Ready to turn your home into the oasis you’ve always dreamed of? We here at POLLI Construction are well versed in making Vermont homeowners’ dreams come true. However, after over 35 years of experience, we’ve learned that many homeowners will often make one of a few common mistakes. If you’re preparing to invest into your home, here are some common mistakes to avoid when renovating your home.
Before you read: POLLI Construction has provided Vermont homeowners with quality construction services for over 35 years. If you’re looking for a general contractor, only work with an expert you can trust. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.
Poor Planning
A lot goes into a home renovation – so much so that it can be easy to underestimate the amount of planning that is necessary. One of the easiest mistakes homeowners can make is to just into renovations before coming up with a fully thought out plan. It’s important to consider things like furniture layout, ventilation, functionality, and sizes of appliances to name a few. Your renovations will take time; be sure to spend some of it on planning.
Measuring Incorrectly
Meticulous planning includes taking proper measurements for your project. Another common issue homeowners run into is taking measurements incorrectly. Not only is this common, this mistake can be costly if it isn’t caught early on. Whether it’s due to rushing or lack of experience, incorrect measurements are an absolute must-avoid. Rely on “old faithful” (measure twice, cut once) or consider hiring someone to adequately measure everything.
Setting An Unclear Budget
Home renovations are a large investment and can add up quickly if a clear budget has not been set. As thorough as an estimate may be, there will always be unforeseen challenges that can be thrown at you in the middle of a project. One of the biggest home renovations to avoid is not making and sticking to an accurate budget. Make sure to have an open and transparent conversation with your contractor about what your budget is before any work is agreed upon.
Buying Cheap Materials
As you try to maximize your budget, it can be incredibly tempting to purchase cheaper material options. However, keep in mind why you are doing a home renovation project in the first place. The purpose of renovations is to improve your home and make it more suitable for your needs/wants. By selecting durable materials, you will not have to worry about replacing them in the next 3-5 years. Just remember: quality over quantity in all circumstances when it comes to home renovation.
Doing It All Yourself
A “DIY” home project can be a great way to save money and maybe even teach yourself a thing or too. As professionals, we have to advise all of our clients of the potential nightmare they can face by trying to tackle a comprehensive renovation all on their own. Not only are we experts in our field with the tools and resources to complete your project, but a quality contractor is fully insured in the event that anything goes wrong.
Failing To Get Permits
You don’t want your home renovation to be stalled (or even shut down) because you didn’t obtain the proper permits. Before doing any work, make sure you have the permits you’ll need. In Vermont, any new construction or change of use (ie. remodeling a garage) will require a building permit. A building permit may also cover other work such as plumbing, mechanical, or electrical but these can also require a separate permit. In any case, be sure to check with your local town clerk to find out exactly what you need.
Click here to learn more about Permitting in Vermont.
Focusing On Trends
It can be easy to fall into the trap of following whatever is trendy when renovating your home. While having a trendy home certainly isn’t a bad thing, nothing can beat quality design. Keep in mind that trends are often short-lived and it is important to consider the resale value of your home. Nothing should influence your home renovation more than the goals you have for your investment.
Having An Unrealistic Timeline
As mentioned before, renovating a home takes a lot of time. Whether you’re simply remodeling a basement or you’re renovating your entire house, you need to have reasonable expectations when it comes to the completion of the work. This is yet another reason why it’s so important to work with a licensed, qualified contractor as they will be able to create a realistic timeline for all of the work you’re looking to have done.
Sacrificing Function For Form
Of course, whenever we renovate our home we want to improve its appearance. However, renovating your home but ignoring any and all practical elements can minimize your investment. If you’re going to take the time and spend the money to improve your home, be sure to do it thoroughly and make any necessary improvements to its structural or internal elements as well.
Changing Plans Often
Simply put, you need to have all your ducks in a row before starting your home renovation. Once plans are finalized, any changes you make can and will cost you time and money. This can also lead to you not being as satisfied with the final result. If you feel unsure about your plans, consult with your contractor before proceeding and see if they have any advice for you.
Remodeling Too Soon
Understanding the scope of costs associated with renovations and the importance of an accurate and closely-followed budget cannot be stressed enough. Some homeowners jump right into a remodel before properly preparing themselves. Not only do you need to be financially ready for your renovations, you should also have lived in your space for long enough to truly know what you want to renovate and why.
Overlooking Architectural Elements
Architectural elements such as doors, windows, and floors can greatly affect your home’s appearance and flow. When doing renovations, these elements should not be overlooked. Choosing the right architectural elements for your house will allow you to get the absolute most from your investment.
Avoid These Home Renovation Mistakes
The home of your dreams may only be a phone call away. We hope this list helps you avoid all of these common mistakes people make when renovating their home. Don’t hesitate to contact POLLI Construction for your Vermont home improvement needs. We have proudly served Chittenden County and surrounding areas for over three decades! Ready to take the next step? Schedule your free estimate today — it’s free!
