DIY home renovation projects can be thrilling and exciting. Taking your visions for your home into your own hands can make for an amazing experience, especially if you have the time and are eager to learn the skills.
If you’re getting ready to renovate your home — or even just a room or two — there are a few things you should know before you get started. While every project is different, there are a few mistakes people tend to make as they move toward their dream house vision. To make sure your home is in the best possible shape by the time you finish your renovations, you’ll want to hit all your bases. Here are a few common mistakes you should keep an eye out for.
Forgetting Permits
Permits aren’t always the most fun part of a build, but they’re vital. While not every remodel will require one, major changes like structural shifts, plumbing and electrical work often will. If you’re unsure what requires a permit in your area, check with your local municipality.
Not Documenting Your Plumbing Situation
There are plenty of mistakes people make when it comes to plumbing, and one that comes up quite frequently is forgetting how things go back together. Although you may think you have everything under control when it comes to DIY plumbing, make sure you document how everything will fit back together once you’re done. It could save you a lot of trouble.
Ignoring the Small Details
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and glamor of big renovation projects and forget about important maintenance tasks. For example, you may ignore a small leak in favor of focusing on your big kitchen renovation. But a leak can potentially lead to a burst pipe, and dealing with these kinds of major repairs can cost you time and money toward your renovations. Make sure you have checked your home for basic maintenance issues before you start any major renovations.
Not Ordering Extra Flooring
Just enough never quite cuts it. Flooring can often get damaged or broken in the installation process, and you don’t want to be stuck without the materials you need. The general rule of thumb is to order about 20% more than you need. That way, you’ll be sure you have enough for your project. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Measuring Once, Cutting Twice
This rule can be applied to just about everything. It’s crucial — especially when dealing with limited materials — to measure everything at least twice. Otherwise, you could end up wasting valuable time, resources and energy you could be spending on making progress. Even if it might seem tedious, you’ll avoid mistakes that could set you back in your project.
Avoiding Renovation Mistakes in Your Home
While no project is perfect, you can ensure that your DIY renovation goes seamlessly. By avoiding common mistakes, your home will function better than ever before, and you can enjoy it sooner than you thought — exactly how you’ve designed it.
