HOW TO AVOID 6 COMMON REMODELING MISTAKES

American homeowners spent over $471 billion on home remodeling projects in 2022, according to The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.
If you are considering remodeling your home, you are not alone. These remodeling projects range anywhere from roofing to kitchen/bath remodels.

It is exciting to start the journey of remodeling your home; putting your ideas into motion is thrilling. Proper planning, realistic budgeting, and effective communication with contractors are crucial to avoiding common remodeling mistakes. By prioritizing these elements, homeowners can ensure a successful and stress-free remodeling experience.

Embarking on a remodeling project can be an exciting and transformative experience for homeowners. Whether you?re updating your kitchen, remodeling your bathroom, or adding an extension to your home, the prospect of creating a space that reflects your personal style and meets your needs is undeniably enticing.

However, it?s important to approach remodeling projects with careful planning and consideration to avoid common mistakes that can turn your dream renovation into a nightmare.

#1 ? DO IT YOURSELF

Oftentimes, DIY home improvement projects have an allure to them. They seem easy to tackle with the right tools and the right amount of time, and there?s less sticker shock associated. And sometimes, with the right skills and materials, they can be done with ease. However, doing these projects yourself may not always be the best option. Professional contractors with years of experience can rely on their skill set to complete jobs in less time and with more safety measures to ensure work is done according to code.

Hiring an expert could also save more money in the long run in case a botched DIY job requires correcting or results in damages to the home. Either way, it?s a good idea to assess the skill level associated with the project before making a decision on whether to DIY or hire a pro.

In certain scenarios, you may be perfectly capable of taking on home improvement tasks without the help of an expert. If you have the skill set, time, tools, and budget required, you can consider the job yours. You?ll not only save money but also build your experience, confidence, and skill level to take on bigger tasks in the future. However, be advised that the results may not look as professional as the photo you saved for inspiration. And it may take several trips to the home improvement store before the task is truly complete.

Regardless of how much research you may have put into a DIY job, some projects are simply left to the pros. If the task at hand necessitates permits, is dangerous to you or your home, or requires skills and tools that you don?t have, it may be time to call in an expert. By doing so, you eliminate the risk of shoddy work and potentially damaging outcomes that could cost more than you planned.

Licensed contractors have years of experience and skills that they can apply to your specific needs as opposed to the blog posts or YouTube videos you may rely on to assist your DIY efforts. When it comes to the value and safety of you and your home, your best bet is to rely on help from an expert.

Even if you?re convinced you can take on DIY home improvement projects, it?s not uncommon for unexpected costs or complications to creep in once the project begins. These surprises can derail a simple task quickly, leading to more work and less time and money to spend on it. Although cutting costs through DIY is enticing, you may not end up saving as much as you anticipated once the project is over.

Licensed electricians, plumbers, and contractors can handle small to large tasks that improve not only the look and performance of your home, but also its overall value. The experts know what permits to apply for, what codes to abide, and if something goes wrong, they?ll have insurance and warranties to cover the problem.

In the end, their expertise when it comes to using proper materials, tools, and techniques is worth the price for a job well done.

BENEFITS OF HIRING A PROFESSIONAL

Besides their expert skill level and years of experience, professional contractors bring other benefits to the table when it comes to DIY home improvement projects. For example:

• They?re licensed. In most cases, contractors go through proper training and testing before they receive licenses that allow them to do the jobs they are hired to complete.
• They?re insured. Insurance helps cover any accidents or damages that may occur throughout the project.
• They offer warranties. If you?re not satisfied with the end result or the work doesn?t hold up over time, warranties are often available to ensure fixes are made.

Overall, your project will be in good hands when a professional is in control. Hiring an expert you trust will likely provide peace of mind and add value to your home.

Bottom Line: DIY vs hiring a Pro
If you already have the tools, the skills and the leisure, and you can obtain materials for a reasonable price, it could be worth doing a remodeling project yourself. Otherwise, it?s best to hire a contractor who has connections and expertise in all the right places.

#2 ? BEING TOO TRENDY

Fresh, updated looks are great, but consider resale value, too. Trends are short-lived, while good design lasts forever.
Do you ever look at an older home?s shag carpet and think ?who thought this was a good idea?? In 1970, it seemed like a good idea, but now not so much. In the same way, you should remodel your home to remain timeless.

Whether or not you plan to sell your home in 5-10 years, you should stick to a more timeless design. Refrain from choosing trendy features and instead, think of your long-term wish list.

According to Lanna Ali-Hassan, co-owner of Beyond the Box Interiors, a design firm in Washington, D.C.; warns that interior design trends, by definition, are here today and gone tomorrow. ?It is important to not incorporate too many trendy items into the design unless the can easily be swapped out in a few years,? she says. Larger items, such as cabinetry and even countertops, should be a style that is somewhat timeless so you don?t have to endure a major remodel once the trend fades away.

We recommend focusing on tile backsplash, cabinet hardware, and lighting fixtures for your trendy choices.
You may want to avoid using too many open shelves. They are trendy and look nice and clean when you see them online, but the reality is, you are always going to need more storage than you think.
Using overly trendy pieces may limit the resale value of your home, if prospective buyers immediately envision themselves needing to spend money giving the kitchen or other room a facelift.

To help avoid being overly influenced by of the moment kitchen trends, be sure to look at a wide variety of inspiration images from over decades and pick out the details that feel true to your personal tastes and styles, not just to our historical moment.

#3 ? UNDERESTIMATING THE BUDGET

One of the most significant mistakes homeowners make when embarking on a remodeling project is underestimating the budget. It?s easy to get caught up in the excitement of improving your home and overlook the financial implications of the project.

Underestimating the budget can lead to several issues. First and foremost, it can result in running out of funds before the project is complete, leaving you with an unfinished and unusable space. This can be incredibly frustrating and can prolong the disruption to your daily life.

To avoid this mistake, it?s crucial to thoroughly research and calculate all the costs associated with your remodeling project. Consider not only the materials and labor but also any additional expenses such as permits, design fees, and unexpected contingencies. It?s always a good idea to add a buffer to your budget for unforeseen costs that may arise during the renovation process.

Consulting with professionals, such as contractors, can also help you get more accurate estimate of the costs involved. They can offer insights into the potential expenses and suggest cost-effective alternatives or modifications to stay within your budget.

Lastly, be realistic about what you can afford. It?s essential to set a budget that aligns with your financial situation and stick to it. It?s tempting to want the best of everything but remember that there are always ways to achieve your desired outcome within your budget limitations. Prioritize your needs and be willing to compromise on certain elements to stay within your financial means.

By adequately budgeting and considering all the associated costs of your remodeling project, you can avoid the stress and disappointment of running out of funds before completion.

You should calculate your budget, then increase it by 20 percent. That should be your budget. The 20 percent cushion will provide some people peace of mind when demolition of your kitchen walls reveals rot in your load-bearing studs, or when it becomes clear that an entire wall needs rewiring.

#4 ? AVOID CHANGING YOUR MIND——A LOT

When you first start planning and the project only exists as designs on paper, it is simple and free to make changes. However, a common mistake is waiting until later on to make changes. Once the actual work starts, changes get harder and more expensive, and the result may fall short of your expectations.
Be as fussy as you want while you are designing your remodel. Be extremely detailed and precise and consider all the options; don?t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, or change your mind. Making changes as the project proceeds will cost you money and time. The better the plan going into the project the less chance this will happen.

The clearer you can be about what you want done before you start anything the better things will go. You will also be less likely to change your mind.

A good general contractor will help you develop a plan that you are happy with. We have lived through many remodeling projects and have a better understanding of what works, whether it is traffic flow in an open plan or the proper height for a towel rack. Contractors also know which decisions must be made first in order for others to fall into place.

Change orders ? another way of saying ?on second thought? or ?while you are at it? ? are a sure way to drive up the price of any remodeling project. Even the simplest change order can crush the budget and timeline of completion.

Does this mean that you can never make a change once the project begins? No! It just means that you need to consider the pros and cons of the change.

#5 ? FAILING TO PLAN AHEAD

A home remodel project is not just a weekend project ? it requires time and commitment.
Remodeling can throw a wrench in your day-to-day life, but with proper planning you can make the transition as easy as possible. Temporarily repurposing rooms where no work is in progress can also help minimize the disruption of your usual course.

In addition to failing to plan ahead for the disruptions that remodeling can cause, you can also set yourself up for a tough time if you do not anticipate the inevitable hiccups that will occur along the way.
Before you begin any remodeling project, have a clear plan in place. This includes deciding exactly what the scope of work is, timelines, and an excellent general contractor with great communication skills.
Knowing what to expect can help you avoid delays and budget issues when remodeling your home. These are some of the other things that can slow down your project if you do not plan ahead:

• Rearranging furniture
• Knocking down walls
• Ripping up floor
• Installing new lights

These can all take a toll on how you live in your home during a remodeling project. You have to get prepared to live out of your comfort zone. Plan for disruptions during the project.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when remodeling is diving into the project without a well-thought-out-plan. Remember a successful remodeling project starts with detailed planning. Take some time to research, create a budget and outline the changes you want to make. Ensure you have a clear vision of your end goal and consult with a general contractor or architect.

#6 ? NEGLECTING TO SET A REALISTIC TIMELINE

Setting realistic timelines is a crucial part of any remodeling project, yet a mistake that many homeowners make.

Effective communication with your general contractor is paramount to ensuring the project stays on track. Regularly check in with your contractor to assess progress and address any issues or concerns. If you have hired an A+ general contractor, issues should be communicated to you as they arise. By maintaining an open dialogue, you can quickly address any delays and make necessary adjustments to the timeline.
Remember that remodeling projects often require patience and flexibility. While it is important to set realistic timelines, it is also crucial to stay adaptable and be prepared for unexpected changes. Some unforeseen issues may arise during remodeling that require adjustments to the original plan. By being flexible and working closely with your general contractor, you can navigate these challenges without compromising the overall project timeline.

It is also important to be mindful of any external factors that may impact the timeline. Unforeseen issues, such as inclement weather or supply chain delays. For example, the tile that you absolutely love and must have for your kitchen floor is on backorder with the supplier; this could cause a delay in the overall project. By building a buffer in your timeline, you can account for these unexpected challenges and minimize disruptions to the schedule.

Ultimately, setting realistic timelines and being prepared for potential delays will help ensure a smoother and more successful remodeling project. By allowing adequate time for each phase of the remodeling and keeping the communication open with your general contractor, you can minimize stress and enjoy the process of transforming your home.