Home renovations are exciting, but they can be pretty stressful, too. When renovations are done correctly, they can improve your house’s function and make it feel homier. But when mistakes happen, they can make your home feel choppy and incomplete. So as you set out to renovate your home, don’t fall victim to these common home renovation mistakes.
Why Do Homeowners Make Home Renovation Mistakes?
No one plans to make mistakes. However, when it comes to home renovations, most mistakes happen because people forget to pay attention to details as they’re planning. With this in mind, take the time to plan every detail of your project before beginning. When you do, you can avoid these common home renovation mistakes.
Improper Planning
Of all possible home renovation mistakes, improper planning is the easiest to avoid. Unfortunately, some people tend to get overexcited and jump into projects without a comprehensive plan, which can have serious consequences. On the other hand, whether your project is big or small, a plan can save you a lot of money to redo part of your project or hire a contractor later.
When it’s time to install new flooring, for example, if you miscalculate the materials you need, you might not have enough for your entire project. If you try to hang a towel rack without finding a stud first or using the proper anchors, you’ll end up with a hole in your wall.
Underestimating Costs
One of the most common home renovation mistakes homeowners make is underestimating the costs of renovations. As you plan your home renovation projects, add about 20% to your estimated costs to leave room for changes and unexpected expenses. Otherwise, you are likely to go over budget or wind up with an unfinished project.
Working on Multiple Spaces at Once
Instead of tackling various projects around your house all at once, focus on one room at a time. If you have multiple spaces you’re working on simultaneously, your home can start to feel like a construction site. Because renovations can take time, focusing on one room at a time can help you to finish your projects sooner.
Forgetting About the Exterior
Don’t forget about your home’s curb appeal! Indoor renovations will do little to attract buyers if the outside of your home doesn’t match! Exterior renovations don’t have to be extravagant. An updated front door, a freshly mulched flower bed with well-maintained shrubs, new windows, or a few flowers can add another level of charm to your home.
Getting Caught Up in the Design
While the design details can be fun, don’t forget to focus on function, too. Consider the layout of your home and how everything works together. Renovation projects should contribute to the flow of your home instead of dividing it. For example, an accent wall can be exciting, but it won’t necessarily increase your resale value. Instead, bring aesthetics and function together to create a beautiful, functional space.
Making Impulse Buys
Resist the urge to buy furniture or materials for your project on a whim just because they’re attractive. The sheer number of options can make this tempting, but it’s essential to take the time to find what fits best in your home. For example, that entertainment center probably looks excellent in the store, but you may find it doesn’t fit in your space when you get it home. So again, take your time to find the perfect fit.
Biting Off More than You Can Chew
Recognize that you might need some help to create the design of your dreams. You might have the skills to slap on a new coat of paint or hang a towel rack, but you probably can’t build a new deck by yourself. So it’s essential to know when to call in the pros instead of trying to DIY a significant home renovation.
Ready to Start a Renovation?
Now that you know the home renovation mistakes to avoid, you are ready to get started! If you need help designing your next home renovation project, contact the Friel Kitchen & Bath Design Center team. We even have a brand-new showroom in Easton, MD, where you can get ideas for your dream space.
