The idea of renovating your home can be exciting but too often we see people get ahead of themselves thinking about the end result leading them to make poor decisions early on which ultimately adds time and money to the project. We’ve compiled some of the most common mishaps we’ve seen homeowners make leading up to and during the home renovation process as well as our recommendations on how to avoid falling into these traps.
Don’t Rush Into It
Any home renovation is a major investment which is why it’s important to take your time and make sure you’re properly prepared before jumping into it. This all starts with having a vision and choosing the right person for the job. One of the biggest mistakes we see homeowners make is choosing to work with the first contractor they speak to or just going with the cheapest bid. Keep in mind that some quotes are just low ballpark figures that do not include additional costs for things like demolition, installation, and waste removal. Price also shouldn’t be the sole reason for choosing to work with someone so you’ll want to make sure they take the time to understand your wants and needs before drawing up any plans. Our recommendation is to come into your initial consultation with a list of questions to ask including references to ensure they’re reputable and have experience with similar projects.
Prepare For The Unexpected
Another costly mistake many people make is not budgeting enough. Before even reaching out to contractors you should have a figure in mind of what you can afford or are willing to spend. A good rule of thumb is to set aside an additional 15-20% of your budget in case unexpected circumstances arise during the project like discovering faulty electrical or a crack in your foundation. This also relates back to the previous section of making sure that your proposed budget is transparent and covers these expenses, so you don’t get blindsided and end up exceeding your budget early in the process.
Beware of Cheap Materials
We’ve all heard the saying, “you get what you pay for” and materials are the last thing you’ll want to cut corners on. Make sure you choose high-quality, durable materials that fit within your budget of course. This will save you money in the long run because you won’t end up having to replace them when they inevitably break down. We also recommend that our clients purchase more than they might need especially when it comes to flooring just to be safe because like we mentioned earlier, things happen that cause plans to change. The last thing you want is to have to delay your project while you wait to re-order more or even worse find out that the style you chose is no longer in stock. Remember, you can always either save or return what you don’t end up using.
As you can see the prep work that goes into any home remodel is crucial to the final outcome so it’s important to be patient and do your research before getting started. If you have any questions or are interested in renovating your home, Noah Construction & Builders is here to help! Give us a call at 631.750.2837 to schedule a consultation today!
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