Bryan Baeumler Reveals 12 Biggest Reno Blunders Homeowners Always Make

This first point is the most avoidable. Those who think they can do it themselves to save some money are more often than not, wrong. Unless you have experience or talent in all things construction related, do not attempt to do major renovations yourself! Simple.

See here for 8 Home Improvement Projects You Should Never Do Yourself.

While you should aim to achieve everything you want, only do so if these desires are reasonable. Anything can be done, but everything has a price, so dream within your means and don’t stretch the budget out of your comfort zone.

Here’s how to solve the 12 Biggest Design Debates You’ll Have During a Reno.

When beginning any project in your home, large or small, you need to plan it out. Write things down, create spreadsheets, open Pinterest accounts, do whatever you need to get your ideas down and to create budgets and timelines that are reasonable.

You may want to renovate your kitchen or bathroom, but be sure to renovate or fix up the area that needs it the most. Don’t get misled by cosmetics, if your furnace needs updating or your roof is leaking, deal with those things first.

Trying to take the easy route is a huge no-no in the construction industry. This often leads to other problems that could jeopardize the whole project and/or your budget. Doing things correctly is key when renovating, otherwise it will come back to haunt you, I promise. (Here are my Top 10 Tips for Renovating an Old Home).

Cheap is often not cheap at all. When getting quotes, ensure that everything you asked for is included and that the contractor is aware of exactly what you want. What seems like the cheapest quote may result in hidden costs and/or poor craftsmanship.

This is in the same vein as the previous point: buying cheap doesn’t always mean saving money. When it comes to buying products that need to stand the test of time, don’t buy the least expensive. Repairing piping, wiring, or anything that is behind walls is expensive, so get it right straightaway.

Here’s Where to Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your Home.

It is never recommended to go with the first contractor you have spoken with, unless you decide to come back to them once you’ve spoken to a number of others. Always do your due diligence and get numerous quotes and references.

Don’t go into a renovation or project thinking it will be cheap. Make sure you’ve done your research, gotten several quotes and have spoken to the experts. Decide upon a budget and then add 25% for contingency.

Not sure if you should renovate before you sell? Here’s what you need to know.

It is always advisable to get permits. If you are planning on selling your home at any point, then getting permits can be imperative. You will often hear of homeowners thinking they can avoid the permit process, but I strongly recommend not listening to them. Get the necessary permits for the project you have planned.

This is also not a good idea. Building codes are forever changing and can seem like an unwelcome annoyance, but they are there for a reason. Don’t ignore them and ensure that the person working on your home is aware of the most up-to-date codes in your area.

Lastly, be patient. Don’t go into a project with an unrealistic timeline as you will ultimately be disappointed, and this may impact your budget. Working closely with the experts you have employed to produce a schedule that will allow the project to be completed to its highest standard.

What becomes clear after writing these pointers is that going into any renovation requires patience and research. Don’t enter a project without knowing as many of the facts as you possibly can. This will help to avoid blunders and to ensure that you spend your money in the best possible place. Happy renovating!