5 Renovation Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling Your Home

Considering a home renovation this year? It’s no secret that remodeling your home is a huge project to undertake. Oftentimes, the worst part of a home renovation is getting started, but don’t fret—we have a list of tips to help you get started. Here are five renovation mistakes to avoid!

Mistake # 1 WAITING TOO LONG TO PLAN

We all know how easy it is to procrastinate, but this is one area where you can’t afford to! With the rise in housing costs, delayed shipments, and supplychain issues, it’s always best to plan as far ahead as possible. Because of pandemic-related labor shortages and backlogs, we recommend beginning to plan your home renovation at least a year in advance.

When beginning to plan your renovation, there are many things to consider. Here’s a list of top priorities to keep in mind:

• Address any structural or safety issues

• Draw a layout of the floor plan

• Research your contractors early and contact professional installers

• Take on big projects like flooring first

• Think about lighting

• Choose appliances and furniture early in the process

Mistake # 2 TRADING IN QUALITY MATERIALS FOR SHORT-TERM GAINS

Although it’s tempting to cut corners and opt for less expensive materials (especially when you’re on a budget), you’ll pay more in the long run. Select durable, high-quality materials to ensure a long lifespan for your design.

Prioritize where you want to spend the most money. For example, high-quality cabinet construction and quality flooring are important for the overall structure of your design, whereas that high-end marble backsplash and the hidden water bubbler are not.

Mistake # 3 BEING TOO TRENDY

There’s a difference between a fresh, updated look and a fad renovation. For example, neutral colors are timeless classics that will never go out of style, whereas an abstract, asymmetrical accent wall installed to follow the futuristic interior design trend might look outdated in a couple of years.

Shag carpets and entryway chalkboards might seem all the rage now, but will you be sick of them in a few years? Stick to what you know you’ll love for years to come.

Mistake # 4 TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING DIY

We get it—nothing gives you quite the same performer’s high as when you’ve completed a home improvement project on your own. But some tasks—like flooring installations—are better left to the professionals.

Painting walls, hanging wallpaper, and moving furniture are all prime examples of DIY tasks that you can confidently undertake. Structural changes, like installing new white oak floors or expanding the master bathroom, are a little trickier. It’s best to consult a professional before you end up in over your head. Trust us—spend the money now on quality craftsmanship so you don’t have to fix any issues down the road.

Mistake # 5 SACRIFICING FUNCTION FOR FORM

Design by MELISSA DAVIS Photography by JASON HARTOG

One design rule to remember when planning your next home renovation is that form follows function. Make sure your style blends with the natural architecture of your home. While a built-in water feature might sound appealing at first and look beautiful in the foyer of your home, what happens when your family grows, and you need more mudroom storage space for outdoor gear? Prioritize each space’s function over its appearance.

Remember, seemingly small details like the placement of doors, windows, and outlets are crucial to the overall flow of your home design. One misplaced outlet will leave you with nowhere to plug in the window A/C unit during those hot summer months.

Focus on the details. Pantry pullouts, toe-kick storage, and hidden kitchen appliances might seem small in the grand scheme of things, but they can make a world of difference in your everyday home life. There’s always a way to make a functional design beautiful.