It’s quite understandable to encounter a few challenges and make some mistakes during a renovation. But we’d want to minimise the mistakes we make to prevent any future problems with the structure. With that in mind, here are some common renovation mistakes homeowners tend to make.
1. Not Getting a Permit
So, you’ve cleared your schedule to make way for the renovation. Everything seems to be set. But wait. You realise you can’t start renovating as expected because you don’t have a permit to get work done on your home. Now, you have to make adjustments to your schedule, and hope you can get that permit as soon as possible.
Don’t let this happen to you. Permits are non-negotiable. They are there to protect you by ensuring your home can meet the important building requirements. Permits can minimise health and safety risks, structural failure and fire hazards.
2. Hiring the Cheapest Contractor
There’s nothing wrong with choosing an affordable contractor as long as they are qualified to do the job and they are reliable. The problem, however, comes when you only consider the costs.
There are a lot of other factors to consider when selecting a contractor. You have to look at their skills and experience. You’d also want a reliable contractor, so it would be best to look for online reviews of the company or testimonials from previous clients. And, of course, the contractor you choose should be trustworthy and can effectively communicate with you.
3. Excluding Extra Costs in the Budget
A renovation project can be costly, so it’s best to create a realistic budget to stick to. When making a budget, you need to be aware of all the costs involved, so you don’t find yourself short on cash in the middle of the renovation.
Excluding extra costs may leave you with an unfinished project. And even when you do factor in all the other expenses, it’s best to make allowances just in case. Set aside 5 to 20 per cent more for unforeseen costs to truly be prepared.
4. Ordering Just Enough Flooring
People often make the mistake of ordering flooring that seems just enough for the space. However, things can go wrong, and you may end up with not enough flooring. Tiles could break, or maybe the pattern won’t work with the tiles you have left. So, it’s best to purchase an extra 20 per cent in case you’ll need it.
5. Getting the Wrong Cabinet Measurements
If you plan to install a custom cabinet, it’s best to give exact measurements to the cabinet maker. You can’t just eyeball it and make an estimate. If you don’t measure and re-measure your cabinet space, you might find that things won’t fit, and you’ll have to get it adjusted.
Final Thoughts
Mistakes can happen during a renovation project. But a lot of the time, these mistakes are avoidable. To avoid compromising the quality of the construction, it’s best to carefully plan for your renovation project and stay a few steps ahead by making room for error. It’s also crucial to work with trusted renovation contractors to handle the project.
Need a reputable renovation expert to handle your kitchen renovation on the Sunshine Coast? Look Cabinets is the place to go. Our kitchen design experts and Sunshine Coast cabinet makers will walk you through every step of the way to ensure your dream kitchen is beautiful and functional. Book a consultation now!