Renovating your home can be a complicated yet rewarding process, but it can quickly become a nightmare if not done carefully. Whether undertaking some essential upgrades or completely remodeling your entire home, this blog will help guide you through the steps to avoid common mistakes when tackling a major renovation project. No matter what you do, make sure to avoid these!

Not Making A Plan 

One home renovation mistake you should avoid at all costs is not creating a plan. Take a page out of these roofing pro’s books who always first inspect the work area and then start devising a proper strategy on how to approach it. Planning ahead is essential for preventing costly delays and expenses during the renovation. 

Without a plan, there’s no time frame or budget, meaning the project can quickly spiral out of control to the detriment of both your pocketbook and your dreams for a beautiful home. Moreover, having an actionable plan with timelines will help you effectively anticipate potential hiccups — like if supplies don’t arrive on time — and take proactive measures to prevent them from affecting the progress of your renovation. Drawing up and following a plan is key to making sure your project meets expectations – and won’t eat up more money than needed!

Going Cheap

When it comes to home renovations, it can be tempting to go “cheap” in an effort to save money — but the truth is, cutting corners and using low-cost materials can often result in disappointing or even dangerous outcomes. Low-quality materials may not last very long, and paying for repairs down the line will end up costing more than if you had just gone with a higher-quality material from the start. 

Not only that, but unfixable installation errors due to inexperience or lack of attention by contractors could lead to further problems, so be sure to do your research before settling on a contractor who won’t deliver shoddy results. Even if it appears expensive at first glance, taking the time and spending the money upfront for good quality work and materials can be worth it in the end.

Ignoring Building Codes 

Building codes exist for a reason — to help facilitate safety when it comes to construction, repairs, and alterations — so one mistake to avoid is ignoring them when planning home renovations. Here are some things you must pay attention to:

• permits
• wiring 
• structural
• plumbing
• accessibility
• fire safety 
• landscaping 

Patios may need permits containing detailed descriptions from professionals familiar with code requirements, city rules, and other regulations. Inspectors may make sure structural integrity is up to standards or point out areas you might have overlooked while dreaming up the design. Overall, failing to follow local building codes could potentially put a stop-work order on all renovating activities!

Doing Short-term Renovations 

While it’s natural to have a vision for the final outcome of your renovation project, it’s important to recognize that there can be unanticipated circumstances, delays, or surprise costs that come along with any remodeling job. Ignoring these variables and jumping right into short-term renovations can result in expensive consequences in the long run when larger and more complex problems arise. It’s best to take the time to understand how any renovation process can unfold, and prepare accordingly. Your future self will thank you for making sure your renovation runs smoothly!

Ignoring Safety

As a homeowner, your primary concern with any home renovation project should be safety – that of the family living in the home, and those working on it. While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the aesthetics of your brand-new sunroom or kitchen, make sure you execute each step of the project safely and correctly. 

Use certified contractors for installations and follow local building codes wherever possible. Otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with fines, jail time, or even expensive lawsuits if someone is injured due to improper installation procedures. Additionally, make sure your family knows ahead of time when construction will be taking place and what safety protocols need to be observed.

DIYing The Project 

Doing a home renovation project alone can cause problems and frustration, leading to missed deadlines and higher costs. Taking on a complex home renovation project is challenging for anyone, especially for an inexperienced DIYer. Bringing an experienced contractor on board can give you the assurance that your project is managed professionally and that it gets done right and on time. 

Plus, contractors often have access to better pricing which can help you stay within your budget. Working with a professional homeowner can also add significant value to your renovation too, so ensure you do enough research before deciding against hiring someone to help out!

Renovating your home is a major project. Before starting the process, make sure to think it through and plan out what you want to accomplish. Doing so can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. Avoid making common mistakes such as not making a plan, going too cheap, or ignoring safety. Also, keep in mind city regulations so that your dream renovation meets building codes as well. Taking all of these factors into account when planning your home renovation will ensure that you have one less worry to worry about!