Home renovations can be a big challenge and can easily turn into a nightmare if they are not planned and implemented well. However, if done right, it can also make your dream renovation ideas come true.
A few renovation mistakes can mean blowing your budget or delaying the project. It is important to know what to watch out for and focus on.
In this article, we have come up with a list of common but costly mistakes for you to try and avoid when you start your renovation project.
1). Choosing The Cheapest Contractor Or Builder
The cheapest almost always does not equate to ‘the best.’ Some companies give cheap quotes just to get the job. They then cut corners or provide you with materials and labour that are not up to standard. Remember that quality costs money. When you choose a building contractor, consider at least three written quotes.
Then, proceed by researching and checking their past projects and asking their previous clients for reviews. Stick to your budget without compromising the quality. When you go cheap, you get low-quality results. This, in turn, means you will regret the decision you have made later down the track.
2). Lowballing Your Budget
Set a reasonable budget, that is making sure your budget matches the size of your project. When you set a very low budget, expect nothing but low quality. Do your research by asking others who have recently done a home renovation. Remember that the cost of materials is always on the increase and consequently, so is the cost of the build.
Set aside 15% of the total budget as a contingency. Some unforeseen costs are bound to come up during the build. A damaged wall or electrical and plumbing issues can happen unexpectedly. It is important that you have a contingency budget available to fund these extra costs and avoid delays.
3). Skimping On Things That You Can’t See
Most of the components of your home that make it efficient can’t be seen. The foundation, insulation, plumbing and heating, termite treatments, etc. Just because you can’t see them does not mean you can skimp on quality.
4). Measuring For Cabinetry
Measure twice and cut once. As the saying goes, accuracy in measuring cabinetry cannot be underestimated. Most homeowners buy cabinets without taking any measurements.
So when they buy and install, they realise it does not fit in their kitchen or other appliances such as their fridge don’t fit. When purchasing or having custom-built cabinetry, always measure and remeasure.
5). Order Extra Flooring
Do not order just enough flooring to cover what you need. It is wise to order 20% more than what is actually required so you have enough on hand to allow for wastage when cutting the tiles to fit the area as well as to replace any damaged ones down the track.
This is important because tiles are hard to match should you need them down the track, because for example, they may stop manufacturing that design or style. There is no guarantee that you will find the exact match or similar pattern when you may next need them.
This can be applied to timber flooring as well. It takes weeks to order and receive flooring materials. Delays in a renovation project may end up costing you more money.
6). Not Putting A Floor Drain In The Laundry
This small detail is often ignored and omitted from the plan. Imagine if the hose of your washing machine breaks, you could end up with a flooded laundry and possibly the rest of the house. This can lead to problems with your flooring and can potentially cause mould growth in the future.
It has become popular to install a floor drain but most people try and install it themselves to save money. This is a big mistake. A laundry drain must be installed properly by a plumber. Floor drains direct water to the main drainage system and if not done right, laundry water can end up in the bathtub drain or kitchen sink.
7). Choosing Hardwood Flooring Without Considering Your Lifestyle And Needs
Hardwood floors add a touch of luxury and earthy tones to a home but it is not for everyone. If you have small kids and dogs, your hardwood floors will suffer more wear and tear.
Pet nails can scratch and damage the hardwood. Kids can spill food and drinks and cause all kinds of damage too. Hardwood floors are expensive. Consider using single board laminates or tiles for busy houses.
8). Not Changing The Bathroom Layout
When you renovate, consider the best possible options and look to improve the natural flow of the space. Older bathrooms have awkward floor plans and most of the time, they do not work with the modern amenities.
Do not get intimidated with the task of changing the floor plan. It is usually not as difficult as it may seem. Moving the shower, toilet and sink can mean a more spacious and clutter-free bathroom.
9). Getting Too Trendy
The more you follow the latest trends for your home renovation, the quicker it goes out of style. Then you will need to redo it to update it. Stick with the classic and timeless styles and pieces and don’t go overboard with appliances.
10). Insisting On Granite
There are a wide variety of options for your benchtops rather than just granite. Some non-granite options are plate steel, butcher block, or a nice laminate. These are more practical and cost-effective choices.
When renovating your home, it is important to balance the quality and the cost. Plan it right and get it done with the best results so the changes will provide you with many years of comfort and joy.
Period Extensions & Designs is an award-winning home extension and renovation specialist based in Melbourne. We can design, build and project manage your dream space without going over budget or over time.
Whether you need help with the design or the actual extension and renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.