Homeowners who want to increase the value of their property and transform its appearance often consider remodeling different rooms in the home. Although it may be exciting to tear down walls and install new materials, there are a number of mistakes that many people make during the process. To ensure that your home is completed without too many complications, there are a few common mistakes to avoid.
Buying Your Own Materials
Many people want to cut corners and save money by buying their own materials when it’s time to remodel their property. Although this may allow you to stay within your budget by going around your builder, the contractor may be able to obtain the materials at an even lower cost.
Failing to Check References
One of the most common mistakes that homeowners often make is hiring contractors without checking references ahead of time. You may find a professional who offers a fair price or has been in business for several years, but they may not have customers who are satisfied. The contractor should be happy to provide you with references, which will allow you to speak with former customers and discuss their experience. Ask if the contractor completed the work in the expected time-frame or the results were what they expected.
Sacrificing Counter Space
When remodeling a kitchen, the counter space is one of the most important features of the room and determines the level of functionality in the space when cooking or with food prep. Don’t settle for less and extend the counter space using shelving supports or decorative corbels for added appeal.
Forgetting the Budget
With any home remodel project, it can be easy to get lost in the details and process when picking out hardware or changing your mind on the type of flooring that you want to install. Make it a point to stick to your budget while deciding the most important features and rooms to remodel. You’ll also want to have everything in writing before starting the project and ask for quotes from different stores or contractors ahead of time. Exceeding your budget with changes that are made can cause you to resent the space or feel financially strained once everything is completed.
Similarly, it’s important to avoid low balling your budget due to unexpected costs that can arise. Set aside 15 percent of the total project for unexpected expenses that you’ll need to pay for.
Hiring the Cheapest Contractor
You may want to save money by hiring the cheapest contractor in the local area, but this can significantly affect the end result of your home remodel. The lowest bid that you receieve doesn’t guarantee the best job. By hiring the cheapest contractor, you may be using a professional who cuts corners or uses low-quality materials on your home. Opt for getting written estimates from three different contractors, which should include details on the waste removal plan, insurance, and how design changes are handled.
Installing Trendy Features
You may want white subway tiles installed in the kitchen or sleek hardware on your kitchen cupboards, but going trendy with the design features can quickly make your home look outdated in future years. It may be exciting to make the home look bold, but this will also make it go out of style sooner. You also want to avoid going overboard with the appliances that are installed if they’re not always necessary. Avoid installing a rice cooker, a double oven, or even a wine chiller, which will likely not be used in the future on a frequent basis.