Anyone who is a fan of HGTV has noticed over the last few years the network has continued to increase its number of flagship home renovation shows. Each and every day you can simply flip on the switch and as a home and gardening fanatic watch an endless amount of shows that are guaranteed to spark the Tim the Tool Man Taylor spirit into your heart.
Having access to such a variety of DIY ideas on HGTV surely comes with a ton of pros but there can also be an incredible amount of cons. In many cases families often become so consumed by the ideas they see constructed on HGTV they suddenly feel as if they are supermen and superwomen and instantly begin to embark on renovation journeys without putting much thought or effort into their projects.
Each and every year millions of Americans go into debt, foreclosure or are even forced to temporarily evacuate their homes all due to inaccurately planning their home renovation projects.
Home renovation can be one of the most exciting times in the life of a home but it can also be one of the most frightening if you don't choose to avoid these mistakes:
Forgetting to Create a Budget
If you have ever worked in the corporate spectrum for any amount of time you are probably familiar with the 6 Ps which stands for Piss Poor Planning Prevents Proper Performance. This proves to be true and relevant when it comes to budgeting for a long lasting home renovation project. According to a recent survey of contractors it is estimated that any major upgrade could cost approximate $100-$200 per square feet. A major upgrade could quickly send a family into the red before a project is halfway done if not budgeted correctly.
Neglecting to Research and Ask Questions
One of the greatest mistakes one can make while on the road to home renovation is neglecting to ask questions. If you are beginning a new home project and still have no idea in which direction you are moving in perhaps you haven't asked enough questions. One rule of thumb is to always have visuals on hands in case contractors don't know your vision and if you don't have visuals be sure to be very elaborate when detailing the vision that you have for your renovation.
Refusing to Ask for Referrals
As people sometimes we feel as if we can take the world on by ourselves. Many tasks can be done alone but there is power in united together especially when it comes to large projects such as home renovations. When you are searching for contractors for your project don't be afraid to ask your friends for referrals. There is nothing worse than hiring a contractor only to find out months in that he has no idea what he's doing. Your friends and family can kindly direct you to individuals that have credible proven track records.
Losing Contact with Your Contractor
Once you have hired a contractor you want to make sure that you are in constant contact with him or her. Many contractors ask that you not come on site every single day; however, when it comes to your own personal home renovation projects you have the choice to be as hands on as you would like. If you don't communicate with your contractor now you will pay later in more ways than one.
Have you embarked on a home renovation project lately? What mistakes do you wish you would have avoided?