We’re starting a new series on the blog today that covers the top 15 mistakes people make during renovations or home builds. These mistakes can have an impact on timeline, budget, and your overall enjoyment of the process. Not to mention the biggest risk of all is your vision doesn’t turn out as you hoped.
Let’s kick things off with mistakes 1-5…
BITING OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW
There are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of decisions that go into a home renovation/build project. These decisions require intention, mental space for thinking through options, and time. Most people have a full time job, perhaps a busy family, and a social calendar. Taking on large projects is essentially adding another full time job to your already busy life. This often results in extended timelines (projects that take years to complete or never actually get finished), potentially making the wrong decisions because you feel pressured and rushed, and burn out.
NOT HIRING A DESIGNER FROM THE START
Design is a trade. Designers spend their lives dedicated to the small details and making visions a reality in an intentional and well-managed way. A designer is the only person who will be involved in absolutely every stage of your home project from concept to completion. They will think of things you likely wouldn’t consider throughout the process, understand what to look out for, and make sure your best interests are at the forefront. Designers can help you avoid potentially costly mistakes, or decisions you may regret down the road. By engaging a designer early on in the process you can ensure every detail is considered, there is a complete plan for the renovation allowing you to enjoy the moments you do spend on the project – Plus it’s fun to have someone in your corner!
UNDERESTIMATING THE NUMBER OF SELECTIONS AND DECISIONS REQUIRED
Most people understand if you are completing a kitchen renovation you need to decide cabinet colour, backsplash, and plumbing fixtures. Those are the obvious decisions, but what people often miss is: cabinet depth, door front style, integrated solutions, outlet placement, type of hardware, drawers vs. cupboards, durability of material, flow & function, order of decisions, etc. If you are working on more than one room, the decisions will feel endless and without a solid plan for organizing, prioritizing and sequencing decisions, you can get overwhelmed. I have had several clients come to me midway through a project with decision fatigue so strong it brings the project to a standstill. See above for hiring a designer from the start 🙂
SELECTING THE LEAST EXPENSIVE CONTRACTOR
Home projects require an investment and should be carefully considered. Unfortunately, there are a lot of folks out there who will bid low to get the project and then penalize clients with change fees for every single line item. Often times the lowest up front bid comes with a ton of hidden and surprise costs for the client. Selecting the right contractor can be one of the most important decisions you can make in the process. You want someone who is transparent, realistic, clear, and trustworthy. Spend time here and don’t just go for the lowest price.
NOT HAVING A CLEAR PLAN FOR HOW TO LIVE THROUGH THE RENOVATION
If it’s a large scale project like a whole home renovation, one of the single most important things you can do is have a solid plan for how you will live during the project. You should also anticipate that the project will not end on time.
Stay tuned for the next set of common mistakes!
