8 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Remodeling Your Home 

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Many home renovations are worth the money; you can increase your home’s value and make it more marketable when you sell. But there are several things you shouldn’t do when performing home renovations. Keep reading to find out more! 

Don’t Think You Know It All

You can do some home renovations on your own. For example, you can buy a modular outdoor kitchen, and with simple assembly instructions, you don’t even need to call a contractor. 

But not every home improvement is simple. Before you decide to take on a home renovation yourself, find out the skills and tools you need. Some home improvement projects require more skills than others. 

You may think you only need to take down that light fixture and replace it. But you also need to shut off the electricity and make sure there’s enough support to hang the new light. So, doing your homework is critical. 

Don’t Underbudget

So, you did your homework on the project, what it will cost, and the tools and materials needed. But most home renovations go over budget, so plan for that from the start. 

Most home renovations involve unplanned situations. For example, let’s say you are doing a kitchen remodel and your partner wants to add a window. You read up online and watch Youtube videos to find out how to install a window yourself. 

But when you tear into the wall, you find out there is a support beam there that holds up that entire wall of the home. So it’s common to run into the unexpected when taking out a wall, and the costs will rise exponentially. 

Also, opening up a wall can uncover mold, leaking pipes, and rotting wood. Experts say you should build at least a 10% contingency fund into your renovation budget. 

Not Getting A Permit

Are you thinking about saving money and time by not getting a permit for that family room extension? That could be an expensive and time-consuming mistake. 

If you don’t get the permit, the local government may not let you move forward with your home renovation. They may even order you to stop or tear down the work that was done. 

Also, let’s say you build your family room extension without a permit. But when you want to sell the home and advertise the extended square footage, many realtors and prospective buyers will ask to see your permits. 

Hiring The First Contractor You Call

If you hire a renovation team for your project, use care when you make your choice. Doing a major home renovation is a significant expense, and you need to spend plenty of time checking out prospective contractors. 

You should ask all contractors you interview if they are licensed and insured. How much experience do they have with your type of project? Do they have testimonials and pictures of previous work? 

It’s essential to hire a contractor with a good reputation; there are many situations where someone hired an inexpensive contractor, but they leave the job half-completed. 

Buying Cheap Materials

The saying is ‘you get what you pay for,’ and that’s the truth with home renovations. Buying inexpensive materials may save you 10% upfront, but over time, you will have higher maintenance costs over time.

Cheaper building materials are almost always lower quality and don’t last as long in unforgiving environments. For example, you can save $5 per gallon of paint by choosing an inexpensive brand. But cheap paint usually doesn’t cover as well, so you may need two or three coats. 

Invest in the best products and materials you can. They’ll last longer and will look better, too. 

If you are doing a kitchen renovation, spend the money on the best appliances you can afford. People notice the quality of the appliances when buying a home. 

Doing Renovations Too Fast

Everyone wants to have that kitchen updated quickly. But life isn’t a home renovation TV show, and a significant rehab can’t be done in a weekend. 

To avoid problems and disappointment, research before you start about what the remodel will cost and how long it will take. If you aren’t experienced, call local contractors and find out about prices, timelines, and permits. 

Remember, quality home renovations take time and planning. 

Not Measuring Carefully 

Whether you’re installing flooring or putting in a bathtub, it always pays to measure twice. And then measure again. It’s especially critical with custom-made products or items that require a minimum order. 

If you are buying flooring, you should add in the cutting allowance, which is about 10%. 

Being Too Trendy

Many homeowners get wrapped up in modern trends and want their homes to look that way. Shag carpet, anyone? 

But think about how long that trend will be in vogue. Remember that home renovations are expensive, and you will probably live with them for 10 years or more. 

For example, when doing your kitchen, keep in mind that dark wood flooring and white cabinets are timeless. Of course, you can always update lighting and seating, but getting the basics right will save you time and money. 

Consider these home renovations mistakes carefully, so your next home remodel goes smoothly.