Surprising & Costly Home Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid
Remodeling your home is one of the best ways to add value and improve functionality. But it’s also one of the most expensive ways to do so. There are many pitfalls that can turn a kitchen remodel into a nightmare, from things like bad design or poor quality workmanship to hidden fees and unforeseen expenses.
Here are seven mistakes you want to avoid when planning for your next home bathroom or kitchen remodel:
1. Not Getting Permits
It can be tempting to start a remodeling project without getting the proper permits, but this is a mistake. Getting permits will ensure that your work is done legally and professionally. You’ll also save money in the long run because you won’t have to pay fines or repair any damage caused by not getting permits initially.
Getting permits also makes it easier for you to get insurance coverage. If an inspector finds that your house doesn’t meet building codes, they may require that certain repairs are made before they’ll approve your application for an insurance policy.
2. Automatically Going With the Lowest Bid
If you’re going to get a new kitchen or bathroom remodel, it’s natural to go with the lowest bid. After all, the cost is one of the main factors in deciding where to buy home improvement materials and services. But while low bids can be appealing, there are numerous other considerations that should be taken into account before making a decision.
You want to work with a company with a reputation for excellent service so you don’t end up with significant repairs in the future due to poor quality of work.
3. Not Ordering Extra Materials
You have to have enough materials to complete your project. Don’t say, “Oh, I’ll just buy more.” You don’t want to run out of materials in the middle of a job and have to wait for more to arrive. Make sure that your contractor provides you with a detailed list of everything you need—down to the last screw.
4. Disregarding Little Things
The little things can add up to big problems. A leaky faucet is a small thing, but over time it can lead to major water damage and costly repairs. If you have missing or broken tiles in your bathroom remodel, they’re easy to overlook but hard and expensive to fix when their absence affects the structural integrity of your tub or shower walls. A faulty toilet flapper costs just $4 at the hardware store—unless it’s completely missing from its housing, which could mean paying $100 for a plumber if you don’t know how to replace one.
5. Not Having a Contingency Fund
It’s essential to have a contingency fund in case the kitchen remodel project takes longer than expected, or unforeseen circumstances arise. A good rule of thumb is to include approximately 15% of the total cost of your remodel in your budget, which will cover any unexpected expenses that come up during construction. You don’t want to be left with no money for last-minute changes or repairs, so it’s best not to skimp on this portion of your remodeling budget.
6. Underestimating the Cumulative Effect of Changes
You can’t change one thing without affecting everything else. You can’t change one thing without affecting the cost. You can’t change one thing without affecting the timeline. And you definitely cannot, under any circumstances whatsoever, make changes to your home that compromise its structural integrity or safety.
The cumulative effect of these changes is what we call “scope creep.” It’s what happens when you start with an idea for a small project (let’s say painting) but then do other things because they seem like a good idea at the time. Before you know it, everything has gone completely off-track.
Where to Start
The best way to avoid costly mistakes is through careful planning. Don’t forget that a kitchen remodel can be a big investment, so it’s important to make sure your budget covers the costs of everything that needs to be done. Make sure you do the research into contractors, materials, and labor costs before making any decisions about what needs to be done in your home. It will also help if you keep track of all receipts throughout the project, so there are no surprises when it comes time for payment.
Working with an expert team like ours at Coco Design & Build Co. provides the peace of mind you need for your next bathroom remodel. We have years of experience crafting budgets, estimations, and ensuring our clients have all the necessary information for a smooth and rewarding remodel. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation, and let’s kick off your kitchen remodel or bathroom upgrade right!
