Before you get started on your next remodeling project, check out these common home makeover mistakes you can easily avoid with proper planning. Our friends at
DFW Improved
have extensive experience guiding homeowners through projects of every size and they have compiled 7 common mistakes you should avoid when embarking on a remodel.
1. Improper Budgeting
It’s important to make sure your budget will cover the entire renovation project as you envisioned plus some extra for unexpected hiccups should they arise. The best way to go about preparing a budget is to ensure your home remodeling contractor gives you a detailed scope of the work to be done, as well as detailed drawings.
2. Failing to Protect Furniture and Fixtures
While re-designing and remodeling your home may entail replacing or rearranging the existing furniture, it’s important to keep your belongings safe and protected. Use protective coverings on furniture pieces or store the furniture in a secure location out of the remodeling zone.
3. Searching for a Quick Fix
Renovation projects require careful planning and execution to ensure that you achieve the desired results. Make sure you take time to research the changes you want and need in order to achieve your desired result. With a clear vision and understanding of what you are having done, you can easily create a budget and timeline for your project.
4. Not Expecting the Unexpected
Since the remodeling process often involves tearing up parts of your home, you are likely to discover hidden problems that you were not expecting when you first started. Some of the most common surprises include pest infestations, structural damage, water damage, and mold growth. For this reason, it is important to have a knowledgeable contractor and a contingency budget to cater to such unexpected issues.
5. Choosing the Wrong Contractor
A home makeover is a major investment – it not only makes your home more appealing and comfortable to live in but also increases its value should you ever decide to sell. For that reason, you really can’t afford to choose an unqualified contractor. A wide range of factors determines the suitability of a remodeling contractor – competence, expertise, and insurance are just a few. At the very least, a qualified home remodeling contractor should be adequately insured to carry out the scope of work that your renovation project entails.
6. Lack of a Clear Vision
A lot of planning goes into home renovation projects to ensure that the results are better than you envisioned. Before you get started, consult your home remodeling contractor and designer. Ask them to come up with a detailed plan and drawings based on what you’ve shared with them and have set out to achieve. And, of course, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Constant communication with your contractor will also help you exchange ideas frequently, get advice on important things to consider, and refine the plans to fit your expectations.
7. Insufficient Planning
Depending on the work you are having done, some areas may be partly or completely inaccessible during the length of the project. It is important to plan how you will cope without having access to important areas such as your kitchen and bathrooms. Taking a look at the various factors that make up your daily schedule and routine is crucial to planning ahead for a successful and stress-free remodel.
