For most homeowners, remodeling a house is a once in a lifetime task. However, several homeowners get overly excited when it comes to remodeling or renovating their homes, and they do not think things through. Some just jump right into hiring a contractor simply because he is the cheapest, or they fail to allocate a fraction of their budget for unanticipated costs such as sales tax or sewer and water tap fees.
While most of the mistakes are unintentional, they can turn your renovation exercise into a nightmare that you will possibly regret for years to come. In this article, we outline the 8 most common renovation mistakes that you should avoid.
Little research
You need to know what you are looking for. Research on the “dos,” “don’ts,” and the “how’s” of renovation. Research will help you make better decisions including proper selection of certified contractors, costs, zoning, and permits in your area.
Poor planning and preparations
Renovations done on a whim are messy and costly. Planning puts the budget on check while preparations help you foresee the likely outcome for each renovation step.
Biting off more than you can chew
Going grand is not bad, but be sure it is within your financial capabilities. Remember it will not hurt to do renovations one room at a time or one aspect of the house at a time if resources are limited.
Knowing building codes
Whether a contractor does the project or you do it yourself, you will need to apply for a permit. Building permits ensure that your renovation project conforms to the zoning and safety regulations. The application may require that you provide construction plans from a design consultant.
Projects such as adding an extra room to the back, building a dormer in the attic, or even smaller jobs such as replacing windows or erecting a fence may require a city or county approval.
DIY attitude
It is good to be a handy person, but for serious renovations it is advisable you hire skilled and experienced contractor, and design consultants. Design-build firms handle all of the above for you.
Choosing a contractor on impulse
Take your time to ask around for the best contractor in your community. Choose a contractor who is known to have the interest of his clients at heart. Ask for references from friends; check on Angie’s List, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau.
Forgetting to renovate for the future
Being trendy is good for accessorizing, not for renovating. Keep it classic when renovating and respect the existing architecture to avoid unnecessary costs.
Overlooking the importance of going green
Going green saves on energy cost and increases your property value. Unlike popular perception, going green is not always more costly provided you have the right contractor to advise you.
When done properly, renovation will increase the net worth of your property especially if you are looking to sell. Make sure you discuss your proposal with your contractor before starting your renovation. This will help you avoid these mishaps.
