6 Costly Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you’re completing a home project yourself or hiring a contractor, home renovation mistakes can cost you unnecessary expenses.

Many home projects can be done after a quick stop on YouTube. The home renovation tutorials online are endless, and can help you with a wide range of home updates and maintenance techniques–––both small and large. But, it’s important to pay attention to the details and understand your own capabilities to complete the project properly.

Alternatively, home contractors can be a necessity on some projects. Hiring a builder blindly, however, can lead your project to unnecessary hurdles and expenses. Carefully consider what makes sense for your particular home update––hiring a contractor or doing it yourself. And, consider these common mistakes that many home owners have been faced with:

6 Costly Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

1. Subpar Planning Time and Prep Work

Some home owners are set on starting the home project as soon as possible, and don’t account for the planning time necessary to properly start the process. Evaluating the home’s structure, necessary permits, timeline and measurements is an imperative step for a successful home renovation project. It can be tedious and time consuming; however, skimping on the upfront planning can ultimately delay your project, increase your costs or even derail your progress completely.

If you are doing a home renovation project yourself, pay particularly close attention to your measuring techniques. Measure and always recheck your dimensions. It can also be helpful to get a second set of eyes to ensure measurements are accurate. Inaccurate cutting is an easy-to-avoid mistake that can cause serious problems, and expenses, for the overall project.

2. Neglecting to think of the long-term value

Consider the long-term value of your project, and be realistic how the renovations will impact your home’s value. This may not be a priority for some, while other owners will see it as a leading reason for renovations. Many project investments don’t increase the value of a home as significantly as some home owners would prefer, so do some upfront research on your particular home update to learn more.

This is particularly important if you plan to move in the coming years. You may love the idea of purple siding, but will potential home buyers? Additionally, your tastes may change over the years. Ultra trendy updates may become stale or even unfavorable in future years.

Bonus Read: Home Improvements That Increase Property Value

3. Not getting multiple quotes

Just as every home renovation project is unique, the qualifications and quotes of each home contractor are often quite different. Have conversations with at least three construction companies and get quotes from each. Understand the specifics of what this quote entails––such as warranties, guarantees, material types, etc. And, never assume the lowest quote is the best option.

Additionally, discuss the company’s specific specializations. Do they have a type of work they’re particularly good at? Are they less expensive than competitors for a specific service? Do they offer a guarantee on a product that others don’t? Finding a professional that is well versed in projects like yours can significantly benefit the cost and anticipated time for your home’s needs.

Bonus read: How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor

4. Being overconfident

Before starting updates, realistically evaluate your own abilities. Championing a project yourself may sound appealing, but if you lack the necessary skills––it will likely require an outsourced contractor to repair your mistakes. A simple YouTube video can make some updates look easy, but respect the experience professionals have with planning, potential challenges and best practices.

5. Underestimating budget

This a major downfall for many home updates, whether it be outsourced or done by the home owners. Hiring a contractor that is confident in his estimations can aid this, but having a contingency budget can also help the success of your home renovation.

When planning a budget, consider potential what if situations as well as small-ticket items that can quickly add up––such as taxes, delivery costs, permits, sewer and water tap fees, etc.

6. Not staying involved in the process

Even if you aren’t completing the project yourself, it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of what the renovation will entail. Clearly communicate your expectations to the home contractor, get all of your questions answered as you have them and ask for regular progress reports. This will safeguard you from avoidable problems that could have been foreseen.

That being said, don’t become a barrier in the project’s progress. Ask your contractor what their how frequently they will provide updates and how they will deal potential problems. Having this information upfront ensures everyone has a realistic scope of the renovations.

Want to avoid these home renovation mistakes? We can help. Our team specializes in home siding and roof repairs that will transform the exterior of your home. We are nationally recognized as a top renovation and construction company. Tell us about your project!