Home renovation can be an experience that completely changes how you live, but it can be easy to fall into common traps that could cost you your time and money. From renovating the exterior of your house to gutting and flipping a property, there are so many pitfalls you need to avoid.
Keeping these errors in mind will help you avoid them when remodeling your home, steering your process toward greater success.
With that in mind, today we offer 22 common home renovation mistakes to avoid and home renovation tips on guaranteeing your project is a success.
1. Not Setting a Clear Budget
One of the best tips for remodeling a house is to ensure you have a clear budget. It can be easy to overlook careful financial planning in the excitement of beginning a renovation. Without a solid ballpark budget, expenses can quickly escalate.
Unexpected expenses can range from hidden structural problems to price hikes in materials. Knowing the cost of services, such as those provided by a roofing company, is also important to have a well-defined budget.
Plan ahead and establish a reasonable budget contingency. As a general guideline, when developing a budget, the unexpected should be planned for with an additional 10%-15%. At Boelter is Better, we know just how important it is to offer a cost-effective solution without sacrificing product quality.
2. Skipping the Planning Phase
Renovating without a plan is like going on a road trip without directions. Sure you might have some sort of idea where to go, however without proper planning it can lead to taking a load of detours. This extends from the layout and design to choosing the right materials.
Start by clearly outlining your goals. What’s the purpose of the renovation? Is it to add value, improve functionality, or modernize the look of your home? Do you need roof repair services or any other services from certain contractors? Ensure every detail, from plumbing locations to lighting fixtures, is planned before work begins.
3. Choosing the Cheapest Contractor
Although it may seem financially wise, using the cheapest contractor can often be one of the most expensive mistakes you make. A low bid can be a sign that the designer is going to cut corners, use cheap materials, or skip over things. The result? A defective product can lead to you spending more on repairs or replacements over time.
Price shouldn’t be the only factor in evaluating contractors. Ask for references, check reviews, and meet with the contractor to discuss their experience. They should also be licensed and insured.
When evaluating contractors, don’t just look at price. Ask for references, check reviews, and meet with the general contractor to discuss their experience. It’s also important to ensure they’re licensed and insured.
At Boelter is Better, we are a roof replacement company with years of experience in the industry and have worked for a lot of happy clients. Call us today if you need anything relating to your roof!
4. Ignoring Permits and Regulations
Permits are generally needed in practically every building renovation, regardless of whether the job is massive or modest. Failure to complete this step can result in penalties, delays, or having to strip work that is already done.
Learn about your location permits (or get help from a contractor) to ensure all the regulations are followed. Permits are there to protect you and ensure that the work is done according to safety and building standards.
Not only can failing to get them lead to legal trouble, but they could also hurt the potential resale value of your home.
5. Overlooking Structural Issues
Be wary of cosmetic upgrades. While they can make your home look good, ignoring underlying structural issues will only result in major problems down the road. This includes replacing your old flooring only to discover that the subfloor was damaged.
Always have an expert check your home for stability, plumbing, and electrical safety before beginning any renovation. This is even more important if you are looking at an older house. Solving these issues in advance saves a lot of headaches.
If you find that you need help with old windows and need window replacement & installation, Boelter Is Better can help you. Call us today to learn more about our services.
6. Not Prioritizing Key Areas
Homeowners often go overboard in trying to fit a makeover for each room into their small budget. Focus your energy on high-value areas of your home, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and curb appeal aesthetics.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the areas with the biggest return on investment. Start with these primary areas if the budget allows before moving on to secondary projects like bedrooms and guest rooms.
7. Using the Wrong Materials
When choosing materials, going by looks or choosing the cheapest can lead to a problem. That fashionable tile may be appealing to the eye, but will it hold up in areas of high traffic like kitchens or baths? And that discount paint? It may be less durable.
Look for top-quality, durable materials appropriate for your climate. Spending good money on good things will serve you better than saving a few bucks on things that will come apart quickly.
8. DIY-ing Everything
Doing it yourself can be a great way to save some money on your home renovation — provided you know what to do, of course. Always hire professionals for plumbing, electrical work, and major structural changes, such as when working on roofing, siding, and windows.
Trying to do all of these things yourself can lead to expensive and, more importantly, dangerous screw-ups. For commercial work, trust licensed pros to do the job safely and up to code.
9. Neglecting to Check References
The contractor you pick can improve or ruin your remodeling. Yet many homeowners do not adequately reference checks before hiring. Reviewing a contractor’s previous work and contacting past clients provide insight into how careful and trustworthy the contractor may be.
Remember to ask for a reference list and call a few on that list. Inquire about the workmanship, timeline, and details of any problems that arose from the project.
10. Choosing Trends Over Timeless Designs
It’s so easy to be influenced by the latest design trends, but always bear in mind that what is trendy now may be old hat tomorrow. If the trends fade out, a classic design will still work. But if you want to add a trendy touch to your home, stick to ones that can be easily changed, such as wall paint or decor.
11. Focusing Too Much on Aesthetics
We all desire aesthetic homes but looks alone will only take you so far. Functionality should be at the top of the list. If it is set up to enhance your daily life, then the improvements will be worth it in the long run.
For example, increasing storage, widening doorways, or reconfiguring awkward areas can greatly increase a home’s functionality.
12. Not Accounting for Extra Costs
The most well-researched renovation plans often come undone when faced with extra costs. Whether it’s a hidden structural problem or an uptick in material costs, having a cushion in your budget can save you from worry down the line.
You want to reserve about 10-15% of the budget for contingencies in case something goes wrong. This way, you do not have to stop the project halfway through due to unexpected expenses.
13. Skipping Professional Help
Many homeowners try to save money by handling the design themselves. However, without professional guidance, it’s easy to overlook crucial aspects that can impact the final result. A designer can help you make the most of your space, select the right quality materials, and create a cohesive look.
Investing in professional design services and other professional services, such as hiring a door installer, pays off by preventing costly mistakes.
14. Failing to Communicate with Your Contractor
Communication is key during any renovation. Without clear and regular communication, misunderstandings and mistakes are bound to happen, leading to delays, budget overruns, or unsatisfactory results.
Make it a habit to check in with your contractor frequently. Ask for updates and voice any concerns early on.
15. Not Thinking Long-Term
Short-term fixes may seem like a good idea when you’re trying to cut costs, but they can lead to bigger problems later. Invest in solutions that will stand the test of time. Whether it’s durable flooring or a layout that accommodates future needs, thinking long-term will save you headaches and money.
For example, if you plan to age in place, consider wider doorways, a walk-in shower, and other accessibility features.
16. Over-Renovating
While it’s easy to get carried away with upgrades, doing too much can actually hurt your home’s resale value, especially if your home ends up over-improved for the neighborhood. Research local real estate trends and avoid renovations that exceed the market’s expectations.
When renovating, it’s important to balance your desires with what’s appropriate for your neighborhood.
17. Setting Unrealistic Timelines
We’ve all seen TV shows where an entire house gets renovated in a week. In reality, most renovations take longer than expected. Rushing the process leads to mistakes, delays, and potentially poor results. Work with your contractor to set a realistic timeline, factoring in potential delays.
18. Neglecting Outdoor Spaces
Interior renovations often take priority but don’t forget about your home’s exterior. Landscaping, decks, and patios can add significant value to your home and improve your quality of life. A well-maintained yard or a beautiful outdoor living space can create a great first impression and make your home more enjoyable.
19. Forgetting About Storage
Many homeowners focus on aesthetic upgrades and forget about the practical side of home life, like storage. Whether it’s in the kitchen, bedroom, or garage, ample storage space is essential for keeping your home organized and functional.
Adding built-in storage solutions, such as closets or cabinetry, can dramatically improve the usability of your space.
20. Ignoring Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient upgrades can lower your utility bills and make your home more comfortable, yet they’re often overlooked during renovations. Whether it’s installing better insulation, upgrading windows, or choosing energy-efficient appliances, these changes can pay off in the long run.
21. Overlooking Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important elements in any renovation, yet it’s often an afterthought. Poor lighting can make even the best renovations look dull and uninviting. Proper lighting enhances your home’s functionality and atmosphere.
Consider the type of lighting you need for each space, such as ambient, task, and accent lighting.
22. Not Enjoying the Process
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the renovation process. While it can be stressful at times, renovating your home is an exciting opportunity to transform your living space. Celebrate the milestones and remember that the end result will be worth it.
At Boelter is Better, we aim to make the renovation process as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, we’re here to help you achieve the home of your dreams.
Ready to Transform Your Home? Partner with Boelter is Better Today!
Renovating your home is a significant investment, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure a successful outcome.
By working with a trusted contractor like Boelter is Better, you can navigate the renovation process with confidence and enjoy the results for years to come. Contact us today to get a free estimate for any exterior home improvements you need!
