Most Common DIY Home Renovation Mistakes

Home renovation is one of the best investments you can make. There are countless benefits to making your home a better fit for your needs, but doing the work yourself poses a few risks. There is no doubt that the handy do it yourselfer can achieve some pretty amazing results. If you plan to do the work on your own, you will need to sharpen those skills and invest in the right tools and materials for the project. You will also want to avoid these common DIY home renovation mistakes.
#1: Proper building permits
Nearly all cities have very specific limitations and requirements on renovations and remodeling in general. If you plan to upgrade in way that impacts one of these area building codes, you could pay hefty fines and fees even if you do everything you should but fail to obtain the necessary permit first. Most of the time, homeowners know that they should never hire a professional that does not obtain permits, but you also need to seek them out if you plan to make major changes.
#2: Planning all components
You’ve desired to expand your bathroom, only to find out that you cannot run the drain lines properly for the tub. You want to renovate your home’s kitchen, but you failed to think about and plan for exhaust systems and electrical connections. Planning for all components – electrical, plumbing, light, and movement within a space is critical. This can be hard to do without experience and training.
#3: Tackling too much at one time
It’s a common problem because many people overlook just how much time and work go into home renovations. No matter what the scope of your long term goals are, try to tackle projects in small amounts. This ensures you do not overwhelm yourself or make it impossible for you to get it all done. Choose smaller projects first, especially as a newbie.
#4: Not using the right tools
It is expensive to have the right tools for the job on all projects on hand. There is no doubt about it. However, you really should use them. Whether it is a saw or a sander, the goal of the tool is to complete the task in the proper way, minimize the risks to your safety, and improve the outcome. In short, you do not want to use the wrong tools just to save money.
#5: Not planning the budget properly
The cost of your project depends on many things. The material is just one of those things. You need to invest in tools, permits, and time. Don’t overlook the fact that there could be hidden changes needed that you do not know about until you start demo work. Plan 10 to 20 percent over your budget just in case these things occur.
Ultimately, the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to home renovation is not taking a step forward and making them happen. In Prince William County or Montgomery County, call our team to get the help you need in home renovations.