No matter how big or small, there’s no denying that the idea of renovating is always exciting!
Various reports point towards the city’s increase in home renovation projects over the past few years. One such report suggests that residential renovation’s value has increased four times in the past few years.
However, renovating a home is easier said than done. And one of the most neglected aspects of renovation is considering what can go wrong. So, in the following sections, we have discussed some common pitfalls of home renovation.
Let’s start!
6 Common Pitfalls In Home Renovation Sydney
1. Going With The Wrong Contractor
One of the most common mistakes that most homeowners make is hiring the wrong contractor. This is especially true for first-timers, who tend to be attracted by flashy offers and fancy promises. Moreover, if you don’t have much time to spare (during emergencies) for the renovation, there’s a high chance you would hire any contractor without adequate research.
In such cases, it may happen that the contractor cannot accomplish specific tasks or leaves the renovation mid-way because of insufficient qualifications or preparations. And by that time, you’d have spent a fair deal of money for unsatisfactory workmanship.
An excellent way to avoid this hassle is to vet various contractors and home renovation services. Look for their legitimacy, qualifications, the type of projects they have worked on, and client reviews. Your preferred contractor should always maintain clear communication, walking you through every step of the project.
Also, watch whether they have handled or are equipped to meet your requirements. If you’re short on time, seek referrals from friends or family. All these checks will ultimately make your investment worth it.
2. Opting For Cheaper Offers
While we agree that saving money is attractive, it can often do more damage when looking at the bigger picture. In a bid to remain within budget or complete the renovation for less than the original budget, many homeowners may end up having subpar materials and unsustainable construction practices. As a result, you might have to spend more money on repairs than the renovation itself.
It’s always advisable to keep track of the average costs of materials like paints, fixtures, furniture, and other items usually required for renovations. This way, you will have a good idea of whether the contractor supplies inferior or quality materials. Additionally, we’d recommend contacting a home renovation specialist for professional advice on the best plan for your budget.
3. Ignoring The Kitchen And Bathroom
It’s not unusual for homeowners to devote all their attention towards the bedrooms and living room during renovation, primarily due to aesthetic reasons. However, a good renovation plan should factor in utility and repairs. That’s why it’s essential to consider reviving the kitchen and bathrooms to prevent plumbing issues from ruining the other renovated spaces at home.
If you’re on a tight budget and plagued with damaged plumbing or faulty water appliances and fixtures, you’d want to start by repairing or replacing them (as required). Otherwise, the costs will only pile up as you wait longer.
4. Overlooking The Simple Things
Homeowners are often so focused on making big changes that they overlook the superficial aspects, the most common of which is lighting. For instance, a faulty light fixture may cause severe problems if not handled. Again, you’d require much more money to fix the mainline supply than installing new light fixtures.
Not only that, but the lighting can also make or break the ambience of a room. Even the biggest rooms with light colour paints will appear dark and cramped if the lighting isn’t adequate. When planning the renovation, make a list of such issues so that you don’t miss out on the important details
5. Ignoring The Exterior
Unless you’re fixated on indoor renovations (mainly due to budget limitations), it’s also a good idea to look after the exterior renovation. There may be some exterior surfaces that need to be changed or repaired. This will, in turn, help transform an otherwise dull or monotonous landscape. Plus, you can make your house stand out from the rest!
6. Going With The Trend
Don’t get us wrong- we aren’t saying trending or modern designs and layouts don’t yield satisfactory results. The problem is that many homeowners choose any layout simply because it’s trending without assisting its practicality.
Remember that not all designs will suit your home, both in appearance and functionality. You may not follow the original architectural style, but the additions and changes should complement the existing architecture.
Furthermore, quite a few “trending” renovation ideas are expensive but have a short life span, meaning they won’t contribute to the property’s resale value. Hence, your investment may become futile, requiring you to invest in new, compatible designs.
4 Things To Avoid In DIY Renovations
In case you’re opting for a full-fledged DIY renovation project, then here are some things that you should avoid:
1. Installing Appliances Early On
Whether replacing certain appliances or buying some for the first time, installing them should mark the completion of the entire renovation. And there’s no rocket science here- installing fixtures and appliances before the paint or flooring is completely dry can damage the newly applied paint or tiles.
2. Not Ordering Extra Flooring
Regarding flooring, order enough material for the actual requirement and possible installation wastage or defects. Ideally, you should purchase an extra 20% of the total need for this purpose.
3. Inaccurate Measurements
Having accurate and precise measurements is of utmost importance, especially when you’re going the DIY way. In this regard, don’t rely on one-time measurements, as being off by even a few centimetres can result in improper fitting and installation. Likewise, never purchase furniture like sofas and beds before measuring the space.
4. Choose The Wrong Upgrade
As mentioned before, an ideal renovation plan should strike the right balance between appearance and utility. And this can be achieved by focusing on the elements that add value in the long term.
For example, even the most expensive wall hangings can get damaged if the wall is prone to moisture. So, if you’re on a strict budget, consider fixing the wall with high-quality materials instead of purchasing an expensive decorating item.
Similarly, the walls, flooring, furniture, lighting, and other fixtures should come together. Hence, keep colours and patterns in mind when choosing these items.
Doing Your Home Renovation Right!
That brings us to the end of today’s guide. Renovating a home isn’t something you will do every day, so it only makes sense to think about every aspect beforehand.
Before we take your leave, here’s a pro tip: ask for at least three different estimates before finalising one. At the same time, look out for discounts and sales on home furnishings to save on the budget without compromising quality.
We will see you soon. Till then, goodbye!