5 Home Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 

Diving into a home renovation is an exciting endeavour, especially if you’ve been planning a project for years. An exterior renovation will boost your curb appeal and increase your home’s market value. It not only requires monetary investment, but time and trust in your renovation team. It’s important to have a clear budget and plan in placeand to be prepared for the unexpected. Be aware of these 5 common home renovation mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not Creating a Detailed Budget 

Renovations are exciting, and once they begin, it’s tempting to want to add more to the project. If you don’t have a clear budget from the start, you risk spending more money than planned. Create a detailed budget so you can track your spending throughout the renovation, then come up with a contingency budget. This will cover the cost of any unexpected problems. When you get a new idea for your renovation, ask your contractor for a professional opinion to figure out whether you can make it work within your budget.

2. Opting for the Lowest Bid

You’re going to be spending a large sum of money for an exterior renovation, so you want the work to be done as skillfully as possible. Hire a professional contractor who’s trustworthy and skilled at communication and providing updates on progress and timelines. Conduct interviews, take a look at their previous work and check their references. Good professional help is worth the money, so be willing to pay for a quality contractorand be wary of those who are cheap and available right away. 

3. Using Cheap Materials 

If you’re going to do a renovation, you want to do it right. The materials used on the exterior of your home are responsible for the safety, protection and comfort of you and your family. Think about the long-term investment, and don’t try to save money by using cheap materials. Low-quality siding, for instance, will need to be replaced or re-painted more frequently. If you’re on a tight budget, talk to your contractor to learn about your best options. 

4. Not Asking Enough Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re going through a home renovation. You’ll be investing a lot of money, so it’s important all of your concerns are addressed. You should know exactly what you’re spending your money on. If anything seems fishy, be sure to bring it up. Remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb question, so ask as many as you need until you are satisfied with your renovation. 

5. Putting Aesthetics Before Function 

While curb appeal is important, make sure you’re not only focusing on aesthetics for your renovation. Check your siding, windows, gutters and roof to identify any issues that need to be addressed right away. There’s no use putting in fancy new garage doors if your roof is about to leak. Damaged gutters can cause water damage to your home, and cracked windows may be wasting a lot of energy. Make sure to address any areas that need repair before you start your renovations.

 If you’re planning to do a home renovation, avoid these common renovation mistakes to ensure your project goes off seamlessly.