10 Common Renovation Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

by | Nov 13, 2020 | Other Building News

There is no denying that deciding to renovate your home is super exciting.

Finally getting your home to a place you are happy with is incredibly satisfying.

But, renovations can be costly, especially if they aren’t done right.

There are lots of common mistakes that people make, regardless of whether they choose to renovate themselves or use the professionals.

Let’s take a look at those mistakes now so that you can avoid making them too!

Mistake 1: Budget

Every renovation project should have a budget. That means you don’t end up spending more than you intended. However, you need to ensure that you have a realistic budget in mind. Obviously, $5k is not going to get you a completely overhauled brand new kitchen, but it would definitely freshen the space and modernise it if you spend your funds wisely.

Make sure your budget matches your expectations for the project.

Mistake 2: Plans

Renovating without a plan in mind is like driving to a destination for the first time without a map. You might get there in the end by following your nose, but it will take longer, probably cost more and cause a lot of unnecessary frustration. Having a plan that details exactly what the end outcome will be makes the renovation process a lot smoother.

Mistake 3: DIY

While some jobs can totally be done yourself, there are times when you need to call in the experts. Unless you are a builder/plumber/electrician etc. then it is unlikely you will have the required skills (or legal requirements) for certain renovation projects. Don’t take on more than your skill level can handle. Rather, call in the experts (like the team here at Maintain To Profit) to help you get it right the first time!

Mistake 4: Not Knowing How A Space Functions

Sure it is nice to have gorgeous spaces in your home, but they need to function well also. Know how you will use a space before you start to make any changes. That way you can maximise the useability of your home and not have any regrettable dead space. Think about the function before you think about how to make it pretty.

Mistake 5: Being Too Trendy

Following current design trends is great, as long as the trends work with your home. They need to fit the architectural style as well as the vibe you are creating. This is especially important if you are keeping some areas of your home the same in the renovation. Also, consider your resale value – some trends can be short lived.

Mistake 6: Not Lining Up Your Trades

With any project, things need to be completed in a certain order. If you get the wrong tradies in at the wrong time, then things won’t flow as they should. One way to get around this is to use a professional Project Management service like the one we offer at Maintain To Profit. Renovating is our bread and butter, we do it day in and day out. That means you can capitalise on our skills and expertise, making sure the project runs on time and to budget.

Mistake 7: Buying Cheap Materials

Renovating can be very disruptive to your daily life, so you don’t want to undertake the process more than you have to. A sure fire way to renovate more than you need is to buy cheap materials. They simply don’t last as long as their better quality counterparts. Plus, you won’t get the sleek finishes you desire either.

Mistake 8: Choosing Tradies On A Whim

Tradespeople will be a large part of the success of your renovations. So, you want to make sure you choose the ones that are qualified for the job. Before taking them on, make sure you do your research. Check out their credentials and any online reviews so that you can get a feel for their skill and standard of work. Alternatively, simply connect with the Maintain To Profit team and save yourself a bunch of time researching online!

Mistake 9: Impulse Buying

You know that piece that you absolutely HAVE to have? Well, have you thought about how it will work in a space, how it will look with the rest of the items in a room and if it is truly going to serve your family well? Impulse buying can be dangerous. Consider the project as a whole so that you don’t throw out your budget or get stuck with an elephant in the room!

Mistake 10: Not Doing The Prep Work

A huge part of doing the job right is getting the preparations done correctly. If you don’t have the perfect foundation to work from, then your end results will be less than desirable. Make sure you take the time to prepare properly. That does not just mean sanding all your surfaces before painting, but understanding what preparations have to go into the project as a whole!

Renovating really can help you to create the house of your dreams, but only if it is done well. If you need some help with your next renovation project, then get in touch with us here at Maintain To Profit. We can help you avoid all of those renovation mistakes, making the whole process smooth and stress free!