Remodeling your home on your own can save you a ton of money, but it can also turn your life into a living nightmare. If you have never done any renovation before, you can easily become a victim of the common pitfalls of DIY. There is a dark side to those flashy Instagram reveals and glamorous Pinterest posts, and it’s very well hidden. Online home renovations seem quick, easy, and cheap and always result in a fabulous home you would gladly move into. Before you start your own DIY project, be sure to read the following do’s and don’ts and avoid the common mistakes most amateur contractors make.
Do prepare for chaos
Renovations are not just physically exhausting, they are emotionally draining as well. Not being able to take a hot shower in your own bathroom or prepare yourself a nice meal in your kitchen for a couple of days is fine, but renovations usually take much longer than that. If you are ready to remodel your entire home, be prepared to live in chaos for a couple of months. However, keep in mind that there are a few tricks that can make your life easier during this time. For instance, make an improvised kitchen in one area of your home, where you will have your coffee machine and a microwave, so you can prepare quick meals and your morning coffee in peace.
Do focus on less glamorous updates
Choosing your new flooring or the brick for your new fireplaces will surely make you excited, but do not forget about important updates that are not that glamorous and flashy. Renovations are not just about making a home pretty, they are even more about making it more functional and safe for you and your family. Therefore, take this opportunity to make necessary changes, such as fixing your roof, updating your plumbing system, or installing insulation. These updates can help you save a lot in the long run, so they will eventually pay for themselves. If your home is not properly insulated, check this website and see which type of insulation will make your house energy-efficient and comfortable for you and your family.
Don’t overestimate yourself
How many times have you watched a home reno on TV or online and thought to yourself, “This is easy, I can do this!” Of course, home remodeling always seems easier when someone else is in charge. However, there is a reason contractors spend years and years in training programs. While you might be able to save money by doing things yourself, ask yourself whether you will be able to do them in the same amount of time as a professional and equally good.
Do not ignore code requirements
Maybe you are convinced that nobody is watching and that you can do things your own way, but this kind of thinking could give you a lot of headaches down the road. For instance, if your work results in some type of damage, your insurance may not cover the cost of repairs. In addition, selling a home that is not up to code will be a huge problem.
Do look for appliances in advance
New appliances will dictate the theme of your room, so make sure you choose them early on in the entire process. Buying them when almost everything is already in place could disrupt the balance of your home.
Don’t buy your furniture early on
You won’t know exactly how your home will look in the end, since last-minute changes are often necessary. Therefore, if you buy your furniture early on in the process, it may not fit your new space.
Renovating your home is not a simple project, so arm yourself with nerves of steel and follow our tips for better results.
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