For most homeowners, there aren’t many things as exciting as a renovation. After all, it allows you to improve its aesthetic appeal, comfort, and overall value. But as with any major and expensive undertaking, you mustn’t get carried away, or you’ll find yourself biting off more than you can chew and making expensive missteps and oversights.
But as the saying goes, the first step in avoiding traps is knowing where they are, and we’ll cover some of the most common renovation mistakes that every homeowner should avoid. And in doing so, ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Buying on impulse
Expenditure is unavoidable in any renovation project. There are no two ways around it. You’ll need to spend on materials, labour, and other products to achieve the intended outcome. However, this doesn’t mean you should spend impulsively, as you’ll only end up breaking your budget long before the completion of the project. Instead, give yourself enough time to consider your options, whether you’re looking for quality products like a steam shower if you’re renovating your bathroom.
By researching before making any financial commitments, you’re more likely to find inexpensive alternatives and better deals for things like the steam bath you’ve always wanted. As a result, you’ll be able to complete the makeover while staying within your allotted budget.
Focusing on trends instead of timelessness
It isn’t hard to focus on trends when renovating your living space since many look great. However, you shouldn’t try and adopt every single trend. Moreover, ask yourself how these trends will look a few years from now or if you’ll spend more on making changes in the future. So be sure to consider if the changes you plan on making or the items and furniture you’ll be purchasing are timeless. It will make a difference later on.
Expecting the project to go without a hitch
Even with careful planning, most homeowners who undertake renovation projects face problems. And it’s a mistake not to expect to encounter issues along the way. Often, this involves additional expenditure, so it makes sense to include a cushion in your budget for unexpected issues and unforeseen problems. Around 20 per cent of the total budget is sufficient to cover most problems, although it’s always better to have more.
Not sticking with cash
It’s a rule of thumb to use cash whenever possible during renovations. The reason is that it prevents homeowners from spending more than they can afford. While there will be cases when taking out a loan or using your credit card may be necessary, always try to pay using cash. It will go a long way in helping you control costs.
Conclusion
Home renovations can be stressful experiences, and any mistake can lead to catastrophic problems for the project. The fewer errors you make, the better the experience will be. So, make sure that you steer clear of the abovementioned mistakes. Not only will it keep your stress levels low and save you from a lot of headaches, but it can also save you money.
