One of the biggest perks of homeownership is that you get to turn a ho-hum house into your ideal home. You can create more space, update key features, or make other changes to customize the home to fit your lifestyle.
But hold on. There are a few simple home renovation mistakes you’ll want to avoid during your project, especially if you’re tearing down walls or moving plumbing lines. We spell them out for you here.
Easy Mistakes That Can Lead to Bigger Problems
Some mistakes are easy fixes, like choosing the wrong paint color for the kitchen. But some home improvement mistakes lay the foundation for bigger problems. When you know what to expect during your home renovation project, you’re better able to avoid these things that could jeopardize your outcome.
Unclear Project Goals or Vision
It’s perfectly normal not to have a clear vision and all the details ironed out when you first start planning your remodel. But the more clarity you bring to the table, the smoother the process will be. When your goals are unclear, you may meet with professionals in the wrong order, talking to a contractor before you’ve chosen finishes or settled on a layout, for example. This mistake can prolong your timeline.
Unclear plans also can lead to inconsistent quotes, making it difficult to compare estimates. And when the unexpected happens during the construction phase, you don’t have a solid plan to inform your decisions quickly. Most importantly, if your vision is unclear, you may be unhappy with the end result, even if the quality of work was on point.
So, considering your budget, take the time to think through your must-haves and your nice-to-haves. Then, whether you draw a simple sketch and compile a list, or hire a designer to do it for you, a clear plan protects your investment and keeps the process moving forward.
Not Doing Your Homework
Before hiring a home improvement company, it pays to do your homework. Begin by getting estimates from three to five companies. Then, vet each one by looking at their online profile, reading reviews and testimonials, and ensuring they do the type of work you want done. (Great Day Improvements has teams that install sunrooms, update your kitchen or bath, replace windows, and a host of other services!)
Also, don’t forget to verify their credentials. The local building department can tell you the type of licenses the company has, if any. And if they provide a certificate of liability insurance, call the company to verify it as well.
Delaying Decisions or Making Last-Minute Changes
Making all the decisions for some home renovations can be overwhelming. But when you fail to choose details like light fixtures, wallpaper, and hardware in a timely manner, the resulting delay can cost you money and hold up progress. To ensure your home renovation is performed on schedule, create a full list of preferences before the project begins. Otherwise, you could face:
- Delayed installation
- One team holding up the next
- A contractor choosing builder-grade materials
- Work repeated because it’s not what you want
- Not laying the proper foundation for some installations
Last-minute change orders can be costly and increase your overall budget. But when you’ve made all the decisions ahead of time, change orders are far less likely. The shopping and decision-making can feel exhausting at times, but try to view it as part of the adventure, where each choice brings you closer to the home you’ve been dreaming of.
Not Reading the Contract
Reading the contract is a must, but so is getting everything in writing. No matter who you’re working with–trusted friend or someone you found online–ensure everything is on paper.
A complete home remodeling contract should include:
- A project description that includes the scope of work
- A list of all materials and finishes
- The project timeline, including milestones
- Payment terms, including payment schedule and change order process
- Dispute resolution
- Warranty and insurance details
- Other miscellaneous items like permits and debris removal
When reading the contract, ensure everything you want done is listed, all your questions are answered, and that you feel comfortable with the process. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask someone you trust or an attorney. If there’s something in the contract you don’t agree with or want to negotiate, don’t sign it. And don’t worry about asking for things to be put in writing, it’s just good business and keeps you in control of the project.
Failing to Prepare Your Home
Renovation teams will need to walk through your home without removing their shoes. They’ll make noise, vibrations, and dust. It’s just the nature of the work. Before the team arrives, ask your project manager what to expect. Do they mask off rooms to block the dust? Can you agree on one point of entry?
For liability reasons, some home improvement professionals won’t want to move your heavy or valuable furnishings. When you do it yourself before they arrive, you remove the risk of them injuring themselves or damaging your valuables.
Here are a few home renovation planning tips to follow:
- Remove any valuables from the home.
- Clear a path from the agreed-upon entrance to the work area.
- Lay protective paper on carpeted areas.
- Remove all contents of cupboards and store them in another room.
- Remove the furnishings from the rooms where work takes place.
- Take artwork and items from the walls and shelves on the opposite sides of adjacent walls, as vibrations can cause them to fall.
Skipping Permits or Final Walkthroughs
The Importance of Permits
Many home improvement projects require a permit before work can begin. Contrary to popular opinion, this is not a way for your municipality to make extra money. Your local building official ensures your plans meet current building codes before granting a permit, thereby keeping the community safe. So, skipping a permit to save a few bucks is one of the most common home upgrade pitfalls to avoid. Performing work without a permit can lead to added expense.
If unpermitted work is discovered, an inspector could require you to tear out work already done, adding to the expense and delaying the timeline. Even if no one flags it during construction, the issue often surfaces during a future home sale, when a buyer’s inspector checks for code compliance.
The Role of Final Walkthroughs
On the other hand, when the project is complete, your home improvement company should request a final walkthrough with you. It’s your last opportunity to ensure all systems function properly, all installations and repairs are completed, and your home is in the condition you agreed upon. When you skip a final walkthrough, you waive your right to claim poor workmanship in the future. And you miss the opportunity to ooh and aah over the beautiful job they’ve done.
Get to know the team that could bring your dream remodel to life— view our customer testimonials and completed projects.
How to Stay on Track from Start to Finish
Proper project management keeps every home improvement on track from start to finish. Your home improvement company should have a system in place to manage the day-to-day progress. But if they don’t mention it, here are a few things to make sure are covered.
Setting Checkpoints and Milestones
Every project has natural points at which you can step back and survey the progress. Home improvement specialists refer to them as checkpoints and milestones. They present opportunities for you to check for remodeling red flags, ensure nothing falls through the cracks, and admire all the wonderful changes to your home.
Setting milestones and checkpoints facilitates better communication by giving all parties a clear picture of the job’s progress. They help to keep all teams accountable, motivated, and delivering on time. (Great Day home improvement experts will use the communication channel that works best for the homeowner, whether it’s text, email, or a phone call!)
Regular Progress Reviews
Regular progress reviews help you to monitor the project. Typically, they involve the homeowner, installers, and potentially the designer or architect. During the meeting, you look for potential problems to address, ensure quality is to your standards, collaborate on procedures, and check the status of any future deliveries. When you fail to participate in progress reviews, you miss the opportunity to advocate for yourself.
How to Choose a Team That Helps You Avoid These Pitfalls
A successful renovation starts with planning and the right team. When you partner with a professional home improvement company that prioritizes communication, project management, and transparency, you’re far less likely to face common home remodeling issues. Choose a company that helps you avoid these pitfalls before they cost you time and money.
Work with a trusted team of experts. Request a free consultation with Great Day Improvements today.
