As we’ve spent more time at home this past year many homeowners are taken on design or remodeling projects. Whether you’re simply re-designing a space with new furniture and finishes, or you’re taking on a larger remodel project, before you get started check out our list of common mistakes homeowners make, so you know what to avoid.
Planning Your Budget Poorly
One of the most important aspects of a renovation or design project is the budget, so you know how much you’re prepared to spend. There’s nothing worse than running out of money halfway through, so careful budget planning and allocation is a must.
No matter how big your small your project is you should have a clearly outlined budget. This includes saving some money for contingencies. Especially if you’re taking on a remodel, you never know what problems may lie underneath the surface. The general rule of thumb is that things will cost more than you expect so adding an additional 10-20% of your initial estimate is a good starting point.
Another budgeting mistake is skimping in areas where it’s ok to spend and spending too much in areas where it’s better to save. Remember, you’re going to get what you pay for. In an Architectural Digest article, designer, Jocelyn Chiappone explains “Spend good money on things you touch every day, like door hardware, doors, faucets, appliances, kitchen cabinets. The tactile experience sends a daily reminder to you and your guests about the solidity and quality of your home.”
The Wrong Balance Between DIY and Professional Help
Where and when to use professional help goes back to your budget, but it’s good to approach DIY projects with caution. Taking on projects yourself is an appealing way to save money. But if you don’t have prior experience, it’s easy to quickly get in over your head, which will cost you more time and money in the long run.
Going with a reputable general contractor and interior designer is a great way to take some of the stress off your shoulds and make sure projects are handled professionally.
Taking on Too Much at Once
If your remodeling or redesigning your entire home it may be tempting to do everything at once, but this is a sure way to soon become overwhelmed.
In these cases, it’s best to focus on one room at a time, which is a good way to stay on track.
A good rule to follow is to focus on the spaces in which you spend the most time first and then move on to the next when your budget allows.
Design That’s Not Cohesive
Without an interior designer, it’s easy to put together a room that turns out to be mismatched if you don’t already have a good eye for design.
One major thing to avoid with renovations including an ad-on that doesn’t compliment the original architecture style of your home.
Sacrificing Form Over Function
We all want a beautiful home, but it’s also important that the finishes and furniture selected are meant to be lived in as well.
When selecting these pieces be sure to consider how the space can and should best function for your life. If you have pets or kids, think about kitchen counters, rugs, and sofas that are going to be family-friendly and stylish. You can get the best of both worlds!
Mis-Measuring
If you’re ordering materials or decor it’s important to carefully measure and re-measure the space. You don’t want to buy things that are the wrong size.
In many cases, you can return a table or couch if the size doesn’t work, but anything custom made is usually final sale, so be sure to also check the return policy before purchasing.
For finishing materials that you’re installing, like cabinets, counters, or floors – being off by even an inch can cause a lot of problems. So measure, measure, measure!
