Advertisement

10 Missteps Often Made When Remodeling

By Pro.com
Special to Yahoo Homes

Not every homeowner is a seasoned remodeler. Some, like you, may be tackling your first home renovation. By learning from other’s mistakes, you’ll have a smoother, less stressful experience and you’re more likely to have your home functional again, in a reasonable time frame.

(Credit: Stock-Asso/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Stock-Asso/Shutterstock)

Here are some common pitfalls, how to avoid them and successfully complete your next home project.

1. Not Considering Everyday Life

If your family only “lives” in three or four rooms of your home now, adding a bonus room won’t benefit them. They won’t change their ways and acclimate to the new room. Only add square footage if you have a need for more space.

(Credit: Olesya Feketa/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Olesya Feketa/Shutterstock)

2. Failing to Plan Ahead

Not planning wreaks havoc with almost any project. Think through what you want done and how you’d like the finished product to look. Don’t rush head on into a remodel or you may have to scrap it somewhere down the line.

(Credit: iofoto/Shutterstock)
(Credit: iofoto/Shutterstock)

3. Neglecting to Create a Budget

Decide how much money you want to put into your kitchen, bathroom or playroom and stick to that figure as closely as possible. You do need a little cushion, about 20%, for when the cost of materials increase unexpectedly or you have to call in another contractor. Have a stash for those unforeseen moments.

(Credit: Syda Productions/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Syda Productions/Shutterstock)

4. Not Getting a Permit

Any major remodel requires a building permit from your city. Don’t try to put one over on them by not applying for one. In the end that can mean excess fines and the possibility of having your walls reopened. You also want the city inspectors to check that the work was done correctly so your family remains safe.

(Credit: Claudio Divizia/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Claudio Divizia/Shutterstock)

5. Disregarding a Contractor’s History

Your contractor should be praised by previous clients and not have blips on his Better Business Bureau report. They also need to be bonded and insured. Beyond that, you want someone you get along with. Most likely they’ll be in your home for several days so you need to have open communication. Don’t hesitate to interview several contractors before making your final decision.

(Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock)

6. Ignoring Your Landscaping

Some remodels, even those involving only the interior of your home, tear up your yard and then it needs to be repaired or replaced. Not considering this is a common oversight in remodeling projects. You need to plan for refreshing the landscape and including that cost in your budget.

(Credit: Scott E. Feuer/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Scott E. Feuer/Shutterstock)

7. Buying Cheap Materials

While sticking to your budget as much as possible, you don’t want to sacrifice quality and durability in your materials. It’s true that you get what you pay for. You can look for sales and specials, but make sure those materials will hold up.

(Credit: Oleksiy Mark/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Oleksiy Mark/Shutterstock)

8. Avoiding Going Green

Converting to energy-efficient appliances, windows, lighting and other equipment should be done during a renovation. Yes, sustainable options often mean a greater cost up front, but they will pay off in energy savings later on.

(Credit: Alix Kreil/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Alix Kreil/Shutterstock)

9. Ignoring Your Surroundings

Adding on substantial square footage to your home when the houses in your neighborhood run smaller won’t help you when you want to sell. The median home price where you live sets the standard. You don’t normally see a $2 million home next to one valued at $275,000.

(Credit: MGS/Shutterstock)
(Credit: MGS/Shutterstock)

10. Making Color Choices in the Dark

Whether you’re choosing paint, accessories or fabric to complete a remodel, bring the color into your home to see if it works. If you only look at the color in the store, you may not get what you expect in your home and have to make last minute changes.

(Credit: stuart.ford/Shutterstock)
(Credit: stuart.ford/Shutterstock)
 
 

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services -- especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

Related from Pro.com:
9 Easy Ways to Give Your Kitchen a Facelift
8 Tips for Staying Sane During a Remodel
10 Easy Ways to Give Your Bathroom a Facelift