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How to Avoid 4 Common Remodeling Mistakes

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Hearthside

Investing in your home by remodeling or renovating is an excellent way to increase its value in Bucks County. However, a significant renovation project can quickly turn into a disaster, especially for those who are inexperienced. Let's take a look at four of the more common home renovation mistakes that homeowners make and how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Skipping the Permit Process

The first mistake you will want to avoid is undertaking any home renovation without the required permits. While some remodeling projects will not require a permit, others will. Regardless, it is more than worth taking the time to do your research to ensure you do not run afoul of the law. A visit to the city's website or a quick phone call is all you will need to find out if a permit is required and how much it will cost.

Mistake #2: Being Afraid

A great way to ruin your renovation is to be too afraid to transform the space into whatever best suits your family. Try to avoid being trendy and going with renos that you saw recently on television. Instead, consider how you currently use your kitchen, bathroom or whatever other space you're changing and improve it for the better.

Mistake #3: Using Cheap Materials or Labor

When it comes to contractors, going cheap is rarely a good idea. You want someone who is going to do the best quality of work at a fair, affordable price. Moreover, since you're investing in that contractor, it is best to also invest in using high-quality materials for the job.

Also, don't be the type that skimps on costs just because something isn't visible. A good example is if your contractor recommends that you install something like a bathroom membrane system. Yes, it's an extra cost that is mostly a preventive measure against mold getting under your tiles. However, it is a small consideration in protecting the more substantial investment you're making in upgrading your home.

Mistake #4: Changing Your Mind

As the old saying goes: "measure twice, cut once." Changing your mind in the middle of your renovation is almost certainly going to cost you. Once you commit, try to stick to the plan unless circumstances force you to make a change.

These are just four of the many mistakes that can be made by an inexperienced home renovator. If you're thinking about a major remodel in Bucks County, please contact me Martin Millner.  I can share which renovations have added value and equity to other Bucks County homes.

 

 Click here to find out what’s your home’s worth!

 

 

Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

That # 4 can lead a lot of people astray!

Nov 07, 2018 02:46 PM
Leif Price
Chirpy Home - Portland, OR
Blogger at Chirpy Home

Mistake #3 can always backfire, there's a reason it is cheap. Better to be sure on things than to have it cause terrible consequences on the future, especially when talking about our homes.

Nov 07, 2018 05:38 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Excellent points...anything worth doing...is worth doing well with the "right stuff" !

Nov 07, 2018 07:50 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Great post full of very useful and valuable information, Martin.  Thanks.

Nov 08, 2018 05:27 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Martin,

Great list. I see so many renovations that use excellent materials, but could have beefed things up a lot in the planning & workmanship departments.

Nov 20, 2018 08:41 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

These are all great points. Skipping the permit can cause trouble down the road when it's time to sell - codes change and work often needs to be redone.

Nov 21, 2018 02:57 AM