Avoid These Top Renovation Mistakes

2017-06-07

Renovating your home is an exciting endeavor, but don’t let all the excitement blind you to common renovation mistakes. If you’re upgrading your house, you want it to be exactly that, an upgrade. Don’t fall for mishaps that will leave you palming your forehead at the end of the day.

Renovations aren’t always easy, but when done right, they’ll leave you with the home you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re renovating your interior, exterior or both, there are a few things you need to keep in mind for the renovations to go smoothly. Before you get started, take a look at 5 of the top renovation mistakes to avoid and have a happy renovation.

1.Not Going Green

There’s a common misconception that renovating your home with environmentally friendly materials will be way too expensive. But it’s a mistake not to go green. Going green is a smart investment that ensures energy conservation, optimal material use, and products that outlast any others. Gentek offers a range of eco-friendly green products from vinyl windows and patios doors, to an array of siding options. With environmental stewardship in mind, your renovation is sure to be durable, energy efficient and high quality.

2. Cutting Costs on Handiwork

You have to be extremely careful when choosing a contractor these days, and it could be a red flag if the quote for their work is cheap. The last thing you want is a contractor who cuts corners or renovates your home with low quality products. Do your due diligence when choosing a contractor. Ask your friends and family for referrals, and get estimates from multiple contractors before making your decision. Your contractor should be including costs for the specific work they’re doing, including the exact hardware and flooring, install costs, permit costs, warranty of the work, etc. If the estimate isn’t all-inclusive, it may be best to look elsewhere.

3. Measurement Mistakes

Make sure you, or whoever is taking the measurements for your renovation, is meticulous. Even half an inch can make a huge difference and jeopardize the look and feel you were going for with your renovation. Whether you’re measuring for cabinets, appliances, a bed frame, or sink, measure multiple times to make sure your measurements are 100% accurate. Taking more time to get specific will save you time and frustration in the long run.

4. Going Too Trendy

The thing about trends is, they come and go. This not only means you may fall out of love with your trendy design in the future, it can also bring down your home’s resale value. Trendy furniture is fine, but when it comes to the design of the kitchen, bathrooms and other rooms with appliances, counters and cabinets, it’s best not to go too wild. 

5. Skimping on Materials

If you’re going to renovate your home, what’s the use in skimping? The truth is, you get what you pay for, and although that doesn’t mean you have to spend your life savings on renovating your house, if you can’t afford to renovate with good quality materials, wait until you can. You may end up spending more money repairing cheap materials, and you’ll likely be underwhelmed with the look and functionality.

Are you looking into a home renovation? Make sure to keep these tips in mind!