Home renovations can be challenging simply because of the many decisions homeowners need to make for its completion. Home remodeling is an investment and, as such, should be planned accordingly. While it’s important to understand everything we want to include as part of the renovation plan, it’s equally important to know what to avoid to prevent costly setbacks. Renovation mistakes could potentially hurt your investment in the short or long run. Let’s take a look!
Unrealistic budget
Renovations tend to occasionally cost more than it was originally estimated. Often enough, homeowners come to the realization that other inclusions need to be added to the project. Likewise, unforeseen difficulties may arise along the way. In which case, think about allocating an additional 20% to avoid surprises.
Ignoring function for appearance
This is the time to consider the way you move around your home and how your new design could hinder your ability to comfortably do so. While certain stylistic features may be appealing to the eye, they can also be less appealing to your ability to get around your home in complete comfort.
Trends
It is easy to get pulled into hot trends, but it’s also hard to predict how long they will last. If budget isn’t an issue, choosing a timeless style may not be a priority to you.In reality, most home owners don’t plan to reinvest in home remodeling once the trend fades out. While we don’t recommend following the latest home design trends, we certainly advice to invest in remodeling if possible. This is particularly true if you plan on selling your home in the future. Outdated kitchens tend to be a turn-off for future perspective buyers.
Selecting appliances last
While designing, it’s important to consider appliances and their dimensions to ensure you have enough space for them. Moreover, it can be challenging to predict clearance space without knowing appliance selection. Furthermore, securing your purchase prior to construction can be crucial. This way, you can avoid not finding the exact model envisioned for your home and then having to settle for second best.
Extra flooring
This may come as a shock to some of you, but when it comes to flooring, wastage is expected and normal. Most flooring installations require cutting to fill in gaps once the flooring materials reach the wall on each row. Once a plank is cut, it will continue to be used to fill other gaps throughout the installation. Furthermore, leftover planks that are too short to fill additional gaps will become wastage. For this reason, consider a wastage to figure somewhere between 5% and 15%.
Workflow space
To test your renovation design, consider your workflow space to ensure that you can practically and comfortably perform every-day tasks. As a result, you will avoid not having enough room to maneuver and unnecessary headaches along the way. This is particularly true when renovating a kitchen. Talk to your consultant when dealing with challenging and/or small spaces to come up with the best solution.
Incorrect measurements
Have you ever heard of the old saying: “Measure twice, cut once”? This saying is particularly true when we talk about home remodeling. Moreover, wrong measurements could represent an additional cost and delay in construction. In our view, the last thing a homeowner wants is an imperfect piece to a very expensive puzzle. Similarly, it’s equally important to get doorways and hall measurements correct. As a result, you’ll ensure that appliances and other fixtures and furniture will fit when moving in. The way we see it, this can easily rank #1 on the “Most Annoying Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid”.
Window quality
On the surface, windows may seem like just another thing in the long list of items you need to complete your home remodeling project. Furthermore, we understand how tempting it can be to choose low quality windows in an attempt to save money, but think again. Windows are also known to save money in the long run by reducing heat loss, as an example. As a result your home will require less energy to heat up. On the other hand, they can also decrease the effects of extremely hot weather, by allowing your home to remain cool.
Working without a permit
Y9 understands that the process of acquiring a permit can sometimes be tedious and time consuming. Similarly, permits are also a necessary step. Many factors are at stake when homeowners work without a permit, including zoning issues, compliance with state regulations, faulty work and safety, among other things. Furthermore, appraisals are ordered by loan officers when potential buyers apply for a loan. Therefore, home appraisal can be affected when homeowners attempt to sell their home without a permit.
Choosing a contractor
Choosing the right contractor can be challenging. With so many options to choose from, how can a homeowner decide? This isn’t an easy process. Lucky for you, Y9 Construction covered the essentials on a previous blog post so that you can make an informed decision. Click here to read our post!
Y9 Construction is here to help in case you need more information about home renovation mistakes to avoid and turn your home remodeling project in San Diego, and surrounding areas, into a reality.
First, let us assist you with a FREE in-home consultation to discuss every aspect of your ADU project. Certainly, Y9 is here to answer any questions you may have to facilitate this process. Schedule your appointment today!