Being aware of some of the common mistakes one might make can hugely reduce the chances of things ending up in a lengthy and costly disaster. With this in mind, here are five key mistakes to be aware of, and avoid, when renovating.
Mistake #1: Starting without a clear vision
As with all things, going in with a plan makes things much easier in the long run. A mood board is a great place to start when putting your renovation goals onto paper so get creative on a cork or felt board. Take some time to go through décor magazines or online blogs and pull or print out any references that strike your fancy as you go! Not only will this give you a clear idea of what you do or don’t like, it will be helpful when briefing any contractors later on. That said, once your contractors are onboard, be sure to transform your mood board into a proper renovation plan with all the details, contractor agreements, timings and costs.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the approval process or building codes
Before diving head first into the planning phase of your renovations, be sure to research and understand what changes need to be approved by local officials as well as what building bylaws or codes you will need to adhere to during the renovating process. You as the owner are ultimately responsible for adhering to the relevant rules and regulations so be sure to educate yourself as to what is required and then follow up with appointing contractors who are able to meet these legal requirements. This will ensure that nothing is built or changed without the proper permissions or paperwork. Failure to do so could stall the sale of your home later on, could cause you to incur a hefty fine or, even worse, could result in your renovations being torn down.
Mistake #3: Not doing your research
Before you start planning your renovations, it’s advisable to do your homework into the suburb that you live in and the market-value of the homes around you. This should especially be taken into account if you’re hoping your renovations will add to the value of your property for selling in the future. Failing to consider this could lead to an over-investment on your part which you may not be able to recoup when it comes time to sell.
Mistake #4: Overestimating your abilities
Everyone loves to embrace their inner “DIY-er” however when it comes time to renovate, it may not be the best time to let them out. While simple home improvement jobs are good for the soul, serious renovations take a lot more skill and expertise and should be left to the experts where possible (see our article on Should you DIY or hire an expert for some tips in this regard). Not only will this help prevent any costly mishaps or mistakes from happening down the line, but it will ultimately ensure that your renovations are completed in a safe and professional manner.
Mistake #5: Not budgeting well
If there’s one area that can seriously derail renovations, it’s the budget! Budget adjustments are almost always par for the course when it comes to renovating, but if you commit to budgeting well at the start, you’re less likely to greatly exceed your budget further on down the line. In addition to this, be sure to chat to your contractors well in advance and make sure that they are aware of your budget upfront to avoid any confusion as things progress. It’s also advised that you are particularly careful as to where you are willing to cut costs – for example, hiring a dodgy contractor could result in a much more costly mistake that needs repair or a re-do later on. Similarly, there are some finishes or items that you shouldn’t skimp on as this could also lead to items needing to be replaced much sooner than those that cost slightly more. Again, chat this through with your contractor and decide upfront where you should be budgeting more or can get away with less.
Renovating your home is no small feat so taking the time to consider each step of the process and planning accordingly will go a long way to ensuring it’s completed within budget, on time and with a pleasing result! Knowing about the possible pitfalls above could therefore help prevent the renovations of your dreams from turning into an absolute nightmare.
