13 Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Making home renovations can be a fun, exciting experience. However, there are many things to avoid if you want to make the most of your time and money. In this post, we'll go over 13 common mistakes people make when renovating their homes. By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll be able to create the perfect space for you and your family. So read on to learn more!

1. Setting an unrealistic budget

Renovations often cost more than expected. Build in an extra 20% to your budget to be better prepared for any surprises.

2. Sacrificing function for form

Think about how you’ll actually live in the space. Consider door, window, and outlet placement, as well as traffic patterns throughout the home.

3. Buying cheap materials

Select durable, high-quality materials that you won’t need to replace within a few years. Building materials aren’t the place to economize.

4. Measuring incorrectly

It is important for DIY home renovations to have correct measurements. The adage “measure twice but cut once” can save countless delays and money. Being off even a fraction of an inch can have big repercussions, causing poor fits and reordered materials.

5. Being too trendy

Fresh, updated looks are great, but consider resale value, too. Trends are short-lived, while good design lasts forever. Don’t hesitate to consult a designer if you have questions.

6. Impulse buying

Consider the entire project — the floor, wall color, cabinetry, lights and other elements — and how these pieces all work together to create a cohesive look.

7. Not doing the prep work

Doing a project right the first time requires preparing properly, whether that means re-taping, spackling and priming walls before painting or doing structural work before re-flooring. Doing it now saves time and money later.

8. Not considering workflow

This is particularly important in kitchens. Consider the “work triangle” between refrigerator, sink and stove to ensure you enjoy the functionality of the new design and can use the space efficiently.

9. Focusing on appearance

Be sure to address any structural or safety issues, such as updating the electrical system or ensuring foundations and subflooring are sound. Doing so will help avoid damaging your new, beautiful finishes to fix potential problems later.

10. Underestimating the safety risks

Neglecting your own safety will not only impede your project, but it can also cause you serious physical harm. Always wear protective clothing such as work boots, safety goggles, hearing protection and gloves when working. Keep a first aid kit.

11. Ignoring lighting

A lighting specialist can help you design a lighting plan to place and size your combinations of general, task, accent and smart lighting. This creates a well-lit, welcoming and usable environment.

12. Updating the wrong things

Focus on elements that add long-term value to your home, such as storage and elements that aren’t just cosmetic. For example, installing an expensive wall treatment but skimping on flooring may not be the best option.

13. Overbuilding

Your finished home remodel should complement your neighborhood. Homes that are significantly different from neighboring homes can look awkward and may not offer the return on investment that you were anticipating.

 When it comes to renovating your home, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. If you’re not careful, you may end up making costly mistakes that could have been easily avoided. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 13 most common home renovation mistakes people make – so you can be sure to avoid them at all cost! Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to having the beautiful home you always dreamed of.