5 Common Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid - Our Beginner's Guide

Home renovation is three-parts exciting and one-part stressful. It’s a costly and time-consuming process - be it remodeling bathrooms, kitchens, or converting unused areas into home offices. It’s not something you can decide on a whim as a single mistake is all it takes to turn your dream fix-me-upper project into an expensive nightmare. If you want to avoid falling into money pits throughout the construction of your home renovation, the tried and true tips below should help you navigate the tricky process. By learning from other people’s mistakes, you can set your project in the right direction.

Mistake #1: Skipping Planning and the Designing Process

The key to a successful home renovation is to establish a foolproof plan that outlines the entire project from start to finish. This includes a clear, precise, and detailed overview of the materials, tools, and measurements you will need to know for any replacements and installations. Planning ahead of time is crucial as skimping out on a sound plan leaves more room for costly mistakes. Not to mention, it also increases the chances of miscalculating your budget, which can lead to overspending on the wrong materials, vendors, and items.

Mistake #2: Choosing Cheap Materials Over Quality

Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing poor quality materials thinking that it’s a bang for the buck, but the reality is that you can’t cut corners when it comes to home renovation. The best way to cut back on costs is to focus on the essentials rather than trends. Choosing a quality, weighted duvet, for instance, is a wise choice compared to splurging on non-essentials like an exotic handwoven Egyptian cotton sateen bed sheets. Not to mention choosing cheap materials over quality will only lead to a shorter shelf life, which means you have to remove and replace them in the near future.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Get Permits

Home renovation projects always require permits, even if it’s just for minor improvements. Even if you know plenty of people who can push through renovations without acquiring permits, know that it is required by law. That’s why you need to take the time to get the paperwork done so that you don’t have to worry about breaking the law along the way. The worst that can happen is authorities could condemn your house until the newly built structures are removed.

Mistake #4: Choosing Fashion Over Function

It’s tempting to be overwhelmed with excitement when designing your dream home as every homeowner aims to live in a space that looks like it came straight from glossy magazines. Disregarding the basic functionalities of your home, however, will only lead to multiple malfunctions. Focus on making smart layout decisions and keep an eye out on your plumbing system. Don’t forget to consider the proper storage too, so that you can live in a space that is fashionable as much as it is functional.

The Bottom Line

Improving one’s home involves careful planning of the project outlines, along with a predetermined budget and appropriate financing to put it all to fruition. If you’re looking for a modern home renovation service, we are your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.