The process of renovation is normal for architects, engineers, designers, contractors, and sub-contractors.
Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash
But it is not natural to ordinary citizens who simply want to upgrade their homes. For them, it is a painful task. It is a risky investment when all they want is a more modern kitchen that will be sellable in case they want to sell their homes in the future. Since you are not an expert in home renovations, it goes without saying that it can be a pressure point for you. Dealing with contractors, for example, is often almost traumatic to the point that you wouldn’t want to go through it ever again.
That being said, you cannot deny the fact that home renovation is a good project. It doesn’t only boost the value of your home, but it also improves your well-being. If you want to renovate your home, you may watch out for these common mistakes to avoid getting traumatized by the whole process:
Rushing the Job
Home renovation shows will make you believe that you can finish a job in a week. In part, that is true but only because these projects consist of at least 20 people working on them. Most home renovations will have a team of 10 people maximum. Some renovations will take less than 10 people. In real life, a home renovation can take three to six months, depending on how huge the project is. So don’t rush the job and allow an extra week or two.
Forgetting the Basement, Garage, and Attic
Are you too focused on the living spaces that you forget about three rooms in your house? The basement, attic, and garage are also part of your home, but why are you neglecting them? Make sure to check out what you can do for these three rooms, as not using them as they are intended to be used is a waste of space and time. Do you know that all it takes to improve your house’s curb appeal is to change the garage door? Sometimes, the garage door is so old and dilapidated that it makes your house look outdated, too.
Neglecting to Budget
In renovation, it is always going to cost more and take longer than you think. That’s an unwritten rule. Allot 10% to 20% on top of the cost that the contractor will estimate for you. That’s usually a safe enough number to work with. Remember to ask your contractor to source the cheapest but quality supplies as much as possible. If they think they are going over the budget, tell them to consult with you first. If you are short on budget, then reprioritize everything. Focus first on essential things such as those that have to do with structure and foundation.
Following Too Many Trends
This happens far too many times. Designers know that trends come and go. Research home design trends over the years. Some of these trends stick, but many don’t. Create a plan with your designer that will last for 10 or 15 years. According to current trends it’s a waste of money to design your home that will not last more than two years. Instead of focusing on trends, focus on what you want. What kind of design elements best represents your personality?
Not Taking Time to Find the Right Contractor
At the start of the renovation project, some of you get too excited that you forget the most important part of the process-finding the right contractor. You say yes to the first contractor who has “impressed” you or agreed to the amount you want to spend on the renovation. The problem is when in the middle of the project, you realize that you don’t see eye-to-eye with the contractor. Take time to know about the contractor before signing the agreement. Ask for recommendations and read reviews about them on the internet.
Settling for “Good Enough”
You are renovating your home because you want it to look like a certain type. If you are not satisfied with the renovation, why are you going through the painful process? This means the renovation being “good enough” is not, well, good. Don’t settle for anything less than what you want, especially if it fits the budget. If the contractor cannot find the right hardwood flooring that pairs well with your wall design, don’t settle for “close enough.” If you cannot find the exact thing you want, regroup and consider changing the design but never settle for something simply close to what you originally wanted.
Many things will go wrong in the process of renovating your home. It’s easy to just want to forget about your plan and back away. But remember that you’re going to go home to this house every day of your life. Renovation may be a painful process-not to mention, expensive-but it is also necessary for your well-being.