20 Renovation Mistakes New Homeowners Should Avoid

Congratulations on getting your new house! Of course, you are excited; however, your work isn’t over just yet. From getting a new house and making it your own, it isn’t easy. So let’s dive deep into the secrets behind designing a property, so you can get it done as flawlessly as possible, without these 20 common mistakes new homeowners often make.

1. Don’t rush into renovations. Instead, start living in your new house before you make any new plans. This will help you get accustomed to the new environment and allow you to analyze the attributes of your house, and help make reservations and design plans as you see fit.
2. It is also important to take care of your home insurance, so make sure you have it covered.
3. Always keep in mind that renovating your house can take longer and be costlier than what you originally had in mind. Add 20% to your budget as a failsafe, so there are no nasty surprises.
4. Be prepared to hire a good contractor from the earliest possible stages, it might cost you extra, but it will be worth the money in terms of design and construction. Hire the one who understands your needs and caters to your preference and aesthetics.
5. ALWAYS seek help from a professional interior designer and architect. Having a consultant will ease your anxiety and worries. It’s okay if you don’t understand or read blueprints. Ask away to your candidate to explain it to you. Professionals are always prepared to help you out, and it’s your money, so why hesitate?
6. It’s always easier when you have done your referencing, get help from your peers, and know the type of work your selected candidate has done before.
7. Always keep in mind that renovating your house can take longer and be costlier than what you originally had in mind. Add 20% to your budget as a failsafe, so there are no nasty surprises.
8. Compromising on quality to save a few bucks isn’t a good idea. Ever! Also, there is absolutely no need to spend more than that is needed, don’t get carried away and empty your piggy bank for trivial items.
9. Winterize your homes for the changing climates, and if done on time, it will help you cut down some expenditure.
10. Plan your progress from before and avoid changes at the last moment. It will save you in terms of time and money.
11. Setting up timelines will help you to plan your progress and set deadlines for your work.
12. Be more invested on following energy saving tips to reduce your utility bill, and you can serve your part in “going green”. Also, technology can be expensive and burn a hole through your pocket, so invest sensibly without over-indulging.
13. Size does matter. Especially when it comes to your couches, tables, and all other furniture. Remember to adjust your doorframe to accommodate your decor.
14. Have an intense discussion before replacing windows, for old houses often need their windows replaced.
15. Don’t be afraid to DIY from time to time, not only is it economical, but some activities performed as a family can be memorable for life.
16. Thinking inside the box is going to be easier once you have an interior plan made before moving to the exterior.
17. Don’t be nervous while dealing with multiple rooms. Tackle one at a time instead of working on all at once.
18. Renovations and redesigns can be chaotic, yes. And working on them may lead to unexpected twists and turns. Keep a hopeful mind that nothing goes wrong, but in case it does, just keep an open mind so you can move on without having to stress a lot.
19. If it ever happens that you need to sell your home, keep a tab of your home improvement expenditures, because the money you spend can ultimately be added as contributions and optimise your tax-free earning when you decide to sell it.
20. Prioritize your state of mind, because you cannot explore your new place if you are not in the right state of mind, so being in a positive state is important.

And with these points in mind, you get to enjoy your new place to reside with your loved ones and create memories that last a lifetime.