Remodeling Your Home? Avoid These Common Mistakes

Remodeling is a fairly common part of homeownership. But it’s also an area where people commonly make mistakes — mistakes that can cost a huge amount of time, energy, money, and frustration.

So what, exactly, are those mistakes, and how can you avoid them?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined common remodeling mistakes, and how to address them, including:

• Miscommunication. According to the article, the #1 mistake homeowners make during remodeling is not communicating well, or enough, with their contractors. Contractors need to know exactly what you want from the remodel, including all of the small details; otherwise, they might fill in the gaps and tackle those details as they see fit, which can result in a remodel you’re not totally happy with. When you’re remodeling, remember that there’s no such thing as too much communication. Communicate clearly and often. Ask for regular updates throughout the course of the remodel. Write things down so the contractors can reference it during their work. The more (and more clearly) you communicate, the better.
• Not installing outlets. When you’re remodeling, particularly in the kitchen, you often change the layout of the room, which also changes the way the room functions, so you’ll want to make sure that you install plenty of outlets to support the room’s new layout and functionality. For example, if you redesign your counters to be on the opposite wall of the kitchen, there may not be outlets in that area, but you’ll need them to plug in your appliances. Be sure to think about where you’ll need outlets in the room, and make sure your contractor installs those outlets during the remodeling process.
• Not thinking about long-term implications. Many people get so caught up in the design, they don’t think about the long-term implications of a remodel, and it can end up being a costly, frustrating mistake. For example, you might love the look of a certain type of countertop, but if the material easily stains, you could regret that decision down the line when the countertops are covered in water rings and other stains. Make sure that when you’re choosing materials and finishes during your remodel, you think beyond how those finishes look, and consider how well those finishes will meet your needs in the long run.