Remodeling your home is one of the most expensive decisions you can make. Of course, in the end, you get a new space the has better functionality and suits your aesthetic much better than before. However, that doesn’t lessen the worry and anxiety surrounding your wallet during these big projects. To ensure your project is a success, we recommend doing as much research as you can ahead of time, and this blog is here to help you prepare for some of the most costly mistakes you can avoid during your home remodel.
Not Getting Clear About Your Budget
Budget can be a scary thing to think about when considering an extensive home remodel project. You might have watched some HGTV and have a vague idea of how much your project might cost. However, it’s not a good idea to go into a project with only a general sense of how much money you’ll be spending. It’s vital to the success of your project that you take the time to research your home’s value, what kind of projects will add value to the home, and what would be a smart amount to invest in your home. This doesn’t just have to do with return on investment, though. Also, remember that this is your home, and if you plan to stay long term, it might make more sense to put more into it to make it your dream home, even if it might not add up on the spreadsheet.
It’s also important to be clear about your budget when speaking with contractors. Many homeowners worry that disclosing their budget will mean the contractor will try and get as much out of them as possible, but for a professional and responsible company, this isn’t how they operate. Having a solid idea of what you’re willing to spend will allow your contractor to keep you on track and guide you through the process without blowing your budget.
Not Researching Your Contractors
You can get into a lot of trouble by not properly interviewing your contractor options. Simply selecting the cheapest bid won’t ensure that your project starts and finishes smoothly and in the way you want it to. Instead, you’ll want to take the time to sit with your contractor and go over their process, how they handle legal papers, their scheduling procedure, and how they communicate to their clients. If they don’t have a clear explanation of their process, that’s a red flag you’ll not want to ignore. Also, remember to go with your gut; if you feel something is off during the conversation, it’s likely not something you should ignore. You should be able to have a friendly relationship with your contractor. This will make the whole process easier for you and them.
Everything Can’t Be DIY
You might stand back and think, I can do that! Unfortunately, while DIY projects are fun and a great way to save some money while improving your home, they aren’t always the best option. Sometimes, DIY projects can turn wrong quickly and end up with a contractor coming in to try and fix them. For example, you might be able to refinish your cabinets on your own and freshen up the look of your kitchen. But taking on a full master bathroom remodel on your own and trying to juggle tile work and plumbing and cabinetry will likely end with a headache and wallet ache.
Avoid Being Too Trendy
As designers, we love keeping up with all the new and trendy ways people style their homes. It’s a great way to stay inspired and bring something new to every project we handle. Unfortunately, some trends are a bit on the aggressive side, and while it might look cute for a year, you might end up hating it when it soon goes back out of style. To avoid needing a new kitchen remodel every two years, we recommend sticking with classic style and adding a small piece of trendy elements here and there. Choose items that can easily be swapped out for the latest trends, and you’ll be able to keep your home looking fresh and up to date year after year.
Expect the Unexpected
No matter how much planning we do, there are often still surprises as we remodel a home. We spend months planning and preparing and selecting, but sometimes a wall is opened to find water damage we didn’t know about. These types of things are sometimes unavoidable, and it’s best to go into a remodel project with an open mind and maybe plan for those surprises as best you can in your budget. It’s hard to know what we might run into, but as professionals, we can help you navigate these anxiety-inducing situations.
Rushing the Design Phase
Lastly, as a Design-Build firm, McDermott Remodeling spends extra time with our clients to ensure every detail is planned out before we even begin construction. This means we know what we are doing, we can order projects well in advance, and our crew has a clear outline of the project. The level of planning reduces wait times, confusion and gives us the ability to predict our end dates with much better accuracy. So we urge our clients not to rush this phase even though we know they are excited to get things moving. In the end, it will be better for your project and your wallet.
Starting a home remodel project can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Your wallet might feel like it’s constantly open, and you’ll worry you’ll lose control over it as the project goes on. With these tips and tricks, you can reduce the hurt your wallet will feel and stay on budget.
