Home renovation is all the rage these days. Around 48% of homeowners are currently considering renovating all or a part of their home, according to HomeStars.
Considering the sudden shift in work-from-home and e-learning setup due to the pandemic, it’s no surprise that many are investing in transforming their homes into the multifunctional sanctuary that they need.
Aside from basic home repairs, home renovation projects can also be done to improve energy efficiency, enhance overall aesthetic, for your own satisfaction or to increase your property’s resale value should you decide to sell it in the future.
You can achieve anything you put your heart and mind to as long as you watch out for the most common home renovation mistakes.
Let’s begin!
1. Not Being Clear on Your Vision and Goals
An old saying rings true for home renovation: those who fail to plan are planning to fail. As in many things, setting clear goals before you begin will help you strategize and prioritize effectively. Though you may not have all the details worked out at the get-go (that is, after all, what renovation experts should be helping you with), the overarching goals of your project must be clear.
2. Not Setting a Reasonable Budget
Another common mistake homeowners make is setting the budget too low only to be met with surprise expenses later on. This can make your home renovation more stressful than it should be.
Remember that though there may be available price ranges online, these are typically only benchmarks for you to start with. Speaking to a home renovation contractor would give you a clearer idea of the cost. Additionally, it pays to prepare at least an extra 20% because things rarely go exactly as planned in most home renovations.
3. Being Unprepared for Setbacks
What will the contractor uncover when walls get taken down? There may be underlying issues that you would need to address, such as an infestation, water damage, electrical issue, or plumbing issues. This is why we recommend planning an additional 20% on top of the given quote. This way, setbacks like this can be easily managed.
4. Not Considering Liabilities
Somewhere along the line, accidents can happen, leading to damage, injuries, or further delay. In line with this, make sure that your chosen contractor is properly trained and bonded and adequately insured. You can also work out terms in the event that delays occur due to certain issues, like project errors or materials getting damaged in transit.
5. Going For Unvetted Contractors
Let’s be honest. Home renovations can be costly, so it might be tempting to choose contractors who offer the lowest rates. Unfortunately, selecting a home renovation contractor based on cheap rates alone can do you more harm than good. It’s best to do your due diligence. Check client reviews, ask for proof of licensing, training, or their portfolio of successful projects with past clients.
6. Not Testing the Personality Fit of Contractors/Designers
On the other side of the spectrum, you may be choosing contractors or designers based solely on their years of experience or online ratings. Though these aspects are vital, there’s one missing component there—and that’s personality fit. Contractors will be working with you to bring your vision and goals to life. Therefore, it’s important that they understand you and that you feel comfortable and confident that they can meet your expectations.
7. Not Asking Enough Questions
Whether you have done this in the past or only for the first time, don’t hold back on asking too many questions. You have the right to know the ins and outs of your renovation project. Do not be afraid to ask questions, no matter how granular they seem to be. Furthermore, do not hesitate to speak up when elements of the blueprint are unclear to you, or any aspect of the home renovation project makes you uncomfortable.
8. Relying Too Much on Trends
Though some home renovation trends are worth following, some may also be a complete waste of time. Remember that trends come and go, and what you really need is a home renovation outcome that you will always be happy with for years to come.
9. Completely Disregarding The Original Architecture of the House
This is a point related to trends. Sometimes trendy updates are so off-tangent to the character of the home that the result of the renovation doesn’t blend well. By working with (and not against) the architectural style of your property, you will have a more seamless and effortless outcome. Chances are, you’ll need to change less of the house’s original components, saving you on cost, too. A double win!
10. Not Planning Around New Appliances or Fixtures
Whether you are getting a new dishwasher, sink, bathtub, or TV, you need to know their dimensions and where you’ll want them installed in advance. They need to have the right size that will not interfere with the flow of your interior space. Discuss this with your contractor so they can adjust accordingly or give any needed recommendations.
11. Getting the Decor and Furniture Too Early
As exciting as it may be to shop for new decor and furniture, it’s best to leave these until the end of the home renovation. Changes can happen while the project is ongoing. You wouldn’t want to have these lying around the house while work is in progress. They will only take up space and may even get damaged.
12. Not Putting Enough Emphasis on Efficiency
Pleasant aesthetic changes to your house may be one of the most exciting aspects of home renovation, but practicality and convenience should not be compromised. When you optimize your home to be more energy-efficient or have more natural lighting by getting replacement windows, you’re set for long-term ease and benefits like utility bill savings.
Energy-Efficient & Stylish Windows For Your Home
For over 43 years, Clera Windows + Doors has been designing and manufacturing windows that simply have it all. You get top-notch style, energy efficiency, comfort, UV protection, durability, ease of maintenance, and more. When upgraded, windows impact the home experience like no other.
If you’re looking to window shop for your home renovation, our vast collection of customizable windows is sure to give you precisely what you need.
