Renovating your home can be both pleasant and fun experience, but it can be stressful as well. If you are not aware of the possible problems and pitfalls before you start, a home renovation can turn into a nightmare very quickly. Luckily, by knowing what to do and which things to avoid, you can ensure that your renovation work will be completed on time and without major drawbacks. Before rolling up your sleeves, there are few things you need to consider. In addition, here are some of the most common renovation mistakes that could really cost you a lot.
Hiring the first contractor you find – Before you start with the renovation, take your time and compare few contractors in order to choose the most reliable and trustworthy contractor. When searching a contractor, many homeowners look for customer reviews. However, you also need to consider other things as well. It is highly recommended to conduct legal, criminal and financial background check – important steps that many people fail to do.
Avoiding building and pest inspections – Building and pest inspections is a must when planning to renovate your home. Professional building and pest inspections are necessary not only when you buy a new property, but also when you plan to renovate the old one. Termite damage and building faults can be very expensive to fix. So, with detailed building and pest inspections you will get a complete image of your home, and you can identify whether some actions need to be performed. You also need to keep in mind that even small problems can do big damages. They can still cost you thousands of dollars and delay your renovation plans. Performing building and pest inspections is a way of protecting yourself against all these costly risks.
Failing to get permits – Filing the paperwork for building permits may be a annoying, but it is necessary. Any remodeling project requires a building permit. Usually, city inspectors will check the finish and rough-in stages of the renovating project.
Setting unrealistic budget – Lack of money in the middle of your renovation process will certainly delay the renovation and cause additional problems. You definitely don’t want to end up with half-finished kitchen or bedroom. Therefore, set a realistic budget and put a side some extra money for unpredictable surprises. Renovation always cost more than what you have planned. Costs will vary depending on the complexity and the size of the renovation project.
Getting too personal – If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, you have the freedom to put whatever you like. But if you are planning to sell the property in future, do not expect prospective buyers to love what you have done. Whether it is a poster of your favorite team, or a specific paint color, it is best to keep all improvements neutral and simple.
