Begining any remodel is a significant undertaking, there are so many options to weigh and decisions to be made. Between blogs, Houzz, Pinterest, DIY tv shows, and advice from friends and family, we know it’s easy to suffer from information overload. However, as a company that’s been is this industry for over a decade, we’d like to offer our advice on the top 5 remodeling mistakes homeowners should avoid.
1. Choosing a Mismatched Contractor. We’re not talking about a contractor that’s wearing two different colored socks, what we mean by mismatched is a poor combination of personalities. Your contractor is going to spend a lot of time in your home, just as much as you need to see their past work, it’s important to get a feel for their management style and attitude. Being uncomfortable with the temperament, or judgment, of the person making huge changes to your home could derail your entire project with remarkable speed!
2. Skimping on Materials. Most of our clients scrimp, save, and plan for their remodels, which is why we advise them to invest their hard-earned money in the best materials they can afford. A remodel should be a long-term investment, that last thing anyone wants is to replace failing finishes a few years down the road. Don’t be shy about asking your contractor questions, and do your research on the best materials and brands for your buck – you won’t regret it!
3. Blowing Your Budget on Bells and Whistles. Another mistake we caution our clients against is getting too swept up in every cool piece of tech or trendy appliance. Yes, in a perfect world every home would include a wine chiller, pizza oven, and a fridge that can send you email, but in reality most of us have to prioritize. Don’t blow your entire budget on flashy or trendy tech, focus instead on creating a space that will stand the test of time.
4. Being Afraid of Layout Changes. We can’t stress this enough, smart design can only do so much to overcome a bad layout. Certainly an expert contractor can work with your home’s quirks, but remodeling is the time to consider mitigating those issues, not setting them in stone. Don’t settle for an awkward layout, adjusting wires and pipes is not as difficult as it’s made out to be – don’t be afraid to put your contractor and their crew to work!
5. Setting an Unrealistic Budget. In remodeling budget is king. Your budget is your contractor’s guideline, it dictates the entire scope of your plans. With that said, be sure to leave room for the unexpected when deciding your budget. Life happens, you never know what might be hidden in your home’s cracks and crevices until you start tearing up walls and floors. It’s always better to be prepared for a few bumps along the way. Plus, if all goes according to plan then you’re left with bonus funds to spend on your new space!
