Is your home in need of a renovation? We get it: the very idea of doing home improvement can be overwhelming. It can really put a dent in your wallet, and just thinking about the entire process can really stress you out.
If you want to prevent total disaster, the least you could do is avoid committing the most common mistakes homeowners make. You don’t want to be that guy.
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So, without further ado, here are the 5 most common home improvement mistakes you need to avoid.
1. Not setting a realistic budget plan
Home renovation can be stressful not only because of the expenses involved, but also because it’s hard to keep track of what you’re paying for. You can’t possibly itemize every penny spent—that way madness lies. But if you’re not careful, you may end up spending more money than you can afford or are willing to.
To come up with a realistic budget plan, you need to list down which parts of the home renovation project you want to prioritize and which ones you’re willing to skimp on. Once you do, talk it over with your contractor and ask for an estimate. To make sure that you’re prepared for any surprises, set aside an extra 20% for any contingencies.
Setting a realistic budget plan can also save you money in the long run because it’s easier to spot expenses that you don’t need.
2. Not getting the required permits
Some homeowners refuse to obtain the required permits before proceeding with a home renovation project. This is a mistake that can cost you dearly. For one, permitting offices exist to ensure that the job is done properly. More importantly, they’re there to ensure that no one winds up in the hospital or worse.
Inspectors have extensive training and the knowledge to identify flaws in the project and you need their expert opinion to ensure that it will go smoothly. Besides, a second view separate from that of the contractor provides you with the assurance that everything will be done properly, both in terms of quality and compliance.
In addition, obtaining the necessary permits discounts the possibility of you getting sued by future buyers should the house become damaged due to unforeseen circumstances. So, as you can tell, acquiring the required permits will save you money in the end.
If you’re unsure whether your home renovation project requires any permits, refer to the city hall or municipality in your area.
3. Skimping on important materials
Many homeowners choose cheap materials thinking that the money saved will compensate for the loss in quality. This is a costly mistake that you often must avoid. For starters, low-quality materials tend to break easily, requiring you to spend a ton of money for replacements and repairs sooner than expected.
Before carrying out a home improvement project, do some extensive research on which materials are durable and which ones require less maintenance. Make sure to consult with your contractor and ask him or her about the pros and cons involved.
4. Not communicating enough with your contractor
Your communication with your contractor is one key component of a successful home improvement project. After all, it’s your contractor’s job to carry out the improvements and changes you want to make in your home.
It’s important that you and the contractor agree to schedule regular meetings before the project even starts. Make sure that you and the contractor have come to an agreement on how you can contact each other in case of emergencies. If you have any concerns about the project, make sure that you bring them up and ask the necessary questions. Be respectful at all times during every interaction and you’ll be surprised at how much you and your contractor can accomplish as a result.
They might even advice you on how to save on your project without sacrificing quality as they’ve done 100s of projects prior to yours.
5. Not getting quotes from competing contractors
One of the most terrible mistakes you can make is to hire the first contractor you come in contact with. After all, how would you know that you’re getting your money’s worth if you don’t have a basis for comparison? Worse, the contractor might overcharge you knowing that you’re none the wise because you haven’t talked to anyone else.
If you want to find a contractor who will provide you with quality service and charge you a competitive price, get quotes from competing contractors. What better way to motivate contractors to provide quality service and fair pricing than competition?
Final word
Avoid committing the above mistakes and you should be able to complete your home renovation project at a cheaper price and with minimal stress. Are you ready to receive free quotes from competing contractors to get you started?
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