Home Renovation Checklist — Rookie Mistakes to Avoid
For over two decades, I have been helping my clients successfully plan, organize, and manage their home renovation projects. While we always strive for a positive, mistake-free renovation experience, it is inevitable that a thing or two will go sideways. Below you’ve find rookie mistakes to avoid and a bonus Home Renovation Checklist .
We all make mistakes from time to time. It is how we learn and grow. While it can feel really disappointing or difficult at the moment, it is important to remember that mistakes can be fixed. If you have a strong renovation team in your corner, the mistake can transform from an OMG moment to a no-sweat situation—or sometimes even a happy accident!
So when the mistake happens, remember to take a deep breath, put your patience cap on, and work with your team to find the solution. All that being said, there are some renovation mistakes that you can absolutely sidestep. Follow my tips below to help you avoid making common renovation rookie mistakes.
Lack of proper planning — Use our Home Renovation Checklist to plan!
I can't stress enough the importance of comprehensive planning before diving into a renovation project. Do not—and I repeat—do not begin a renovation project without having a solid plan in place. By plan, I mean complete drawings, finishing materials, and equipment selected. Trust me, if you start the project without a clear plan, you will experience #renvoationregret. Grab a copy of our Ultimate Home Renovation Checklist to set your project up for success and avoid a rookie renovation mistake.
Underestimating the budget
Creating a realistic budget is imperative to a positive outcome. Get on the same page with your contractor about costs BEFORE you swing the hammer. Pad the budget for surprises. I typically suggest 15-25% over the bottom line, depending on the scale of your project. It is not uncommon to find things you were not expecting when the walls are opened up. Be prepared with a realistic budget planned and our Home Renovation Checklist. We dive deeper into the mysteries of renovation budget estimation in our posts Four Tips for Hiring a Rockstar General Contractor and Kitchen Renovation: How to Save Money and Estimated Cost
Ignoring permits and regulations
If your project requires a building permit, please get one! They can be a hassle to procure, costly, and potentially delay project start times. But, you will want that permit in place when a building inspector randomly turns up on your job site requesting to see documentation. Trust me, you do not want to get stuck with a fine, or worse, your job shut down because you made this rookie mistake! Permits are there for a reason—to ensure that renovations meet safety standards. Skipping them could result in unsafe living conditions, putting you and your family at risk.
Skipping the inspection phase
The significance of pre-renovation inspections is to identify potential issues and safety risks. Think of the inspection as a way to keep your project on track. They catch mistakes early, preventing costly fixes later on. Knowing that a professional has given their stamp of approval will provide peace of mind and keep your project in compliance with local codes and regulations.
Changing plans midway
Pivoting your design direction with major changes mid-way through your renovation process can cause your project to go over budget and have a negative impact on the project schedule. If you do decide that the change is absolutely necessary, make sure you have a conversation with your contractor and get comfortable with the additional cost and schedule implications before you put the change in motion.
Choosing the wrong contractor
Spend the time (and be willing to wait) for the right contractor for your project. They should be trustworthy and qualified. It is also important that you like each other! You are going to spend a lot of time with your contractor. It would be really nice if you could enjoy the process together! For more tips on finding the right person for your project, check out our post, Four Tips for Hiring a Rockstar General Contractor.
Poor quality materials
Using subpar materials can lead to costly repairs down the line. It is true what they say, you get what you pay for. Weigh the options against your budget and have an honest conversation with your contractor about where (or if) you are willing to use budget-minded materials and where it is important to use high-quality materials.
Not communicating clearly
Clear, frequent, and documented communication with your design and renovation team is imperative for the success of your project. If you take nothing else away from this post, I hope that you will remember to have an excellent communication plan in place using the tips you can find in our blog post, Construction Team Meeting And The Power of the Action List.
Failing to consider lifestyle changes
When you are planning your renovation project, consider how your family will grow and change in the coming years. What you need today as a family of four with two toddlers in tow is very different from what you will need ten years from now when those toddlers are teens! If you are struggling to understand how to design your space with growth and change in mind, reach out to a qualified interior designer who can help you develop a flexible plan.
Not factoring in the season
Consider the weather and season when planning your renovation. For example, if you are planning to live in your home while your kitchen renovation work is happening, it would be nice to complete this work in the summer months when you can utilize your outdoor BBQ and seating area.
Rushing the decision-making process
Avoid impulsive decisions and take your time to think through your renovation options. This goes back to the planning phase. Give yourself plenty of time to plan your renovation to the point when you are confident that you have made smart decisions within your budget that will result in the space that you cherish. If you are struggling and find yourself wishing for help, reach out to a qualified interior designer. A designer can help you harness your design direction and make smart choices that will lead to a joyful renovation result!
Inhale, exhale, you’ve got this! And don’t forget your Home Renovation Checklist to stay on track!
By following these tips, you’ll be set up to avoid the classic renovation rookie mistakes. However, we all do make mistakes—especially during something as complex as a renovation. If your renovation process has some highs…and lows…just know that you’re in good company.
Ready to learn more? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a hot tip and leverage our complimentary Home Renovation Checklist! I share new articles every Friday that cover different parts of the renovation process from start to finish, and everything in between.
