Mar 9, 2022
 in 
Design & Function

5 Common Mistakes When Remodeling Your Home

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Philip Shepel
Shepel Homes rated 5/5 based on 22 reviews.
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here are many opportunities for improving your home with remodeling. Home improvement projects give you a chance to improve your home's functionality, aesthetics, and health. These projects can often result in unnecessary expenses, delays, and dangerous situations.

Without a doubt, remodeling a house can be a pricey project, so making mistakes along the way can make the costs go even higher. Here are some things to watch for when remodeling your home so you don't overspend.

Mistake #1: Not Buying High-Quality Materials.

Different types of wood tones

Most people don't realize how much quality affects the look and feel of your home's furniture, appliances, and other things. This is why it's important to make sure that you're buying high-quality products. When choosing materials for a space, consider the material's durability and its ability to hold up to wear. It is best to remember that for all of the things you touch and use every day, it's worth spending a little extra cash on better quality products that will last longer and look great. Spend some good money on the things you touch every day as a reward for yourself.

Choosing high-quality premium materials for your home renovation project can save you money in the long run. For example, if you're going to purchase home improvement materials, be sure to look for sturdy quality wood. Wood is generally more durable than manufactured materials, but quality matters. Poor-quality wood won't last as long. Cheap-made products will not wear well and may fall apart after months. They will not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts, and you may find yourself replacing them more often than necessary. This will add up over time and cost you more than you bargained for.

Mistake #2: Not making a budget.

A hand holding a phone

The second most common mistake homeowners make when remodeling is not making a budget. They don't plan, and they underestimate the cost of renovations. Without a budget, people often spend more money than they expected to. That's why budget matters so much. It doesn't mean you can't make home improvements. The lack of money shouldn't stop you from doing what you want with your house. If you're going to add a kitchen island or frameless glass doors in your bathroom, you can make that happen. You should know what you're comfortable spending and stick to a budget that works for you.

If you're are going to remodel your home, you need to calculate the total cost. Have a contingency budget of around 20% of the overall expenditures of a home remodel. The main factors include the cost of materials, the cost of labor, and the overall project cost.

Mistake #3: Not taking into account future needs.

A mom and two children playing together

It is always best to consider the future and include spaces and functions you may want in the short, mid, and long term for home remodeling. Doing a home remodel without a plan is the number one reason most remodels fail, and you find yourself doing things over again in the future or building out a space that is not ideal. A home should be an investment for your future.

You might want to eliminate an existing wall to create more space for your family. Take the bedroom, for example. Kids bedroom, as they grow, there will be lots of remodeling to the room to fit the needs of a kid, from toddlers to teenagers. So it is important to consider the space as the ability to grow with a child can sometimes be too overwhelming.

Mistake #4: Choosing Aesthetics over Functionality.

A monochromatic bathroom with different tile patterns

It is a common mistake to choose materials for your project based solely on your personal preference. When choosing a material for your home, it can be tempting to pick something because it looks cool or because it's trending. The problem is that sometimes trends are just a fleeting phase of the dynamic trends, especially in home interior design. There's a need to create a balance beam in every detail of the home, from straight line simplicity outside to vibrant energy inside. Every surface, every line, every space works together in dynamic tension. Because when you balance aesthetics and functionality, you don't just create a physical space. You make a place of possibility and experience. Also, as we all know, technology nowadays is so advanced that you can find materials with all-weather capability. With that, there are so many available options for home décor ideas, especially those made of high quality and durable.

Mistake #5: Choosing the Lowest Bid.

A construction worker lifting a wood

The biggest mistake in home remodeling you can note is that people make when doing renovations themselves is hiring inexperienced or charging meager rates contractors. It pays off to hire the best help you can find, even if they’re a little more expensive; they’ll know how to get the job done better and faster, saving you money in the long run. When you’re in the thick of working on a project, it’s easy to believe that someone who promises a lower rate than other bids will save you money in the end. But most often, they’ll end up costing more; they might do shoddy work (leaving you with higher fix-it costs later) or hold off on finishing the job until you pay them more than you budgeted.

Overall, remodeling is a great way to improve your home, but choosing the wrong materials can cause headaches down the road. You can ensure that your home remodeling project goes smoothly without unexpected costs by avoiding the above mistakes. To provide you get the best, most long-lasting results, work with experienced home renovation contractors like Shepel Homes Design & Build. Their experience with home remodeling across the area means they can give you advice tailored to your needs, preferences, and budget. Remodel with confidence, don't hesitate to contact a reputable home renovation contractor in Seattle, WA! Check out our Learning Center.