09 Aug 6 Common Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid
Remodeling your home can be exciting and rewarding. A successful remodeling project can add value to your home and make for a more enjoyable living space.
While there are great benefits to these types of projects, simple mistakes, poor planning or unforeseen issues can derail what was a promising idea.
Avoid these common mistakes when planning your remodel:
Choosing the first or cheapest Contractor
Of course you want to make your money go as far as possible, but being cheap can end up being expensive, especially when it comes to hiring a contractor. Hiring the wrong one can turn out to be a nightmare. Invest the time to get multiple bids from licensed contractors, request and check their references and make sure they have appropriate insurance – including any subcontractors they use.
Having a Complete Plan and Contract
Ensure to have a scope of work written and agreed upon that includes a detailed description of each aspect of the work to be completed. The contract should be signed and dated by the client as well as the contractor.
Underestimating the Budget
You need to allow room in your budget for unforeseen issues that may arise. If you have an older home you will want to have more cushion, allow yourself 15-30% overall. It is possible you will need those funds for additional repairs to walls, floors or ceilings when they are removed or opened up and reveal wood rot, mold or wiring problems. Those types of issues must be addressed before the project can continue.
Being too Frugal
While no one wants to overpay for materials, cutting corners is dangerous. You may save in the short term but it could prove costly in the long run. Using quality materials such as tile versus laminate are typically well worth the investment both in aesthetics, longevity and return on investment.
Rushing
Take your time planning your project. Having a well organized plan in advance and thoroughly reviewing the progress as you hit project milestones can help prevent costly mistakes.
Murphy’s Law
Expect the unexpected; Murphy’s Law applies to most construction projects. Inevitably issues will arise, from delayed or unavailable materials to discovering unforeseen construction problems. Preparation and awareness can help mitigate issues but knowing bumps are likely can help alleviate stress while working through them.