How to Avoid the Common Pitfalls of Home Renovation

A well-planned renovation project offers you an exciting opportunity to make your home a more livable place, and the experience is even more rewarding when you can avoid commonly encountered pitfalls along the way. The following tips from the experienced professionals at Handyman Connection of Carmel can help you steer clear of problems and keep unexpected expenses to a minimum.

Finalize Design Decisions
Nothing drives up the cost of a renovation like making design changes once the project is underway. Think through the details of your remodeling job ahead of time to avoid costly complications. Research materials, collect product information and make decisions about color schemes and architectural styles. From fixtures to finishes, you should be firm about your design choices well before the renovation begins.

Measure Twice, Cut Once
The last thing you want when renovating a space is to discover that an item is too large to fit through a door, yet failing to account for the dimensions of a product is one of the most common mistakes that contractors encounter. Making sure that everything fits together seamlessly requires precise and accurate measurements. Because even a small error can make a huge difference, it’s a good idea to have someone double-check the dimensions.

Avoid Fads and Trends
It’s tempting to select the latest colors, materials and finishes when undertaking a renovation project, but it’s a mistake to fall prey to passing trends. To protect your home’s resale value, choose designs that will stand the test of time. Even if you plan to stay in your home for years to come, trendy styles that look fresh and hip today may soon feel outdated. It’s a better idea to use affordable accessories, decorative trim or accenting hardware to keep the space looking current and chic.

Choose Materials Wisely
For your long-term satisfaction, consider functionality and maintenance when selecting materials. Read the specs and do your homework before making decisions. A deal on ceramic bathroom tile may seem like a bargain, but you’ll pay extra dealing with water damage if its porosity rating is sub-par. On the other hand, it’s important to recognize that the most expensive materials aren’t always a practical choice. High-end marble, for example, may look gorgeous, but it requires periodic sealing to keep moisture at bay.

Light It Up!
Forgetting to consider the effect that lighting has on a renovation is another common mistake. The most beautifully designed space will look drab and dreary if not adequately illuminated. In addition to general lighting, include task lighting for specific activities and accent lighting to create the right ambiance for the space. Take advantage of natural light too. Enlarging a window or adding a skylight can have a dramatic impact on a room’s mood and atmosphere.

Set a Realistic Budget
Careful planning and preparation helps keep a remodeling budget on track, but you’ll want to factor in funds for unexpected expenses as well. From mistakes made during earlier projects to water damage incurred from a pinpoint leak, some problems simply don’t reveal themselves until the renovation has begun. Experts recommend setting aside 10 to 15 percent of your budget to cover unanticipated costs.

While it’s impossible to anticipate every issue that may pop up during a home renovation, the pros at Handyman Connection of Carmel are experts at streamlining the process. Whether it’s a new addition to your home or a kitchen, bathroom or basement makeover, we take pride in delivering quality renovations guaranteed to enhance your life at home. Request a free, no-obligation estimate today!