A home renovation is a complex process, and there are a lot of mistakes you can make along the way.
So what, exactly, are those mistakes and, more importantly, how can you avoid them?
A recent article from realtor.com outlined common mistakes homeowners make when renovating their properties—and how to avoid them—including:
- Relying too heavily on trends. You want your home renovation to feel fresh and timely. But if you rely too heavily on design trends, your renovation might not reflect your own personal style—and can also look dated in a year or two. When renovating your home, don’t blindly follow trends; instead, take cues from what’s trending in home design—and then use those cues to guide your design in a way that works for you and your style.
- Over-renovating for your neighborhood. A home renovation can add value to your home. But if you renovate your home to the point where it’s more updated, stylish, or high-end than other properties in your neighborhood, you probably won’t get a return on your investment—and it could even make your home harder to sell. Before moving forward with a renovation, research nearby properties to make sure your renovation is in line with other homes in your neighborhood. (For example, do any nearby listings have a wine cellar or chef’s kitchen? If not, those amenities might not be the right fit for your renovation.)
- Underestimating the cost. Home renovations can be expensive, so you should do some research and have an idea of just how expensive before you start to move forward. Estimate the price of all the materials and fixtures you plan to use and get an estimate on labor. Then, add 10 to 20 percent to the total cost to cover any unforeseen expenses. While this won’t give you an exact price for your renovation, it will give you an idea of how much the renovation will cost—which can help you avoid “sticker shock” as the project progresses.