There’s nothing more exciting than buying your own home! The hard part is making it your own, though, and there’s a lot more complexness when it comes to renovating or redecorating than most people think.
There are a lot of mistakes that new homeowners tend to make, and in this article, we’ll take a look at the 14 most common ones.
1. Rushing to Renovate
You’re not required to start renovating as soon as you move into your new abode; if possible, you should live in your home for a bit and learn its flow. You should figure out what are its strengths and weaknesses, which changes will be helpful, and then you can create an effective renovation project.
2. Underestimating Costs
Renovating isn’t cheap – most projects will cost more and take longer to complete than first expected. Once you’re finished planning your project, you should set aside an additional 20% of your planned budget.
3. Things Don’t Always Go According to Plan
Renovation projects, especially ones on older buildings, can often have unforeseen delays. You never know what’s behind the walls that you’re tearing down or the cabinets you’re moving. You should be prepared for unexpected issues.
4. Not Working with Professionals
Most people think that they can do everything themselves and that they don’t need professional help. While you might be able to do a good job by yourself, working with designers, craftspeople, and other specialists will yield a much better final product.
5. Cheaping Out
Another common mistake when it comes to working with professionals is always picking the cheapest option. Being willing to pay for a good contractor is essential, as a badly done job can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.
6. Not Talking to References
Before deciding on a contractor, you should always try and contact their previous clients. You should ask your preferred specialist for references and ask the previous clients whether they’re happy with their projects.
7. Not Asking Enough Questions
A lot of new homeowners tend not to ask the contractors enough questions. Being informed about changes being made to your home is important, as you’re the one who’s spending money to have it renovated.
Don’t wait too long to consult your contractor about any questions you have about the project.
8. Changing Things Too Much
Everybody has a specific look that they want to achieve when it comes to their home, but sometimes even the smallest changes can end up costing thousands on top of the original quoted price. Even moving a light switch a few meters can end up costing over $1,000.
9. Not Setting Any Deadlines
Before you start the project, work together with your contractor to set deadlines for making decisions and purchasing required items. The last thing you want to do is make an important decision at the last minute.
10. Not Renovating Exteriors
Roofs and grading are often an afterthought for new homeowners, as you can’t see them as much as your brand-new kitchen island.
You should build a solid exterior if you want your home to hold up in the long run.
11. Underestimating Stress
Any renovation job will take a mental toll on you, regardless of how big or small it is. You should never underestimate any project and take on too much responsibility in a short period of time.
12. Not Knowing Your Home’s Measurements
Once you know what sizes of couches, tables, and cabinets you need, you should immediately write them down. You never know when you’ll come across the perfect item for your needs after all.
13. Trying to Be Your Own General Contractor
Once you know what sizes of couches, tables, and cabinets you need, you should immediately write them down. You never know when you’ll come across the perfect item for your needs after all.
14. Renovating Too Many Rooms Simultaneously
If you’re renovating your home on a budget, you should first focus on the living spaces. You should focus your efforts and budget on the places you spend the most time in and only then move on to the next one.
Looking for a Contractor?
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