5 Mistakes to Avoid With Your Renovation

When undertaking a renovation, you might have a checklist in your mind of all the things you want or need to do to get the job done. However, it’s equally important to consider what not to do. Continue reading for five common home renovation mistakes you need to know, so your next project is a breeze.

1. Lowballing your budget

You’ve likely heard this a million times, but we’ll say it again - don’t underestimate costs. Manage your expectations when it comes to both money and time. It is rare that a home renovation goes completely according to plan.

You never know what issues could be lying behind drywall - from leaks to mold - so it’s best to set your budget and then add another 15% to 20% for unanticipated costs. The worst thing that happens is you come out under budget and the best case scenario is you’re covered for any unforeseen roadblocks. If you can’t afford to include this cushion, you should strongly consider scaling back your project.

Additionally, mentally prepare yourself for the added time it may take to remedy any challenges. Ideal timelines are just that - ideal. Contractors will always do their best to meet deadlines, but homeowners should also be prepared for anything.

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2. Overestimating your DIY abilities

Now that we’ve mentioned contractors, may we offer a piece of advice? Hire one! If you're reading this blog on our page, you’re probably on the right path. While DIY projects are not impossible, unless you’ve got years of construction and design experience, oftentimes DIYers quickly find themselves in over their heads. That’s why it’s the basis of just about a million home renovation shows.

Avoid removing chipped paint from houses built before 1978, for example, to avoid the risk of major health issues due to lead-based paints. Additionally, anything to do with plumbing, electric and light installation, is also best left to professionals out of an abundance of caution.

If you don’t have the proper tools, equipment, knowledge or skills to complete your project, you will end up spending more to fix any errors and, even worse, you could end up injured. Save yourself the time, money and frustration and hire yourself a team of professionals.

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3. Focusing too much on the decor

You will of course spend the bulk of your time at home indoors, so it’s easy to want to make the interior as pretty as possible. Kitchen renovations are one of the most sought-after projects. You may also be tempted to redo your floors or bathrooms. While all of these projects can be great ways to add value to your home, be careful not to focus too much indoors.

For example, there’s no use in ripping up carpet and redoing your floors if you end up with a leak in your roof that’s going to damage the new wood. Additionally, what good is a bathroom remodel if your tile pops up or cracks just a few months later?

With the choice between interior and exterior projects, we’d typically advise focusing on the exterior first. Be sure to splurge in the areas that matter most and are going to safeguard your newly renovated home from preventable damage.

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4. Not having enough materials

It’s easy to underestimate how much material you might need. Of course, preference is always toward saving money where you can, but not having enough paint or tile could be equally as bad or possibly worse.

If you don’t have enough material and you’ve already started your project, there’s no guarantee you’ll find an exact match when you need it. If you originally ordered four months ago and are now more than halfway done laying tile, this poses a pretty big issue. Once again, this can lead to paying more in the long run to rush order or delaying your project by several weeks or months.

As a general rule of thumb, buy 20% more flooring than you need. Tiles are prone to damage during installation and could even be defective upon shipping. To that point, another piece of advice is not to skimp on important materials. Many retailers will let you return unopened boxes for a full refund, so you don’t have to worry too much about being left with excess. However, it’s not a bad idea to keep some in case of any breakage down the line.

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5. Going with the first or cheapest contractor

Remember how we said to hire a contractor? We firmly stand by that, but also be sure to do your research. Don’t rush to hire or base your decision solely on price. Be weary of super low quotes and savvy with your interview questions. Your written estimate should include important details about waste removal, permit costs and insurance.

It’s wise to interview multiple contractors to get a sense of their vibe and ask for references. We recommend talking to the three most recent clients who will have a sense of what it's like to work with them at their current skill level. You want them to have a good rapport not only with you, but with your entire team of architects, designers and decorators, as well.

With Prime Renovations, you don’t have to worry about quality. We work hard to ensure a custom approach that aligns budget with the goals of our clients. We provide an end-to-end “white glove” experience from concept and design to full execution, and beyond. Handling every step of the renovation process for clients, we pride ourselves on having an unparalleled eye for detail, best-in-class communication, an unmatched level of transparency, and the ability to quickly adapt to the ever-changing needs and wants of our clients.

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Give us a call at 646-979-9000 to get the ball rolling.