High-end home renovations can add value to your home while improving your quality of life - if they're done right. High-end home renovations that go wrong waste money and time. There is a right (and wrong way) to complete home improvement projects. Knowing the most common mistakes can help you avoid those mistakes.
Litchfield Builders has been providing quality construction to homeowners in Connecticut for more than 25 years, and we've seen a lot of home improvement projects go wrong. Below, we've recorded the top 8 mistakes that homeowners make when they're renovating their house.
Don't make one of these mistakes. The next time you're taking on a high-end home renovation, hire an experienced Connecticut contractor that can help guide you through the process.
1. Underestimating the cost.
You might be surprised how much it costs to renovate a kitchen or bathroom. A typical upscale kitchen remodel, for example, can cost as much as $170,000 or more. Underestimating the cost of your upcoming renovation can lead to problems, especially if it leads you to hire a contractor that underbids to get the job.
Good contractors charge reasonable prices for their services. They use high-quality materials, spend plenty of time training their employees, and allow their workers the time to do the job well. All of that costs money, but when the work is done, the price tag is worth it.
2. Choosing the wrong contractor.
Choosing the wrong contractor can lead to disputes, poor workmanship, and years spent correcting problems caused by hiring the wrong construction company. When you're selecting a contractor, vet three construction companies so you can compare them. Consider:
- Communication: Is the contractor a good communicator? A good listener? Do they respond quickly to inquiries? Are they respectful? Do they take the time to explain ideas thoroughly?
- Price: Price isn't everything when you're selecting a contractor. Hire a contractor that is charging a fair price for a project.
- Reputation: Hire a contractor with years of experience and a good reputation in your community. There are many ways to gauge reputation. Consider their membership in trade associations, years in business, involvement in your community, and so on.
- Portfolio: Look at the portfolio of any contractor you're considering. Hire a contractor that has completed similar work for other customers.
- References: Contact references for any contractor before hiring them. The contractor you hire should be able to provide references for customers who hired that contractor to do similar work on their home.
3. Skipping permits.
Permits are expensive, so it's tempting to skip the permitting process. Here's why that's a bad idea:
- The permitting process is designed to ensure that the work will be done correctly. Unpermitted work can put your family at risk.
- Unpermitted work devalues your home, and may lead to low offers when you try to sell.
- A contractor that is willing to do the work without getting a permit may also be cutting corners in other ways that could lead to a poor work product.
4. Failing to budget.
Knowing how much you can afford to spend can help you make decisions throughout your construction project. Without a budget, the cost of your project can easily spin out of control.
To make a budget, meet with several contractors to get estimates. Use these estimates to decide how much you can realistically expect to spend on the project. Use this information to borrow money or decide how much cash you want to spend. Don't forget to build padding into your budget, in case you uncover damage that needs repair during the renovation.
5. No clearly defined goals.
What do you hope to accomplish with your home improvement project? What must be accomplished in order for the project to be a success? Having a list of clearly defined goals helps ensure that when the project is over, the finished product will satisfy your needs.
Make a list of "must haves" and "nice to haves." The contractor will include the "must haves" in your design from the beginning. You can add the "nice to haves" to the project if you can afford it.
6. Sticking too closely to trends.
Some trends become dated really quickly. Think: shag carpeting of the 1970's or mauve paint of the 1980's.
Sticking too closely to trends can leave your home looking outdated in just a few short years. Include timeless fixtures and designs whenever possible. Follow trends lightly, scattering them throughout.
7. Splurging on the wrong things.
Plan to spend more money on the surfaces that get the most wear and tear. Purchasing high-quality finishes, fixtures, and materials for high-traffic areas can help your renovation last. For example, install durable flooring, counter tops, and bathroom fixtures.
Know when to save money. An example: refinish your kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them.
8. Failure to control the scope.
"Scope creep" is what happens when a project keeps growing in scope as it progresses. Scope creep can increase the cost of your project and can also drag out your timeline.
Avoid adding things to your design once the contract has been finalized. Create a solid plan from the beginning, and stick to it.
Starting a Home Renovation Project? See Our Guide
Litchfield Builders offers a free guide to hiring a Connecticut contractor. Download our guide to learn more about hiring a good contractor for your high-end home renovation. You can also call us to schedule a free in-home consultation.
