10 Common Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

10 Common Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re thinking about remodeling your home, a great way to start is by learning from the most common home renovation mistakes homeowners make. We’re sorry to tell you, but watching all 80 episodes of Fixer Upper won’t give you the education you need for a home renovation. Even Chip and Joana had to learn the hard way, and they don’t tell you that on TV. 

Here are 10 common home renovation mistakes that people often overlook. 

1. Misunderstanding your space
2. Underestimating costs
3. False expectations
4. Hiring the wrong contractors
5. Making too many changes
6. Neglecting the outside
7. Spending on the wrong things
8. Mixing up measurements
9. Trying to do it yourself
10. Not buying enough flooring

Misunderstanding your space

Sometimes moving into a new space that flows differently than your previous home can feel confining and frustrating. However, the original builder of your home originally had an idea in mind for the way things should flow. Unless they did a horrible job—when you take some time to get used to it—you’ll find a natural connection between the rooms and your everyday life. Once you’ve discovered the purpose of the build-out, you’ll be able to properly plan for renovations.

Underestimating costs

One of the most common home renovation mistakes is lowballing a budget. Learn how to budget for a home renovation ahead of time, and you’ll save you time and lots of money!

A good rule of thumb is to budget 20% over the estimated cost of the renovation. There are many unexpected expenses that can come into play, and even damage that occurs during the remodeling process, such as pipelines breaking or finding pest damage in walls. The older the home, the more roadblocks you’ll run into. For this reason, budget 30% over the estimated cost for an older home. 

False expectations

Renovations can be very messy and inconvenient, especially for larger families. Planning ahead for a huge life interruption will make the transition period easier.

It’s important to think about the timing of when you’ll start the process, and how long it will take. Summertime is usually less busy for families, but during the winter months, some contractors are not as busy and easier to negotiate with. You may also want to find another place to live while construction is going on in your home, as some particles and materials can be harmful. 

Missing the value of contractors

Another common home renovation mistake comes with hiring contractors. First of all, don’t settle for the cheapest contractor you can find. It will be worth your investment to hire someone who will do it right the first time. Secondly, don’t wait til the last minute to bring in a professional, bring someone in at the beginning stages of planning. This way, the contractor will be able to advise you on your budget and the best materials for your project. 

If you’re looking for trusted professionals with plenty of experience, Luxe Renovation works with over 200 tradesmen to make sure your home is taken care of and in excellent condition from start to finish. 

Making too many changes

A change that might sound easy enough to you might consist of a lot more work than you realize. That’s why it’s best to think about all the variables before you begin with your contractor and stick with a plan. If something comes up, check with your designer or builder, as simply moving a light fixture could cost a couple thousand dollars. 

Neglecting the outside

There’s no point in putting in a new floor if the roof is leaking! It’s actually best to start renovations on the outside of your home. The outside is also the first thing people see, and when it comes to potential buyers—this can make or break your chances of selling. Updating your yard is possible even on a small budget, and even a small adjustment makes all the difference. 

Spending on the wrong things

According to HGTV Property Brothers‘ Jonathan and Drew Scott, some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is insisting on granite countertops, and making the kitchen too trendy. It’s best to start with investing in structural and functional aspects of your home first before splurging on aesthetics. Think about what you touch everyday—spend your money there.

Mixing up measurements

There are so many ways to go wrong with measurements in a home. One of the biggest home renovation mistakes is mis-measuring cabinets, realizing that your fridge doesn’t fit in your kitchen after they’re installed. Whether it’s furniture, rugs, cabinets—measure it at least 10 times so you don’t come home with a 94-inch sofa that’s supposed to fit in an 84-inch space.

Trying to do it yourself

This is a huge home renovation mistake homeowners make—assuming they have enough knowledge of construction, materials and sources to know what to do. Besides that, trying to manage all the different projects and people in charge of them is a full-time job. Let Luxe Renovation make your dream home a reality.

Not buying enough flooring

A good rule of thumb is to order 20% extra of what you would normally order for flooring. Damage, cuts and breakage are a common occurrence with flooring, and it’s better to have more than enough. You can always return what you didn’t open.

Make your dream a reality with Luxe Renovation 

Take it from Tom Hanks—no one wants to end up in a money pit. At Luxe Renovation, we’ve developed special relationships with our tradesmen who are experts in their fields. We want to alleviate your fears and frustrations about your home renovation. 

Contact us today and make your dream home a reality!