Common pitfalls in home renovation projects
Every home build or renovation project has its own set of challenges to overcome. It’s inevitable. When you’ve been in the game as long as we have, you understand where obstacles can arise and you do your best to avoid them. Here are some common pitfalls in home renovation projects. This list is not meant to scare or deter you; rather it is meant to be educational so that your project can run as smoothly as possible.
Budget woes
It’s common for projects to cost 20-30% more than you anticipate. When you’re shopping around for design and contracting services, keep this in mind. Once you start going more custom or choosing higher-end materials, the costs will continue to rise. Take what you’d like to spend and add 20-30% more and see if your budget and financing is still feasible.
Design discrepancies
Your interior designer creates a plan not just for you to understand what your project could be, but also to be followed by all involved in the project. Before you even begin to break ground or demolish walls, the plan should be set and decided between all parties – this includes your designer, contractor, and any subcontractors involved in the project. This is also the time to work out any kinks or plan for the future if your project needs to be phased. Ensure the plan includes those contingencies now so you’re not paying more in the future or wasting materials.
Disregarding the plan
It deserves to be reiterated that when a plan isn’t followed, it creates a domino effect of problems. Your interior designer has ensured each part of the plan compliments the rest, so when you start changing things – whether they are large like walls or small like lighting placement – the integrity of the entire project is threatened. It’s imperative that when changes need to be made due to unforeseen circumstances, the designer and contractors are involved to mitigate future challenges.
Product delays
It’s not uncommon to face delays in a project due to products. This is often out of your designer or contractor’s control. In some cases, choosing a different product is a viable option. In others, it may be best to wait to get the product you really want. Be prepared for a project to take longer than you expect for this reason – they nearly always do.
Manufacturer defects
There’s always the potential for a defect in a product. You always hope it doesn’t happen on your home, but don’t be surprised if it does. Sometimes the manufacturer will honor and replace the product. Other times, the delay is too costly and a solution needs to be reached. Your designer and contractor should work together to resolve the problem in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
Surprises behind the walls
TV is not that far-fetched when it comes to finding surprises once you start opening walls. Especially if you live in an older home, you’re bound to find additional challenges. A contingency budget is necessary for this reason. This should go above and beyond your anticipated 20-30% increase. Once you’ve opened the walls, you have no choice but to finish, so there’s no going back.
It’s important to remember that your designer and contractor are on your side. They’re not trying to scare you or disappoint you when they bring up challenges or big numbers. They want to see the finished project as much as you do. Delays and issues benefit no one as it creates a snowball effect and can bleed into other projects on the books. If everyone works together, these common pitfalls can be avoided or navigated in a way where all parties feel good about the solutions.