Guest Post - Biggest Home Renovation Mistakes You Should Avoid at All Cost

While seemingly straightforward, a home improvement project will entail meticulous planning and adequate financing. And that's just for starters. Keep in mind that home renovations can be very costly. A kitchen remodel alone can take you back as much as $22,000! Smaller-scale remodels like a bathroom redo can average around $10,000.

While not as painless as roof inspection and maintenance, a home renovation project can be one of your most rewarding investments as long as you are able to navigate the process smoothly. 

If it is your first time, below are some of the most significant renovation mistakes you should avoid at all cost if you want to get the most bang for your buck and keep your sanity intact:

Mistake #01: Rushing the Job

If you have seen countless home improvement shows, you most likely have the impression it is possible to get a renovation project completed in a week. Unfortunately, TV is different from real life. If anything, you need ample time to plan meticulously, carry out the steps thoroughly, and address any unexpected scenarios.

Make it a point to respect the whole renovation process. This is especially true if you are working on a massive renovation project. Typically, planning should take at least three to six months. Ensuring there is ample time can help you assemble the right team, plan the project properly, and address anything unforeseen that comes up.

Mistake #02: Working with the Cheapest Contractor

Make no mistake about it, the lowest bid does not always translate to the best job. Ideally, you need to get written estimates from at least three contractors. Keep in mind that some contractors might give cheap quotes just to get the job then cut corners or install products that are of low quality.

The written estimate should include specific details like the hardware, flooring, exact cabinets, and install costs. Also, it should include the general contractor fee, waste removal plan, insurance, work warranty, and how design changes will be addressed. 

If those crucial details are not included, the contractor is either underestimating the project or is not being thorough. 

Mistake #03: Lowballing Your Renovation Budget

During the renovation process, it is recommended that you make room for a few surprises that might pop up. For instance, let's say you are installing a backsplash. While rare, there is the possibility that you will damage the wall and might need to replace some of the drywall.

From there, you might also discover electrical issues inside the drywall. Before you know it, you need to deal with more than just a new backsplash. In line with this, it would be smart to set aside at least 15 percent of your total project cost for unexpected expenses. This is especially important when you are renovating older homes.

Mistake #04: Creating a Kitchen That's Too Trendy

This is something many homeowners are guilty of. It is vital to keep in mind that the bolder your kitchen, the quicker it can go out of style. A  kitchen that's out of style can bring your home's resale value down significantly. Other kitchen changes you might regret later include overdoing the kitchen appliances at the expense of space.

As a general rule of thumb, don't shove a kitchen island when there is no sufficient space. If your area does not allow at least 36 inches of clearance between the cabinets and your kitchen island, it is recommended that you skip it.

Mistake #05: Not Putting a Floor Drain Where Necessary

If you have home appliances that disperse water like the washing machine or fridge, you must put a floor drain nearby. In most places, this is required and is considered a code requirement. Unfortunately, many homeowners still cut corners and omit it. They often end up regretting it later on.

Putting in a drain can be very beneficial if a hose breaks. It can also help warrant that your house won't flood and is protected against water damage. Ensure you avoid this renovation mistake at all costs if you want to save money that might go to repair costs.

Mistake #06: Working on Too Many Rooms at Once

If you want to stick to the budget you have set, it is recommended that you don't do the entire house all at once. Instead, break the renovations based on rooms and tackle renovations one room at a time.

Breaking down your renovation project by rooms will also allow you to see clear progress and is less overwhelming in general. Any way you look at it, it is ideal to focus your energy on one area first than do a complete overhaul overtime.

Wrap Up

A renovation project should not be frustrating and should run as smoothly as possible. Avoid all the renovation mistakes above at all cost, and you'll be enjoying your newly renovated house in no time.

Author Bio:

Rachel Porter is the content specialist for Custom Contractors Insurance, LLC, an Arizona roofing and contractors insurance company. When not writing, she enjoys reading and mountain biking with her friends.

Spring Cleaning and Maintenance to Start Now for Warmer Months

As spring is here, the warm weather encourages more outdoor activities after staying shut indoors during winter. After a long, harsh winter, this is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning and maintenance that will ensure your home is ready for the summer.

Here is a spring cleaning and maintenance checklist that will ensure your house is in top shape for the hot summer months.

Inspect Your Roofing and Chimney

Start your spring cleaning by inspecting your roof for worn-out shingles, tins, or concrete tiles that need replacing. Proceed to repair damaged roof areas to prevent spring showers from damaging the inside of your home. After inspecting your roof, make sure you assess your chimney’s exterior for any indicators of damage. You should also ensure a qualified chimney sweeper evaluates your chimney.

Clean Gutters

After inspecting the roof, proceed and inspect your gutters. Get rid of the buildup that can cause clogs which cause timber to rot and attract pests. Replace or repair leaky or loose gutters that may cause water damage in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Majority of structural damage is caused by improper drainage, thus ensuring your downspouts drain water away from your foundation.

Service Your AC

Contract an air conditioning expert to inspect your AC before summer kicks in. Meanwhile, clean the coils, which help your system operate effectively and efficiently. You should also replace the air filters; murky air filters cause your air conditioner to strain, thus increasing your power bills and potentially damaging your air conditioner. You should check your air filters at least once a month and replace them when necessary.

Paint the Exterior

Winter weather may chip, damper, or dull exterior paint jobs, and spring is the best time to fix this. If you aren’t planning to do a complete house repaint, touch up every chip on shutters, trim, doorway, etc., to immediately improve your home’s aesthetics.

Inspect Hardscaping

The constant thawing and freezing associated with winter are viciously hard on asphalt, concrete, and other types of hardscaping. This may cause cracks and other forms of damage that can cause falls and accidents. Spring is the best time to power wash and your walkways, driveway, stairs, and paths and then seal any gaps and cracks with silicone caulk or concrete crack filler.

Spring is the best time to perform house maintenance. By performing spring maintenance, you can identify and fix damages that your house may have suffered during the harsh winter months and ensure it’s ready for the approaching summer.

Upgrades for Your House During Spring

During springtime, many people tend to focus on deep cleaning and decluttering, but there is so much potential for renewal in the spring other than just minimizing belongings. Once you’ve cleared out your closet and scrubbed your baseboards, you may still feel a need to refresh. Check out these easy DIY upgrades for your house during spring.

Accent Wall Upgrades

Accent walls make all the difference in the way a room feels. If a room in your home is starting to feel stale or bland, consider giving it a quick and easy upgrade through the addition of an accent wall.

Textured Wall

Adding texture to your wall is easier than it sounds. Simply go to a local home improvement store and find some thin particleboard strips. Glue or nail them to the wall in a fun design. Then, paint over the particle board and the wall to create an interesting yet subtle pattern.

Stick on Wallpaper Wall

Another way to give your wall a noticeable update is by using stick-on wallpaper. Pick a bright or bold color or pattern and adhere it to the wall. This is a quick and easy way to make your home look brighter and more welcoming in the new season.

Bathroom Beautification

People spend a large amount of time in their bathrooms. It’s where most self-care takes place, from showers to face masks to hair care. It’s a space that should be relaxing, fun, and reflective of your personality. If you have old, boring tile in your bathroom, consider ripping it out and installing something a little more fun and unique, such as colorful mermaid tile. Adding new tiling that reflects fun and excitement can be transformative.

Garage Functionality Update

Garages are so often wasted space. They store cars and other items that people rarely use. With a little bit of organization and a coat of fresh paint, a garage can be transformed into a functional space. Need a home gym? Renovate your garage. Want some space for a small business to run out of? Update your garage. Garages have endless potential with the right amount of TLC.

Spaces within your home should serve you. If there is any form of space that isn’t producing joy for you right now or feels like wasted potential, give it an update. These are just some of the countless upgrades for your house during spring to try this year for a home renewal.

4 Reasons Why Your Home Isn't Staying Warm in the Winter

Staying warm when the weather turns cold is a priority. Not only is heat a major comfort factor on chilly days, but a warm home is essential for good health. If your home is not adequately heated during the winter, find out why by investigating the following possibilities.

Doors and Windows

Inspect your home's doors and windows for signs of cold air entry. Not only will that make your house feel colder, but if cold air can get in, warm air can escape. Air currents moving in the wrong direction rob your living space of the warm temperature needed to keep everyone safe. Repair any of your home's broken window frames or door jambs. Replace worn or damaged weather strips around these areas. Keep the windows closed except for occasional fresh air.

Insulation

Older homes sometimes feel colder if there is not enough insulation in the walls. Some homes have little to no insulation. You may need to have additional insulation blown into the home's critical areas to maintain adequate heating and cooling temperatures as needed. Adding updated or more insulation to the attic helps to hold heat in a home as well.

HVAC

Have your HVAC system checked by experts every year or two to ensure the system is functioning correctly. Routine maintenance can find minor problems before they turn into big ones. As your furnace gets older, it may lose some of its ability to heat your home consistently and efficiently. Discuss a potential new furnace installation with a reliable HVAC company to be prepared to replace your furnace when it stops heating your home effectively.

Roof and Foundation

If your roof has been damaged by high winds or tree limbs, there may be slim openings that let in drafty air that you cannot see or feel. But cold air can circulate through your home insidiously to affect your indoor temperature and comfort. The same type of problem can develop in your basement or crawlspace. If your home's foundation blocks are deteriorating or shifting, leaving gaps that let in cold or damp air, your home may feel chillier than it should. Have these areas inspected for problems, and have them repaired quickly to improve your indoor warmth.

Don't let your home's heat be compromised by issues like these. Ensure these important elements are in good condition to keep your home safe and comfortable and to avoid losing valuable warm air in cold weather.