Upgrading your home is one way to improve the comfort and increase the property value. Renovation can be frustrating though, with unexpected costs or results that didn’t meet your expectations. These are the biggest home upgrade regrets people make.
Underestimating The True Cost Of Renovations
Many people underestimate how much renovations cost. You might budget for big price items like new cabinets or flooring, without thinking about fees for permits, structural fixes and final cleaning.
Make sure you expect unknowns from happening, as once walls are torn down, contractors can often find issues with plumbing, writing or mold, and these types of issues all need immediate repair.
Think beyond just the materials and the labor cost, with fees like permits, design fees, site protection and temporary living costs, if you have to move out.
Get multiple quotes and compare, asking contractors for written estimates, so you make sure you’re going for the cheapest option without hidden surprises.
Hiring The Wrong Contractor
If you choose the wrong contractor, they can end up stalling your project, raising the costs or leave you with poor quality work. Make sure you check their license, their insurance and for local references for their work, before you sign any contracts.
Ask for at least 3 detailed bids, and compare them to see which one includes. The lowest price might not offer the best quality, and the price might be missing some important costs.
You can always visit recent job sites to look at their recent work, and make sure you ask them about their punctuality, clean-up process and whether their final cost matched the estimate.
Always look out for red flags like being asked to make a large upfront fee, vague details about how/when the word will be done, or if a contractor is being too pushy with you.
Negotiate a reasonable deposit, and link most of the other payments to completed work, so you can protect your money.
Ignoring Proper Planning And Permits
Skipping planning or permits can get you into trouble, and end up costing you a lot of money. Working without a clear plan, you might end up uncovering hidden plumbing issues or wiring that needs a big repair job.
Hire a licensed professional to check for any concealed problems early. Having a quick pre-construction inspection can spot hidden plumbing issues, any structural concerns or potential code violations.
Keep a record of all permits, plans and inspections, so you can prove the work was legal and safe, helping you with resale or home insurance issues.
Overpersonalizing For Future Buyers
When you’re making design choices, don’t just choose something you love. Think about what a future buyer would want, if you’re not planning on staying in your home long term.
Highly specific design choices could influence a potential future buyer, leaving your home on the market for longer.
Try to keep the major surfaces neutral, but also durable. Choose quartz countertops or a classic wood-look flooring, rather than a rare stone option or loud colorful patterns.
Avoid any extreme kitchen renovation choices like having open shelving everywhere, or custom kitchen cabinets in an unusual finish. You don’t want your design choices to date your home, and put off potential buyers.
Small and personal touches work better than big permanent changed. Paint, hardware and staging lets you personalize your home, without altering the core elements.