Don’t Make These Rookie Mistakes: Insights On What to Avoid

At Republic West Remodeling, we want you to love the home that you’re in and achieve your remodeling dreams.

With this said, we’ve compiled a list of industry expert tips to ease your mind, helping make you better aware of the most common remodeling mistakes — and how you can avoid them.

Ignoring Local Building Codes/Avoiding Permits

As you may be aware, building codes vary by area, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all set of rules to follow. And some routine maintenance items do not require permits.

However, remodeling projects like window replacements, plumbing modifications and bedroom additions do require permits. And failure to obtain the right permits could result in fines, delays, and even worse, difficulty selling your house. Furthermore, if an accident occurs while you’ve been working without a permit, most homeowners’ insurance companies will not cover it.

To get the right permits, always do your research to meet your community’s design and construction requirements. Keep in mind: most contractors do not draft plans so if you’re not working with a remodeling firm, you will need to hire a designer to devise a functional layout of the room and an architect to develop those drawings.

Creating an Unrealistic Budget

Remodeling projects can end up costing more than you initially expect, especially if you’re not a professional.

For example, if you’re planning to rip up floors or tear down walls, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find something you were not expecting, especially in older homes.

A remodeling company can develop an accurate scope of work for your project that results in a cost-effective budget and a smooth construction process. Through careful planning, you can expect to reduce your exposure to cost overruns, while also allowing for unexpected issues.

Finally, always start every project with a written contract that outlines your budgetary items in detail, from Day One. Any changes that are made during the remodel should carefully be added to your contract in very clear detail.

Expecting to Manage the Remodel On Your Own

While serving as your own construction manager can reduce your project cost up front, the issue is that you run the risk of having the work poorly organized, sometimes taking longer than expected and running way over-budget.

The cost of your own time and energy plays a big role here. When hiring a reputable remodeling firm, they will oversee the entire project, from concept to completion. They also have a keen eye for detail, and will happily run interference for you through the process, recognizing issues or mistakes that many homeowners would otherwise miss.

Cutting Corners on Construction Materials

While there are many lower cost alternatives that offer a look of luxury without breaking the bank, there are some things you simply should not scrimp on—think fixtures and drawer hardware. So before you choose a material, think about the items that will get the most use, and then think of the nuisance level when they fail.

For example, leaky faucets, and faucet handles that don’t regulate water temperature correctly are not worth the money you saved in initially buying them. Add to that the higher water bills associated with leaks, and you might decide that some high-quality materials are definitely worth the investment.

We know the prospect of undertaking your Phoenix house remodeling project can be intimidating. You may fear that it will be a stressful experience, but we want to reassure you that we aim to make this as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Republic West Remodeling is ready to help you with all of your home remodeling needs. Schedule your free consultation today.