Renovation Solutions: 6 costly mistakes people make when remodeling

Windows, front doors, garage doors, shutters, paint colors, light fixtures, mailboxes and even house numbers should be intentionally selected to be consistent with and enhance the style of your home.

Trina Knudsen, 2013 Trina Knudsen, Photographer

Remodeling usually represents a substantial investment of time and energy, but it shouldnt cost more than it has to. Most people experience a major remodel only once or twice in their lifetime, so there isnt much room for trial and error. You want to get it right the first time. Here are some of the more common costly mistakes you should try to avoid.

1. Doing projects out of sequence

There is nothing more costly for a remodeling project than doing the same project twice due to poor planning and improper project sequencing. Dont redo the landscaping and add a deck when you are planning an addition next year. Usually people do projects as they can afford them maybe windows this year and new deck next year. There is nothing wrong with this idea as long as you have a master plan you are working toward.

For instance, we hate it when clients come to us wanting a home remodel only to find out they just replaced all their windows. Windows have a huge impact on the architectural design of a house. Working around the new windows is going to limit the design. Often clients end up at least having to pay to remove and re-install some of the windows, and some end up having to buy new windows again to match the style of their dream home.

2. Blowing the budget

The client who stays within a budget is the client who plans ahead. The more detailed the project plans are, the more accurate the bids and the more realistic the budget. Making all the selections of finishes and equipment prior to commencing construction will allow you to get the big picture and consider the complete cost of the project. In addition, we recommend reserving 5 to 10 percent of the proposed budget as a contingency for the unexpected challenges of a remodeling project. Architects and engineers do the best they can to anticipate potential issues, but it is only when you cut into the walls, floors and ceiling that you know the whole story.

3. Gutting too soon

We cringe when we see someone decide they want to remodel and start tearing down walls without a plan. First, the planning stage takes weeks or even months. It may be three to six months from initial project inception before permits are secured and construction can begin. If you are overly excited about beginning the project, you may end up living in a construction zone far longer than you need to or be faced with rebuilding walls you could have saved when you took a sledgehammer to your house without a plan.

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Renovation Solutions: 6 costly mistakes people make when remodeling