Common Home Renovation Mistakes

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Renovating your home is a great way to improve your home while also adding value. While you may go into a home improvement or renovation project with the best-laid plans, problems are bound to arise especially with a larger scale job. Some issues can be prevented by understanding the most common pitfalls that may come into play during the home renovation process.

Budget

Establishing and sticking to a budget is a common home renovation problem. When setting a budget for your project, it is helpful to work with an experienced professional who can plan for contingencies. While the budget might be "set in stone" in the beginning, contractors may discover other issues that need attention further into the project. Additional costs may be incurred along the way so be prepared for the possibility of budget overage as the project moves ahead.

Original Architecture

While the goal of a home improvement project is to update the home and add something new, it is also important to work within the existing architectural style. Renovation projects should complement the original structure of the building so that the update flows seamlessly with the original structure. Introducing a completely different style can make the addition or renovation seem out of place and forced when compared with other more established elements. 

Sacrificing Function

Consider how the renovated space will be used and how it will impact daily life. Try not to sacrifice function for design. It is important that the final project looks good but it should properly serve its function and add value to the home and to your life. A home renovation project may look fantastic but if it creates usability issues such as lighting, electrical access or a disturbance in traffic flow it may create frustration in the end. 

Focusing Too Much on Trends

Trends are enticing and an exciting way to personalize your home but beware, what is popular today may fall out of favor next year. If you're incorporating a trendy detail into a big renovation decision, be sure it's something you truly love. If not, consider incorporating trendy colors and textures in places that are easy to update like paint, carpeting or decor.