Remodeling? Save yourself from these common slip-ups!

 

1. Buying Cheap Materials

HGTV’s Don’t Sweat It host Steve Watson says, “One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to home renovation (is that) they try to be cheap when they buy materials. The bottom line is, you’re going to get what you pay for.”

2. Inaccurate Measurements

An inch or two won’t change a thing right? WRONG. Country Living magazine’s former editor in chief, Nancy Soriano says”I can’t emphasize enough how an inch or even sometimes a half an inch can make a difference. And if your dimensions are off and it’s not equal and symmetrical, you’re not going to get the full impact and effect that you want. If you’re not sure about how to measure or you can’t follow the directions, don’t hesitate at all to call somebody. Ask them to come over and take the measurement for you.”

3. Skipping Prep Work

Though it is often the most dreaded and boring part of a project; prep work ALWAYS will ensure the best results. It is so tempting to skip prep work, but in order to avoid spending excess money and time make sure to start your project off the right way.

4. Gutting Everything

One of the best ways to get yourself into trouble is to blindly renovate. “Make sure you have a well-set plan before you start your renovations, because you don’t want to go in there and just clear everything out, when you might be able to work around some areas,” warns Carey Evans of Don’t Sweat It.

5. Ignoring Lighting

Before starting a renovation, consider the lighting in your home. So many times the lighting of a home can completely change the look and feel of a room. The purpose of a room should steer you toward the right style of lighting.

6. Going Too Trendy

When remodeling, it is easy to fall into the trend trap. In the long run you will want a home that you feel comfortable in because it reflects your style. Many times people end up having to spend more money and time remodeling again because the trends just don’t stick.

7. Choosing the Wrong Paint

People often make the mistake of picking the wrong paint. It is important to talk to a professional before choosing a paint. There is a type of paint for every type of surface. For example when painting a ceiling you’ll want to choose flat paint, whereas when painting trim in a bathroom you’ll need a semigloss style paint.

8. Forgetting to Update the Electrical System

“I think people sometimes forget about electric when they’ve been renovating because it’s costly and it’s hidden,” Nancy says. “You want to walk through the house with the electrician before you start to talk about outlets, where they are, where you want new outlets, three-prong outlets. You want to make sure everything’s up to code.”

9. Avoiding Permits

Without a permit, homeowner’s insurance will not cover any damage. Protect your home, there’s a reason why certain projects require permits.

10. Hiring the Wrong Contractor

If you need to hire a contractor make sure you do your homework. Stephen Drucker, former editor in chief of House Beautiful says, “When you interview contractors and you check references, the thing you want to find out is, how fast do they return phone calls? A contractor who returns phone calls fast has nothing to hide, and it’s going to reduce your anxiety level.”

For assistance with all of your real estate needs, contact The Wilson Realty Group in Raleigh by phone: (919) 378-1974 or by email: Info@WilsonRealtyGroupNC.com