5 Home Improvement Fails and How to Avoid Them
Find a contractor that will work with you to avoid some of the most common home renovation fails.
You’ve gone ahead and planned out the perfect home renovation project. You set some money aside, did all your shopping at the local home improvement store and asked some of your closest friends and family members to come and help. The reno isn’t complete and you’re out of money, supplies and time. Sound familiar?
Here’s what you can do next time to ensure your reno is finished on time and on budget.
1. Set a realistic budget.
Determining a budget for a renovation can almost be as hard as saving the money. From the cost of materials to the amount of time the renovation will take, you’ll need to take many things into account before building up a realistic budget for the project.
This is where you may want to find a contractor to help. If you’re still set on doing it yourself, always over-budget by adding in an extra 20 percent to cover any surprises that may pop up along the way.
2. Don’t indulge in the latest trends.
If you don’t plan on renovating often, skip the trendy materials and designs. A properly designed space can adapt to the latest trends but should be timeless on their own. Instead of using that trendy tile with the busy pattern, go for something a little more classic. You can decorate the space with trendy furniture and decorations instead.
3. Make sure to order enough materials.
One of the biggest home improvement fails is failing to order enough materials for the job. If you’ve calculated the square footage of the space you’re renovating, you’ll need to add a little extra to accommodate any defects and wastage that occurs along the way. Just like the budget, 20 percent is a great number to use here too.
4. Stay on top of building permits.
If you’re planning on building a home addition or new structure, you’ll likely need a permit. A contractor will know exactly what you need for the job. One of the worst things you can do is build something without a permit and have it torn down or affect the resale value of your home.
5. Keep your expectations in check.
A lot of homeowners go into a project with dreams of grandeur. They typically gloss over the actual renovation process when dreaming of a new space. The work itself is hard, messy, and inconvenient. During the renovation, homeowners are usually unable to use the space being worked on, dust settles on surfaces that seem far away from the renovation zone, and renovations are seldom quick.
When facing a new renovation, find a contractor that will be straight with you and tell you all of this. A good project manager will know how long the renovation will take, how much it will cost, and how much of an inconvenience it will be. They’ll also work hard to ensure that each and every deadline is met.
Do you have a home renovation coming up? Here’s 5 Tips for Living Through a Major Home Renovation.
Looking for a construction management team that can ensure your renovations go smoothly? Contact Rafter 4K Contracting. With more than 25 years as Project Management Specialists in the Okanagan Valley, they can successfully plan, organize, and control your upcoming renovation.
