Five 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 common 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 especially if you're trying to stick to a renovation budget! With the rise in housing costs, delayed shipments, and supply-chain issues, it’s always best to plan as far ahead as possible. Getting ahead of schedule is one of the best ways to avoid renovation mistakes. 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 factors to consider. Here’s a list of top priorities to keep in mind:

●      Examine the entire project to address any structural or safety issues

●      Draw a layout of the floor plan to ensure correct space planning

●      Research your contractors early and contact professional installers

●      Take on big projects like flooring and architectural details first

●      Think about lighting

●      Choose appliances and furniture early in the process

Mistake #2: Cheap Materials

One of the most common renovation mistakes to avoid is using cheap materials. Although it’s tempting to save money by cutting corners and opting for less expensive materials (especially when you’re on a budget), you’ll end up paying more in the long run. Select durable, high-quality materials to ensure a long lifespan for your home renovation project.

Prioritize where you want to spend the most money. For instance, first-rate kitchen cabinets, high quality windows, 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 integral pieces to the renovation project.

Mistake #3: Being Too Trendy

Any professional designer can tell you that there’s a difference between a fresh, updated look and a fad renovation. For instance, neutral colors are a timeless classic that will never go out of style (and up your resale value!), whereas installing an abstract, asymmetrical accent wall to follow the futuristic interior design trend might look outdated in a couple of years.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? Avoid unrealistic expectations and stick to what you know you’ll love for years to come.

Mistake #4: Trying to Do Everything DIY

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

Chances are, you're not planning an entire gut renovation. Maybe you're thinking of painting walls, hanging wallpaper, or moving furniture around —these are all prime examples of DIY tasks that you can confidently undertake. Structural changes, however, like installing new white oak floors in the kitchen remodel or expanding the master bathroom, are a little trickier.

It’s best to consult a professional like an interior designer, flooring expert or general contractor 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

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 the space’s function over its appearance.

Design by MELISSA DAVIS  Photography by JASON HARTOG

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.

Get Started!

Ready to start your next home renovation project? Begin project planning today with our online Room Visualizer tool and contact us to get a free quote on flooring.