Last Updated on December 18, 2024 by teamobn
A home update involves creating a space that feels like yours while simultaneously increasing functionality and value. However, home renovations may have pitfalls that can lead to unnecessary costs, delays, or unsatisfactory results.
Bad planning and hasty decisions can easily make a dream project a stressful experience. With the right approach and awareness, you can turn your home into a modern masterpiece without any issues. Here are eight common mistakes to steer clear of when renovating your outdated home:
Contents
- 0.1 Skipping a Thorough Inspection
- 0.2 Overlooking Energy Efficiency Upgrades
- 0.3 Underestimating the Value of Professional Help
- 0.4 Neglecting the Home’s Original Character
- 0.5 Not Comparing Different Materials
- 0.6 Using Cheap Material to Cut Costs
- 0.7 Failing to Incorporate Adequate Storage Solutions
- 0.8 Not Having a Realistic Budget
- 1 Endnote
Skipping a Thorough Inspection
Older homes may have many problems hidden behind sheetrock, under floors and in ceiling spaces, such as old wiring, corroded plumbing, and even structural problems with the foundation. Not finding these latent problems could result in costly, budget destroying, surprises after the work begins.
Start by hiring a home inspector who can thoroughly assess your home and point out the important areas that need attention before you start working on cosmetic fixes. Structural issues should be handled first to lay a safe foundation for further investment while preventing possible problems with repeat maintenance issues.
Overlooking Energy Efficiency Upgrades
In the rush to renovate and modernize a home, homeowners often forget about energy efficiency. Substandard insulation, drafty single-pane windows, and ancient HVAC systems contribute to huge energy bills and an uncomfortable place to live. These issues must be addressed, which, besides reducing energy costs, also contribute to making your home ‘greener’. Energy-efficient upgrades greatly increase resale value and are a good long-term investment.
Think about using double-glazed energy-efficient windows instead of old windows units, upgrading to a current, ‘intelligent’ HVAC system, and incorporating better insulation. Not only will these changes start saving you money immediately, but most will eventually make your home more attractive and desirable to environmentally conscious buyers if you seek to put it on the market.
Underestimating the Value of Professional Help
Doing everything yourself in home renovation can result in costly mistakes that may bring recurring issues. While DIY projects can save you money, other tasks involving things like electrical work, plumbing, or structural changes usually require specialized skills and knowledge. Attempting these without the necessary expertise can result in serious safety hazards and, in most regions, code violations.
Professional help by fully licensed and insured tradespeople ensures that the job is not only done right but done safely, too. For instance, an electrician can take care of intricately wired installations, and plumbers can upgrade outdated systems without causing leaks and further damaging your home.
Professional help may cost more initially, but it brings peace of mind and long-term protection. In addition, be sure to consult with your contractor regarding any warranty they might offer. Note that in many regions, work by licensed contractors must carry a standard warranty.
Neglecting the Home’s Original Character
What was it about your home that enticed you to buy it? Perhaps it was those small vintage elements, including original woodwork, built-in shelving, or decorative molding, that gave your home character and historical appeal. Unfortunately, some renovating homeowners strip away those items during the process of modernization, only to realize after the event, that their home now lacks ‘personality.
Instead of removing these features, consider how to refinish them and include them in your new design. For instance, consider refinishing the hardwood floors, restoring old light fixtures, or refinishing old cabinets for a new life with classic elements. The contrast of ultra-modern functionality combined with a touch of vintage appeal will provide a perfect balance to keep the personality of your home while it appreciates.
Not Comparing Different Materials
You may regret ordering materials without considering the options available. Every material has advantages, costs, and maintenance considerations that may or may not suit your needs or your home’s style.
For example, asphalt shingles are popular due to cost and versatility, while metal roofs provide durability and energy efficiency. Tile roofs can add a touch of class to specific architectural designs, but require quite a higher investment at first and regular maintenance afterward. Going through different types of roofs will make it easier to select one that aligns with your home’s needs.
Similarly, when choosing countertops, consider whether you need a surface that’s heat-resistant, low-maintenance, or budget-friendly, as materials like granite, quartz, and laminate vary greatly in these aspects. For decking, focus on options such as cedar and redwood, as they are reputable for their resistance to insect damage and rot. Think also about the maintenance requirements of each option to see what makes your homeownership less costly.
Using Cheap Material to Cut Costs
While the cheapest material might be alluring, this often means less-than-satisfactory results and higher long-term costs. Generally, cheap materials wear out quickly, requiring many repairs and changes. They can also depreciate the general look of your house and reduce its market value.
Spending on high-quality materials for such an important area as flooring, countertops, and roofing pays off in the long run. For example, solid wood or engineered wood flooring has a much longer life than laminate options. Quartz countertops can also take up to more wear and tear than laminate surfaces.
Failing to Incorporate Adequate Storage Solutions
Older homes often lack the built-in storage features prevalent in modern designs, leading to cluttered, less functional spaces. Making improvements without a thought to practical storage is a missed opportunity. Well-planned storage can make a big difference in functionality and the overall flow of your home.
Plan for storage right from the start of your renovation. From custom closets to built-in shelving and multi-purpose furniture, several ways to optimize your space without clutter exist. Under-stair storage, hollowed-out spaces in ottomans, and other creative solutions help merge function with fashion seamlessly, making homes as functional as they are lovely.
Not Having a Realistic Budget
Hidden issues, material upgrades, and labor costs often exceed initial estimates, leaving homeowners scrambling to cover unexpected expenses. Projects may be delayed, compromised, or left incomplete without a well-thought-out budget.
Start with a detailed renovation design and get a professional consultation on the exact cost. Divide your budget into materials, labor, and contingencies, adding 10% to 20% for unexpected costs in each category. The important thing is having a realistic budget so you will know which upgrades are necessary and which ones you could do without to reduce your stress during the project.
Endnote
Updating an older home is an exciting project that requires great caution in planning and execution. You would not wish to find yourself making the same mistakes most homeowners do while renovating, such as using cheap materials. Focus on creating a house that’s a perfect mixture of aesthetic appeal and comfort. It should also retain or have better functionality, meaning professionals need to be brought in to ensure flawless installation.
