Top 5 Costly Renovation Mistakes

Renovating your home is likely one of the priciest investments you’ll ever make, next to actually buying the house itself. Oftentimes, people who are new to the renovation world get excited about their renovation ideas, but don’t have a plan or realize what it actually involves to take on this potentially massive undertaking. People come in hot and ready to start tearing things apart. 

While being gung-ho and passionate is a great way to tackle a reno project, you also want to make sure you are prepared and educated before you start. Below we will discuss the most common and costly mistakes new renovators tend to make, and how to avoid falling victim to these mistakes yourself. 

Not having a clear vision

Imagine you walk into a sandwich shop and tell them to make you anything on the menu. You say, “Just surprise me”, and they end up making you a sandwich with something you are allergic to. You would never do such a thing. Instead, you would come into the shop with an idea of what you want and what you don’t want. Renovating your home is the same thing. Make sure you have a clear vision so there are no surprises along the way.

One of the best ways to ensure your vision is clear and concise is to write it down in some way. Maybe make a list with clear descriptions or a book with photos of the exact style you want. Some people even like to make vision boards with their ideas so it is constantly in sight and fresh in your mind. It is so much easier to stick to your plan when you have the plan documented in some way.

Exceeding your budget

As awesome as it would be to have an unlimited budget, that is not the reality for most of us. There’s nothing worse than nearing the end of your renovation and realizing you don’t have the funds to complete it. Make sure your budget is clear, and that you are checking it regularly to ensure that you are not exceeding it. It is also a good idea to over-budget what you will need so you have some wiggle room if something turns out to be more expensive than the initial quote. You never want to set your budget at the highest amount you can afford, as it leaves no room for unexpected costs.

Making everything a DIY project

Although DIY projects can be awesome and a great way to save money, professionals really should be utilized for certain jobs. I mean, they’re professionals for a reason. When you think about the time it takes to complete a DIY project you’ve never done before, and the potential lack of quality of the product you are putting out, it really does make the most sense to leave it to the professionals instead of potentially saving a few bucks. You really can’t put a price tag on the benefit of being done faster with a better quality product when it comes to your home renovation.  

Not choosing the best professionals for the job

Like DIY projects, it can be tempting to save a little money and add some convenience by hiring a professional that is offering some crazy deal, or is the first one to say yes to your job, however, it is so important to do your research before hiring any professionals to start work on your home. Here are a few things that are important to take into account when you are hiring:

1. Quality of their work – Ask to see some of their previous projects. Would you go get a new tattoo without checking out the artist’s portfolio first? Probably not. Make sure you like their previous work before deciding to hire them. 
2. Professionalism – Are they pushy and short or are they pleasant and understanding? Are they willing to provide a written quote? All of these things point to whether or not they are reputable and dependable. 
3. Communication – Are they easy to get a hold of? Are they good about getting back to you timely when you have questions? Communication, or lack thereof, is so important when you are hiring for your home reno projects. 
4. Credentials –  Always ask to see their license. A reputable tradesperson will never take issue with providing you their credentials. 

Don’t forget the landscaping!

Great landscaping will elevate any home. It also helps with curb appeal, whether it is just for your own enjoyment, or you plan to sell further down the line. Beautiful landscaping will provide the finishing touches on your home reno project, just like adding a pretty bow to a present. Forgetting the landscaping can leave you feeling like the space isn’t complete or like it’s missing something. 

Our biggest advice about landscaping – make sure you have a clear plan and budget, just like you did for the home renovation. Landscaping tends to come last during renovations and you don’t want to get to the end and realize you don’t have the budget to complete the process. We see people do this all the time and it is avoidable if you are conscious of it. 

If you are considering a renovation in the greater Sacramento area, reach out to the friendly experts at Vinson. We’ll provide you with any information you need.