Home renovations are important because some renovations improve comfort levels in your home, some increase the longevity of your property, some increase living space, some improve on safety and preparedness, and some help you save on energy costs. You should learn from the common mistakes people make when doing home renovations to ensure you do not fall on the same traps.
A common mistake is not having enough money for the job. You should never commence renovations if you do not have the budget because you will end up cutting corners such as buying cheap materials. There is even a risk of leaving the project hanging. Buying high quality materials is important because such materials are durable and you will end up saving money over time.
Some people start home renovations before getting the right permits. It is a legal requirement that you must have a permit from the local authorities before any project that alters the structure of your property, including a home extension and a renovation. Getting a permit will help you avoid penalties. You should also consult your neighbors.
Most home owners do not take safety and health issues seriously until there is an accident at the workplace. You should barricade off the site to prevent injuries. This is particularly important if you have kids. Take such measures as ensuring that he ladder works and disconnecting power items when not in use and ensure that everybody has the right personal safety equipment like ear plugs, eye protection and steel capped boots.
People often make the mistake of failing to hire a contractor or hiring the wrong contractor. You should avoid the temptation of DIY (do-it-yourself) home renovations because you will not have the training, skills, equipment and supplies necessary for the job. The contractor you pick should be licensed, bonded, and insured and should preferably have several years of experience.
When most people hire contractors, they often make the mistake of leaving all the work to them. It is your responsibility to supervise the work. Do not give too much money to your contractor (initial deposit) because he/she will not be inspired to work quickly. You must only pay the full amount after the job has been completed and inspected.
Other common mistakes to avoid are using duct tape for temporary fixes, inaccurate measuring, failure to do preparatory work such as cleaning surfaces, ignoring lighting, and following the latest trends (forgetting trends change quickly).