Are you feeling a bit bored with your current décor? Things looking a little outdated, or perhaps, dilapidated? If the remodeling wheels have started turning in your head, it is important to step back, take a breath and plot your course carefully. A poorly planned remodel has the potential to drain your wallet, and leave you less than satisfied with the results. While you don’t have to become an expert overnight, a bit of self-education and forethought can take you a long way. One of the first subject on which to educate yourself is common newbie mistakes to avoid; here are just a few to get you started.
Remodeling can be very disruptive to your home life; while you may not be able to anticipate every issue that may arise beforehand, it is important to give some serious thought to how the project may shake up your routine at home, and what specific steps you will take to deal with the situation. While even the smoothest remodeling project comes with stress, overlooking this important aspect will cause stress levels to go through the roof.
If you don’t figure out fully what exactly you want out of the project, and what you need to do to achieve this vision, you are not going to get the result you desire. Many homeowners make the mistake of not fully understanding the scope of their project, and not hammering out all the necessary details. It is easy to just focus on the new fixtures you may want to install, or the type of tile you want to lay; but, maybe those overhead lights you want to install will require some new wiring. There might be a lot of invisible work that needs to be done to make the changes you wish to make.
When choosing a contractor, speaking to past clients is a crucial part of the vetting process. This is a tip that is likely to show up on any list suggestions for completing such a task. But, if this is as far as you take it, you are committing another common newbie mistake. Don’t forget to talk to their suppliers and subcontractors. These types of people can give very valuable information that offers some great insight into what it will be like to work with this contractor, and what type of work they do.
Unless you have unlimited bucks, you are probably not going to be remodeling again anytime soon. You will be looking at that tile, countertop or vanity for many years to come, so you don’t want to be choosing your materials at the last minute.
You don’t want to feel rushed into picking something, then two weeks after the job is finished, wish you would have looked at more samples. While there may always be that tendency to wonder if you should have went another way, you will be less likely to feel regretful about a decision that was made with careful thought, rather than one made under the pressure of a time-crunch.
There may be times when something is not done in the exact way you wanted it, but it is not such a huge issue you feel it needs to be redone. Whether or not you should insist on getting it done the way you wanted will depend on the exact issue. Before you just let it go, think about how it may impact you in the long-term. For example, let’s say you wanted a bit of space between the ceiling and the kitchen cabinets, but instead they are installed flush against the wall. Now, to reach the top shelf, you will have to get a foot stool each and every time. May not seem like a huge thing now, but after awhile, it may get annoying.
Ready For A Remodel? 5 Top Newbie Mistakes To Avoid
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Kelli Cooper enjoys writing about all things home improvement, from remodeling tips to how to go green. If you are looking for windows in the Chicago area, she recommends Gilkey Window Company.
