As we approach the second busiest renovation time of the year, I, Mark Roemer, would like to share some common mistakes that you need to avoid.

Ignoring The Home’s Natural Style

If you’re planning a home renovation, you can typically achieve almost any look. Still, unless you’re altering your home’s natural architecture, you’ll want to make sure your style complements it. It might be challenging to turn a Southern Plantation into a New York City penthouse, for example. There are ways to mix designs tastefully, and this is where an ASID Interior Designer can help. They will assist you in seamlessly incorporating your favorite design elements into the established style of your space to achieve the desired result.

Buying Cheap Materials

It’s all too simple to cut corners and use less costly materials. However, it would be best to be very selective about which elements you cut or substitute with less expensive alternatives.

If you’re trying to save money, eliminate objects that won’t change the room’s overall design and can be easily added later. A kitchen backsplash, cabinet hardware, a secret water bubbler, needless built-in cabinetry, or high-end marble tile are just a few examples. Don’t scrimp on the stuff that will last the longest, such as high-quality cabinet construction or hardwood flooring.

Avoiding the “Measure Twice” Rule

If you’re painting a room or installing new high-quality hardwood flooring, you should always double-check your measurements. This is particularly relevant for custom goods or those that need a minimum order, as it will save you money on setup costs for future small orders. If you’re ordering flooring, remember to account for a proper cutting allowance. Depending on the nature and quality of the flooring you’re using, a 10% allowance is usually appropriate.

Trying to do Everything DIY

Painting walls, hanging wallpaper, moving furniture, and possibly some light wood staining or finishing are all ventures that are ideal for a DIY enthusiast. After all, it’s a fantastic way to save money and cut the renovation budget in half. However, there are specific tasks that should be left to the experts.

Large-scale projects, such as structural upgrades, electrical, plumbing, or roofing, are time-consuming and potentially hazardous. If not done correctly, it can lead to more significant, more expensive problems in your house. Spending the money now to work with a specialist is a safer option.

Improper Space Planning

When renovating your home, space planning is vital for defining your room and furniture layout so you can get the most out of your new space. It may be anything as simple as the size and location of your island or the size and area of your billiard table. Putting together a whole layout for your open floor plan can be more dramatic.

If you look to minimize your improper space planning, hop on over to Houzz.com and read about how interior designer Natalie Myers examines the most important factors to consider when creating a successful space layout.

Be Timeless, Not Just Trendy

It’s all too easy to get caught up in current home décor trends, such as shag carpets, entryway chalkboards, and mint green appliances. However, the most crucial question you must ask yourself is whether these pieces will be timeless and fashionable tomorrow, ensuring that you will enjoy all of your choices ten years from now. Keep in mind that while furniture and wall colors can be stylish, significant things such as your wood floors, kitchen cabinets, non-painted walls, and other “hard surfaces” should be made of materials that will not go out of style the following year. The distressed hickory flooring and white kitchen cabinets in this kitchen, for example, are timeless. Still, the island seating, pendant lights, and hardware could easily be changed to refresh the look.

Expecting Your Home Renovation to Go Off Without A Hitch

You can do the single best thing for yourself and your sanity while planning a home improvement project to believe it will not go smoothly. Some people make the mistake of organizing their project down to the last day and then planning other activities around it — think of a winter break ski trip, a birthday party, or a holiday get-together. As the saying goes, “plan for the worst and hope for the best,” and you’ll reduce your stress levels and have a more pleasant renovation.

Avoiding Green Products

According to the website Regreen Residential Remodeling, Americans spend around $200 million a year remodeling their houses. Green building materials were once associated with high costs, and homeowners may have shied away from them as a result. On the other hand, green building goods have become much more popular in recent years and are now available at a variety of price points, making them more affordable. Green building materials are a perfect way to reduce not only your carbon footprint, but also your home’s operating costs. Simple measures such as water collection and storage can help to minimize water use. Solar energy will reduce your electricity consumption, and you might even be compensated for it. Depending on where you live, eco-friendly insulation will naturally keep your house cooler or warmer.

Picking the Wrong Architectural Elements

Windows, doors, and floors are the most common architectural elements you’ll pick for your renovation. You want to invest in quality because they are difficult to replace in the future. When it comes to windows, you want to choose high-quality models that complement the home’s interior and exterior design. They can complete the property’s natural lighting and provide easy access and functionality. Today’s construction technology allows you to purchase high-quality, energy-efficient windows.

When it comes to doors, you want to choose models that are both attractive and functional. Make sure they’re big enough to fit many people through, mainly if it’s a main entrance or passageway. Make sure they’re as practical and durable as your windows.

Consider the condition in which the floors will be built and exposed when making your choice. Slate or tile, for example, may be better for your mudroom and laundry room, but prefinished hardwood flooring is ideal for your kitchen and common areas because it is so easy to clean and maintain over time.

Underestimating Your Home Renovation Budget

According to Money.com’s real estate expert Josh Garskof, there is a formula you can use to ensure you set the proper overall budget for your new space. It is built on two pillars. The first is the room you’re renovating. The total value of the home you’re remodeling is number two. You want to invest in a renovation that will improve the value of your home without making it out of step with the rest of the community. For example, in a $750,000 home, a new kitchen could cost between $75,000 and $112,500, or around 10-15% of the home’s value. Your architect or builder should be able to assist you in creating a budget. However, you must include the things that are most valuable to you and will add the most value to your room. For example, selecting the suitable cabinets and wood floors would have greater long-term value, while cabinet and sink hardware would be lower on the priority list, notably because they can be easily replaced later.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. A list of common mistakes that I, Mark Roemer, think you should know about going into a renovation.