keep in mind these tips for a relatively smooth and hassle-free remodeling experience:
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Secure Your Finances
It is okay to get carried away once the project is underway. Splurging on a higher quality material shouldn’t hurt, but make sure to keep your finances intact. When planning your home remodel, come up with a budget you can work with to find out if you’ll need to take out a loan to fund it. A variety of financing options are available to help you get this endeavor started.
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Create a Wish List
If you are a new homeowner, and you are looking to tackle a remodel soon, consider doing this first. List all the jobs you want to be done, ranking them in terms of priority. Knowing exactly what you want to accomplish allows you to save time and reduce headaches and stress down the line.
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Put Everything in Writing
Don’t start any home renovation work without first getting your hands on a written contract. This document will protect you from overpricing or other unfulfilled promises from your chosen contractor. It should contain important information, such as the scope of work, materials to be used, project timeline, total costs and payment details, and instructions for potential change orders. Before signing the contract, read every detail, and ask questions so both you and your contractor are on the same page.
From home additions to whole-house remodels, Cottage Industries, Inc. is ready to help you create the beautiful and functional home you’ve always wanted. We take a team approach to design by incorporating expertise from many fields during the design phase when their inputs can best be utilized. We have well-defined procedures for each step of the design and build process. This way, you can take incremental but comfortable steps to achieve your goals.
Schedule an appointment today by calling (610) 293-9750 or filling out our contact form.
