A home renovation is a great way to update your living space and increase your home's functionality, aesthetics and value.
However, it can also be a challenging and stressful process if you don't plan carefully and avoid common mistakes.
To help you achieve a successful renovation, we've put together a list of the top 10 renovation mistakes you must always avoid.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is choosing the cheapest contractor for their renovation project.
While it's understandable that you want to save money, cutting corners on the contractor can lead to subpar workmanship and low-quality materials.
Before you hire a contractor, do your research and consider factors like skill, experience, reputation, and workmanship.
Check the contractor's record for timely deliverables, and get quotes from at least three reputable contractors.
Don't be tempted to go with the lowest quote to save money, as this can often result in a low-quality job.
Choose a contractor who understands your vision and can deliver accordingly, and make sure your contract includes all the specifications of the raw materials and a realistic working schedule.
Another mistake homeowners often make is not creating a realistic budget for their renovation project.
Before you start your renovation, make sure you have a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend.
Divide the project into different zones and prioritize the areas where you want to spend generously and those areas where you want to stick to a minimalistic budget.
Remember to make provision for an additional budget of 15% to 20% for contingencies or unforeseen expenses.
When renovating an older property, it's important to thoroughly check the building for any pre-structural problems.
Inspect the building for wall cracks, broken plumbing lines, dampness, and faulty electrical wiring.
Structural damages might be caused due to water seepage, and repair work is needed.
Make provision for adequate electrical points as per the furniture layout.
While it's tempting to incorporate the latest décor trends into your renovation, it's important to consider a timeless design instead.
Trendy designs often change over time, and you may find yourself wanting to update your décor frequently.
Instead, focus on function over form and prioritize changes that will improve the functionality and practicality of your living space.
If you do want to incorporate the latest décor trends, bring them in through wall paint, upholstery, and accessories that are easy to replace.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is compromising on the quality of materials to save money.
However, it's important to invest in high-quality materials for permanent fixtures like flooring, plumbing, electricals, sanitary fixtures, doors, windows, hinges, and kitchen cabinetry.
These items should be durable and long-lasting, and investing in quality materials will save you money in the long run.
If you have a limited budget, control the scale of the project instead of buying cheap quality materials.
Lighting is an essential element of any renovation project, and it's important to incorporate a well-designed lighting plan into your renovation.
A layered lighting scheme involves the strategic placement of different types of lighting to create a well-balanced and visually appealing environment.
The three main types of lighting used in a layered approach are ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.
Ambient lighting provides general illumination to a space, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
It serves as the base layer of lighting and ensures that the room is evenly lit.
Common sources of ambient lighting include overhead fixtures, chandeliers, wall sconces, and recessed lights.
By distributing light throughout the room, ambient lighting reduces shadows and provides a pleasant background illumination.
Task lighting is designed to provide focused and concentrated light in specific areas where activities or tasks are performed.
It helps to enhance visibility and reduce eye strain.
Examples of task lighting include desk lamps, under-cabinet lights in the kitchen, reading lights by the bed, and vanity lights in the bathroom.
Task lighting should be adjustable and directed towards the task area, allowing individuals to effectively perform tasks such as reading, cooking, or working.
Accent lighting is used to highlight and draw attention to specific architectural features, artwork, or decorative elements within a space.
It adds depth and visual interest to a room by creating contrast and emphasizing focal points.
Accent lighting can be achieved through the use of track lighting, wall-mounted fixtures, picture lights, or recessed spotlights.
By focusing light on specific objects or areas, accent lighting creates a sense of drama and ambience.
Proper planning is essential for a successful renovation.
Start by creating a space plan with a proper furniture layout and circulation pattern to ensure that your living space is functional and organized.
Ensure that there is adequate provision for ventilation.
If you plan to make any structural changes to the layout of the space, hire a professional engineer who can advise you on what changes can be made.
It's important to bring in a professional at the start of the project and not after the renovation work has started.
A professional designer may cost you an additional 10 to 20% of the budget, but they have a trained eye to assess things, and they should come in during the planning stage of the project.
Divide the kitchen into different zones and mark the sink, hob, and refrigerator position. Select the appliances and make provision for the electric points.
When buying furniture, ordering flooring, or wall paint, always measure the space at least twice and make only a few changes.
Adequate built-in and closed storage should be provided for a well-organized, clutter-free look.
Once the layout is final, adhere to it, as any change may result in delays and extra costs that can push back the proposed timeline.
Investing in green appliances available across different budgets is good for the environment and helps reduce the home's running costs and electricity bills in the long run.
Consider installing faucets and fixtures that can improve water efficiency, installing solar panels to generate electricity, and insulating the home to prevent heat gain and loss within the interiors.
Choosing design elements that don't suit the architectural and interior style of the home is a common mistake that can affect the overall look and feel of your living space.
Before buying furniture, accessories, and decorative light fixtures, wait until the completion stage of the project to ensure that you don't end up with products that don't fit.
When selecting furniture, ensure that it's according to the scale and proportion of the space.
Finally, one of the most important things to remember is to give your renovation project the time it needs to be successful.
Don't try to speed up the renovation project, as this can compromise design and workmanship, and you may miss important details.
Create a proper timeline, as remodelling and renovation usually result in chaos and go differently than planned.
A material schedule will ensure that the raw materials are purchased and arrive on-site on time.
In conclusion, home renovation projects can be exciting and rewarding if planned properly and executed well.
By avoiding these 10 renovation mistakes, you can ensure a successful renovation that enhances the functionality and aesthetics of your living space.
Remember to prioritize function over form, invest in high-quality materials, incorporate a well-designed lighting plan, and give your renovation project the time it needs to be successful.
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