Getting ready to renovate your home can be an exciting process, whether its setting up a Pinterest board, comparing paint swatches, trawling furniture markets for that perfect dining room chandelier. While you may know exactly what you want to transform your living space, the practicalities of executing this vision can make the process stressful and overwhelming. From tackling finding the right contractor to choosing furniture and avoiding budget woes, we've compiled a list of the biggest mistakes to avoid while renovating and refurbishing your home.
1. Not Hiring a Professional
An interior designer will lend a trained eye to your decor ideas and ensure your home ends up being both pleasing to the eye and practical too. Make sure to involve them during the planning stage so they can give proper guidance from the get go.
2. Hiring a Cheap Contractor
You may be on a tight budget, but don't settle for the cheapest contractor you can find. When choosing the right contractor to renovate your home, take into consideration skill, experience, and workmanship. Always choose a contractor with a good reputation and a track record of on-time delivery of work.
3. Choosing Substandard Materials
Do not compromise on the quality of materials. Substandard ones may be cheaper but will cost you in the long run as they will have to be replaced soon. The best quality materials are durable and long-lasting, especially in the case of items like faucets and hardware for doors, windows, wardrobes and kitchen hardware.
Also read: 7 things not to do while budgeting for home renovation
4. Renovating Without a Budget
A renovation usually does not go as planned, so make sure to create a realistic budget. Make provisions for of at least 20 per cent over your budget for contingencies or unforeseen expenses especially if it is an old property. If you are working with a limited budget then spend on essential items like flooring, plumbing and electricals instead of splurging on luxurious furniture or expensive lighting fixtures. Also, focus on prime areas instead of trying to complete the entire renovation in one go.
5. Not Setting a Timeline
A successful renovation cannot happen within a short time frame so don't be in a hurry to wrap up things. Create a detailed plan for each stage of the process, and a work and payment schedule with proper timelines so that the materials are purchased in a timely manner and the contractor is paid on time.
Also read: Step inside a 90-year-old Mangalore villa restored to its former grandeur
6. Poor Planning
Pay attention to the furniture layout, circulation pattern, and ventilation to improve the functionality and indoor environment of the house. Choose a timeless design over a trendy one.
7. Neglecting the Building Services
Before starting the renovation, inspect the house for any structural problems or water seepages and dampness. Note that an older property will require much more repairs than a newer one. Make provisions for adequate electrical points as per the proposed furniture layout. The wiring should be able to take the load of all electrical appliances, including geysers and air conditioners. Get the water drainage checked and rectify broken plumbing pipes if any.
Also read: An old Pune home gets a modern yet timeless makeover with the warmth of wood
8. Poor Lighting
Layered lighting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform the overall look of the home. Create a well-lit ambience with a combination of task, ambient and accent lighting.
9. Limited Storage
You can never have too much storage. Make provisions for open, built-in and closed storage in each room to give your home a clean and well-organised look.
10. Purchasing New Furniture at an Early Stage
Buy your furniture only after taking the actual measurements on site. This will prevent you from buying products that don’t fit properly.
.png)
.png)