{"id":3080,"date":"2022-05-27T17:17:54","date_gmt":"2022-05-27T21:17:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianlending.ca\/brokers\/?p=2818"},"modified":"2022-05-27T17:17:54","modified_gmt":"2022-05-27T21:17:54","slug":"top-10-home-renovation-pitfalls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.canadianlending.ca\/brokers\/top-10-home-renovation-pitfalls\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 home renovation pitfalls"},"content":{"rendered":"
Help your clients avoid these costly traps<\/b><\/p>\n
Home renovations are no small task, and a big responsibility for homeowners. It requires research, time, and proper budgeting. If your client is considering remodeling, it\u2019s a great opportunity to remind them that, while this is a great way to boost and protect the value of their investment, it\u2019s also a huge undertaking. Here are 10 potential renovation pitfalls to warn clients to watch out for. <\/span><\/p>\n 1. Poor planning<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n It is critical to create a detailed plan before renovations begin. This plan should include the necessary products, costs, timelines, and who is responsible for certain tasks (such as subcontractors). Once this plan is completed, it\u2019s important that homeowners stick to it and adjust it, as required, as the project progresses. A good plan is a roadmap for success.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2. Rushing the hiring<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Choosing inexperienced or unsuitable contractors to complete renovations can lead to additional costs and longer timelines. Encourage clients to take time to consider different contractors and not rush into any hiring decisions. Homeowners should carry out multiple interviews, reach out to references, and have detailed discussions on what the project entails. Don\u2019t hesitate to ask about materials and their usual process. It\u2019s also important to compare prices, quotes, and take a look at previous projects. Ensure all expectations are noted in the contract in writing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 3. Ignoring the professionals<\/span><\/p>\n Even though most homeowners are confident in their vision and what they want for their home renovation project, remind them that it’s important to consider a professional\u2019s point of view. While Pinterest and other online research is a great place for inspiration, builders and contractors have a wealth of experience when it comes to what is practical and possible. Once the homeowner has chosen a good team to complete the renovation, it\u2019s important to trust them and be open to their suggestions and advice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 4. Uncovering nightmares<\/span><\/p>\n Before handy homeowners start knocking down walls in their home, they should press pause and find out what\u2019s behind those walls. Homeowners often don\u2019t consider how changes could affect the plumbing, wiring and structural support of their home. Acting too quickly – and without doing the research first – can be extremely costly.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 5. Overdoing the DIY<\/span><\/p>\n Some homeowners may attempt to do a whole renovation project on their own to save on costs, or for a fun DIY project, but it\u2019s important that they know their limits. If your client has limited experience, encourage them to consider professional help for bigger jobs, like the ones that involve electrical work or plumbing. DIY home renovations can lead to unanticipated errors and costly mistakes. Encourage clients to stick to the simpler jobs in the renovation, such as painting and tiling, even if they are very handy.<\/span><\/p>\n 6. Mismanaging the budget<\/span><\/p>\n When it comes to budgeting for a home renovation, it should not be a \u201cset it and forget it\u201d task. Remind clients to check in regularly with their budget and ensure they have a bit of wiggle room. Renovations usually cost more and take longer than expected. Suggest adding an extra 10% to 20% additional funds to the initial estimate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 7. Buying cheap materials\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When choosing construction materials, you get what you pay for. Even if the homeowner saves money at first, the cost of maintenance is likely to be more down the road, especially for materials and finishes in high-use rooms like the kitchen or bathroom. In addition, recommend that clients over-order the materials needed to complete the job to account for wastage and defects. Even if supply isn\u2019t an issue, materials purchased at different times, such as backsplash tiles, are likely to come from different colour lots. That inconsistency can impact the project\u2019s final look.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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