A renovation in Auckland is not as simple as it appears at first. Exchanging your old windows and doors for new ones, replacing taps and plumbing and doing a fresh coat of paint isn’t always enough to get the right results. Of course, every project is different, but here I will share some mistakes you should avoid if you want your renovations to be successful.
Being unrealistic.
Before deciding what to renovate and how much to spend on the project, take a realistic look at what’s possible with your budget and the time you have available. It’s common for homeowners to think they will be able to do all kinds of projects — from building an addition to completely redoing their kitchen — but then they get overwhelmed by all the steps involved and give up before they even start.
Overlooking permits and inspections.
When you’re planning a major renovation project, don’t assume that there won’t be any problems with permits or inspections later on down the line. These things take time, so try not to rush through them because you want everything done immediately. This can result in costly delays later on when inspectors find something wrong with your work, or it doesn’t meet code requirements.
Skimping on space.
Renovating your home is a great way to create more space, but it’s important not to overdo it. For example, if you’re renovating an older house, don’t try and make it look like something from the future. Instead, focus on creating a space that feels comfortable and fits with the existing style of your home.
Choosing budget over quality.
Renovating your home is a major investment, so it’s important to ensure you’re investing in the right renovations. While some homeowners may be tempted to go with lower-quality materials or products that are cheaper than their competitors, this move can end up costing them more in the long run. For example, if you choose a cheaper wood flooring that ends up peeling and buckling after just a few years, it will cost you more money to repair or replace than it would have if you had chosen a higher-quality brand from the start.
Failing to plan for the future.
Homeowners can often fall into this trap by not thinking about what they will want or need in the future when renovating their homes. For example, if you spend thousands of dollars on a new kitchen, it’s important to consider whether you want to change it again in 10 years. Will it still look good? Is there anything that could be done now that would make it easier to upgrade later on? Or do you need something more basic, so you don’t have to worry about making changes later?
Making decisions based on popular trends.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is making renovation decisions based on what’s trendy or what they’ve seen on TV, in magazines, or even in their friends’ homes. For example, you may want to install a kitchen island because you saw it at a friend’s house or add an outdoor fireplace because you saw one in a magazine. The problem with this approach is that it can be very expensive and often doesn’t deliver the expected results. It’s best to stick with what works for your family, not what works for someone else’s family.
Renovation in Auckland can be a stressful process. So many little details need to be taken into consideration so that you don’t make a simple mistake here and there. These 8 renovation mistakes will help keep you on the right track!