5 Common Mistakes To Avoid During a Home Renovation

Renovations are exciting. Whether you're sprucing up a fixer-upper or just giving your home a much-needed facelift, renovating can be just the thing you need to reset, but they can also be extremely daunting.

So beware all you DIY enthusiasts, because there are some very common mistakes that could turn your dream renovation into a nightmare. From underestimating the timeline to not setting a realistic budget, these blunders can lead to costly setbacks and endless headaches.

Now, before you break out the sledgehammer and start demo day, let's take a look at five common mistakes you'll want to avoid during your home renovation:

1. Not Setting a Realistic Budget
2. Not Hiring a Professional
3. Ignoring Building Codes and Regulations
4. Underestimating the Timeline
5. Neglecting to Plan for Contingencies

‍

‍

Not Setting a Realistic Budget

In order to be happy with your renovation, you don't want to be going over budget. While most folks are happy and confident setting a budget for materials and even labour (using Bidmii of course) the place that budgets miss is on the ancillary costs, like staying in temporary accommodations during a renovation - especially if the timeline gets extended!

‍

The importance of budgeting:

Before you start your home reno, it's essential to establish a realistic budget. Let’s try and avoid becoming the next Monica Geller from Friends, who blew all her savings on the apartment renovation, only to have to borrow money from Joey and Chandler. What budgeting does is it allows you to prioritize your expenses, allocate funds for unforeseen costs, and avoid overspending.

‍

Consequences of not having a realistic budget:

If your budget is way out of whack, you may find yourself in murky water. Maybe your renovation ends up half-finished, or the materials you purchase are of poor-quality, maybe you rack up a ton of unpaid bills leaving you in debt with an unfinished project. Oh, and then add on the stress and anxiety that comes with the financial strain.

‍

Tips for creating a realistic budget:

To create a realistic budget, start by identifying the scope of the project and the materials required. Then, research the cost of labor, materials, and any additional expenses like permits and inspections. Don't forget to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses, like a sudden increase in lumber prices or an infestation of termites (you’d be surprised at how many homeowners need to dip into their contingency fund). And remember, as Obi-Wan Kenobi said in Star Wars, "Patience you must have, my young padawan." Don't rush the budgeting process. Take your time and be thorough to avoid any surprises down the road.

‍

‍

Not Hiring a Professional

Importance of hiring a professional

Ah, the classic DIY vs. hiring a professional debate. It's like the ultimate showdown between Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor and Bob Vila. But let's be real here, if you're not a professional contractor or designer, chances are you're going to run into some serious roadblocks during your home renovation. Sure, DIY projects can save you some cash, but is it worth it when you end up with shoddy work that could put your safety at risk? Hiring a professional may cost you more in the short term, but it could save you big time in the long run. (If you’re keen on tackling your own DIY project, keep it small and object-based, like re-painting furniture).

‍

Consequences of not hiring a professional

Let's say you decide to go the DIY route and you end up biting off more than you can chew. You’ve found yourself having accidentally knocked down a load-bearing wall and you’ve hit an “oh sh*t” moment. Not only could this wind up being extremely dangerous, but it will 100% end up costing you a lot more money to fix than if you had just hired a professional in the first place. 

‍

Tips for hiring a professional

Hopefully, we’ve convinced you to hire a professional. (This is a very wise decision). But now you’re asking yourself, “how do I find the right contractor for my project?” First things first, make sure they're licensed and insured. Ask for referrals from friends or family members who have had successful renovations. And of course, do your research online - check reviews, browse portfolios, and ask for references. And if you really want to go the extra mile, have them provide a detailed written estimate before starting any work. Bidmii is an excellent resource to find reliable contractors to get your job done. All our reviews are purchase-verified so you can rest assured that you know exactly what you’re going to get.

‍

‍

Ignoring Building Codes and Regulations

Explanation of building codes and regulations:

Building codes and regulations are a crucial aspect of any home renovation project. Essentially, these codes and regulations are a set of guidelines and requirements that govern the way a building is constructed or renovated. These rules are designed to ensure that the building is safe, durable, and can withstand a variety of hazards such as fire, flooding, or high winds.

Building codes and regulations can cover a range of topics such as electrical, plumbing, structural, and fire safety. For example, building codes may dictate the materials that can be used for certain construction elements, such as walls or roofs, as well as the minimum thickness of insulation required. Additionally, regulations may require specific safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.

In order to ensure that your home renovation project is successful and safe, it is critical to understand and follow the relevant building codes and regulations in your area. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in a range of issues such as costly fines, construction delays, and potentially dangerous structural defects.

To avoid these pitfalls, it is important to work with a contractor who is knowledgeable about local building codes and regulations. They can guide you through the process and ensure that your project is compliant with all relevant codes and regulations. Additionally, doing your own research and staying up-to-date on any changes or updates to these regulations can also help you ensure that your renovation is up to code and safe for your family to enjoy.

‍

Consequences of ignoring building codes and regulations:

The importance of complying with building codes and regulations cannot be overstated. Failure to adhere to these standards can lead to disastrous consequences that affect the safety and integrity of your home.

For instance, ignoring building codes and regulations could result in a poorly executed renovation that is riddled with structural problems. This could mean that the renovated space is not only visually unappealing but also hazardous for you and your family to inhabit. The last thing you want is to put your loved ones at risk due to your failure to follow guidelines that are in place to ensure their safety.

Beyond just the safety concerns (which should be enough to convince you to comply), ignoring building codes and regulations can lead to legal repercussions. You may be subject to fines and penalties, as well as court orders to rectify the situation. This can be a time-consuming and costly process that could have been avoided if the appropriate measures were taken in the first place.

In extreme cases, you could even be forced to evacuate your home. I don’t think we need to explain to you how badly this would suck, it should be pretty straight forward.

Ultimately, ignoring building codes and regulations just isn’t worth the risk.

‍

Tips for ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations:

The easiest way to ensure you’re compliant is by hiring a contractor that is extremely reliable and knowledgeable in the field. They can help guide you through the process and make sure your renovation is up to code.

If you're still feeling adventurous and want to try the DIY approach, be sure to do your research and become familiar with the regulations in your area. This information is usually available online, and/or you can consult a building inspector to be 100% sure.

‍

‍

Underestimating the Timeline

Ah, the old "how hard can it be?" attitude towards home renovation timelines. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of turning your living room into a modern art exhibit or finally transforming that outdated kitchen into a culinary paradise. But let's be real: these things take time. And unfortunately, underestimating the timeline can lead to some pretty serious consequences.

First of all, you'll be living in a construction zone for longer than necessary. This means dealing with dust, noise, and inconvenience for weeks (or even months) longer than you anticipated. This is pretty much the ultimate test of patience and sanity, and not to mention your relationship with your partner and family members.

Secondly, underestimating the timeline can lead to rushed decisions and poor quality work. If you're trying to squeeze in a renovation project in a short amount of time, you may cut corners or make hasty decisions without fully considering the consequences. This can lead to shoddy workmanship, mistakes, and a lower-quality end result.

So, how do you avoid underestimating the timeline? Take the time to research how long similar projects have taken, and factor in any potential delays (such as weather, delivery issues, or unexpected surprises). Talking to a general contractor for a time estimate can help as well (however, add on an extra 6-weeks, sometimes they too have ambitious timelines).

Another strategy is to break the project down into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each one. This way you can piece the project together and create your timeline with a more backwards approach.

And lastly, we’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, don't forget to build in some buffer time for unexpected delays or issues. Remember that life happens, and even the best-laid plans can go awry. By building in some extra time, you'll be better equipped to handle any surprises that come your way. Plus, it’s better to be pleasantly surprised with an early project, then disappointed by a delayed project.

‍

‍

Neglecting to Plan for Contingencies

Did you really think we were going to skip past this one? We all know that life is full of surprises - some good, some bad, and some downright ugly. Home renovations are no exception. No matter how much you plan and prepare, unexpected issues feel like they’re the norm when it comes to home renos, and they definitely toss a wrench into your project's timeline and budget. 

This is where contingencies come in.

Contingencies are your safety net. They're the extra cushion that you’ve added to your budget and timeline for all those unforeseen circumstances. It's like having a plan B when plan A falls through. For example, if you're renovating your bathroom and discover that the pipes are corroded, you'll need to fix them before moving forward with the renovation. This can both delay and increase the cost of your project, BUT, if you’re smart and you’ve planned for contingencies, you won't be caught too off guard.

Now, you might be thinking, "But I already set a budget and timeline, do I really need to plan for more?" Yes, my friend, you do. When planning for contingencies, aim to set aside around 10-20% of your total budget and timeline. This might seem like a lot, but trust us, it's worth it. It's better to have a little extra padding and not need it than to be caught off guard and left in a sticky situation.

‍

‍

The wrap-up

Don't let the allure of DIY projects lead you down the path of costly mistakes. Invest in the expertise of qualified professionals to ensure your bathroom renovation or basement renovation project is a success. If it’s important to you to have your hands in the project, find a contractor that’s happy to work with you and incorporate you into the process. 

‍