Top 25 Biggest Renovation Blunders

Making your home an ultimate sanctuary is easier by following these expert tips

on how to avoid the most common blunders during home remodeling and

renovation.

Skipping the preparation stage, an impractical budget, and choosing the wrong

features- these are just some of the many renovation disasters that we will be

revealing in this article. If your goal is to successfully pull of your home renovation

project it is ideal to recognize the main cause of such problems and the “how”

and “why” of their occurrences as well as steps on how you can avoid these

mistakes altogether.

Let’s start at the bottom:

25. Complete Demolition

We understand that you would like to get rid of the old and replace it with new.

However, it is always best to start any remodeling project with a well-formulated

plan. The last thing that you would want to feel is regret for gutting everything

only to find out later that you might have been able to apply some old elements

into your new plan.

Always be thorough when you remodel a home, or even just a small portion of

your living space. Time and again, eager homeowners just start immediately with

renovations without thinking twice of how to successfully achieve a desirable

outcome. Most often than not, we always realize that we have made the wrong

move, when we’re done stripping off the wallpapers or have already ruined the

carpeting system.

24. Using Materials of Inferior Quality

You almost, always get what you pay for. This is something that do-it-yourselfers

need to understand when performing a home remodeling project. Nobody really

wants to spend a fortune to jazz up the bedroom or spruce up the kitchen, but be

reasonable when it comes to purchasing materials that you need. Never buy

cheap materials with the hope that they will be as effective and sturdy as the

more expensive ones.

The rule of thumb is strategic savings prior to beginning a remodeling project.

Prepare a substantial budget so you are guaranteed to end up with a successful

and beautiful remodeling project. Remember that a good remodeling outcome

increases the value of the home. Using cheap materials will not only look tacky,

but eventually more costly.

23. Taking Wrong Measurements

Accuracy is one element that needs to be taken seriously during home

improvements. In order to get the desired overall effect, one needs to be careful

when measuring dimensions. It is all about balance and symmetry. An inch or

even a measly half-inch can ruin the full impact that you desire for your home.

Experts recommend that homeowners seek professional services for accurate

measurement.

22. Too much “Duct Tape”

Duct tapes surely serve the function of delivering temporary fix in home

remodeling project. Even interior designers and professional tradesmen use it

from time to time. What you need to bear in mind is that it can only last

temporarily. If you need to use more permanent solutions such as nails, glue, or

adhesive you need to apply them right away to save time and resources.

21. Not Planning the Preparation Step of the Work

All that we want is to finish the work right away, even way before we’ve started a

home remodeling project. It is also due to that sense of urgency to finish a project

in a short span of time that most of us skip the very important preparation stage.

If you want things to go on smoothly and efficiently, you will need to allot a

considerable amount of time in preparing for materials, plans, and execution.

When you tackle a home remodeling activity, you try to avoid mistakes as errors

usually mean increased cost and added time.

20. Remodeling With “Bad” Tools

Make sure to have all the tools you need on hand. You cannot improvise if your

goal is to end up with a pleasing outcome.

19. Wrong Choices for a Bathroom

If you only have a small space allotted for a brand new bathroom, try to pick

fixtures that are appropriate for its size. You simply cannot pull off installing a full-

size bath tub or Jacuzzi into a small space. If this is the case, there is always the

alternative of building a space-efficient shower space that is not only functional

but aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The bathroom area is a personal space

where you want to relax and de-stress. A crowded bathroom obviously cannot

deliver the comfy and cozy feel if you force inappropriately sized fixtures in its

interiors.

18. Disregarding the Element of Lighting

One great consideration that homeowners need to put their minds on is the

element of lighting. Efficient and strategically placed lighting inside the home

totally makes the ambiance and adds the needed drama in a home’s interior.

Make sure to incorporate the use of the three types of lighting during home

renovation, namely general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. In order to

end up with a homey or pleasant feel inside your home, a good combination of

these three lighting elements will have to be planned carefully before installation.

17. Not Taking in Account Classic Trends

Some homeowners make the unfortunate mistake of purchasing fixtures,

equipment, appliance, and furniture just because they’re “in” at the moment.

Although you may feel like your home is updated due to your trendy additions,

they will look outdated, sooner or later. Aside from purchasing quality materials

for your home renovation, it is but a necessity to purchase timeless and classic

pieces that will stand the test of times- both in aesthetics and functionality.

16. Not Having Wide Entrances

Carefully assess the floor plan and consider all scenarios before pushing through

the construction of doorways. It is ideal to equip rooms with multiple exits and

that doorways that experience high-traffic are wide enough to accommodate the

entry and exit of two or more people.

15. Not Expecting Obstacles or Problems

Know that a renovation will disrupt some of the usual activities that are

performed in a standard household. You and the rest of your family should

understand this and should adjust accordingly. In order for you to get right back

on track and resume your normal life, you will need to work together as a unit so

the renovation flows smoothly and that no problems develop throughout the

entire renovation process.

14. Improper Material Storage

The materials as well as tools that you use during a home renovation should be

placed in safe, cool and dry places to restore their aesthetics and quality. Wood

and concrete are ideally stored in plastic bags while tools made from steel or

metal need to be stored in dry places to ensure their optimum functionality and

integrity.

13. Not considering Environmentally Friendly Materials

Recyclable or renewable materials are the more preferred materials for home

renovations. Not only are you doing your part in the effort to save Mother Earth,

but you are guaranteed of quality and safe materials as well. Although this is the

case, not many people go Green for the following reasons: 1. Completely unaware

of how to use or apply green materials 2. The misconception that green materials

are more expensive than application of traditional supplies

These are obviously myths and should be busted sooner than later. If you decide

to go green now, you will surely be ahead of the game. It is a wise decision to

invest in a green home.

12. Wrong Choice of Paint

It is true that paint adds color and ambiance to any given room, but keep in mind

that there are different types of paints, and that each of them can only be used in

specific parts of your home’s interior space.

For instance, flat paint is essentially used for ceilings and walls without a heavy

traffic, while semi-gloss paints are mostly used for accents such as painting over

trimmings in the bathroom and the dining room area.

11. Planning Small Hallways and Stairs

Always keep in mind that wider halls and staircases make the interiors of your

home feel more comfortable and look bigger as well. It will also provide an ample

space to move larger furniture through the house.

10. Going with Basic Windows

In general, windows are very expensive that homeowners try to skip on changing.

You can save money elsewhere in your remodeling project, but it is not ideal to

skip on improving the appearance and efficiency of the windows. Never skimp on

quality as low quality windows almost, always look cheap and feature defects.

9. Not Considering Safety Issues

When doing the work yourself, always make sure that you wear personal safety

equipment such as goggles, ear protection, gloves, and masks. You will need to

protect yourself from hazards while undergoing certain remodeling projects. After

all, you will not be able to finish a project if you get seriously injured. Prepare a

first-aid kit so you can tend wounds and injuries right away.

8. Not Doing Research Prior to Remodeling

Whether you are planning to remodel by yourself or you are obtaining the

services of contractors, it is better to do a bit of homework. You need to

understand all the crucial aspects of home renovation. By gaining knowledge of all

the steps and processes involved in a home improvement project, you are aware

of the possible problems that may arise along the way. It is also crucial to keep an

eye on the renovation project if you decide to obtain professional services and

that you are informed if anything goes out of hand.

Get as much information as you can before starting a project to avoid delays and

problems.

7. Overlooking Electrical System alongside Home Renovation Plan

One of the most common elements that get ignored during home renovation is

updating of the electrical system. It is only important to check the existing lines

and circuitry so possible problems may be diagnosed and treated right away. In

addition, an updated electrical system also results in a more efficient use of

energy in the household. An updated electrical system will mean a safer home for

you and your family.

6. Not Complimenting Your Home’s Existing Style

You told yourself that you would purchase a French Colonial home and you

successfully did! If you are renovating your home, make sure that all plans go with

the original style of your home. Keep your house’s type in mind when purchasing

materials as well as furniture that will be installed in its interior space. You want

your home to reflect cohesiveness and harmony, unless what you have in mind is

to switch to a more eclectic vibe.

5. Getting a Wrong Advice

It can be stressful in various moments to make the right decision, but do not rely

on random advice. Make sure to consult with true professionals. This way you will

be able to avoid many costly mistakes.

4. Set an Attainable and Realistic Budget

Yes, you may have enough funds to cover for the materials, labor, and the

equipment needed to facilitate a home renovation project. This may be true but

also remember that there will always be unexpected expenses after the

demolition process or when you start tearing down the walls. Be realistic with

your budget and make sure that you have extra funds in case it becomes

necessary to modify the renovation plan along the way.

3. Choosing the Right Contractors for the Job

If you are going to obtain the services of a contractor, make sure to perform a

thorough background check beforehand. After all, the remodelers will be in your

home for extended periods of time. You will need to make sure that the company

is both reliable and trustworthy.

One strong indication of a contractor’s good reputation is assessment of their

response to problems. A contractor who calls back immediately has nothing to

hide and is more than skilled and knowledgeable to address problems. Lastly,

check references and obtain feedback from previous clients if possible.

2. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

A successful home renovation project will only be a reality if you know your

capacity as a homeowner. It is a costly endeavor and you have to be prepared

with substantial amount of money for it to push through efficiently. Without

proper planning, you are most likely going to end up taking shortcuts when you

encounter bumps and problems. Perform intensive planning and assessment

before looking into a possible home improvement.

1. Overdoing It, Comparing to Your Community.

This is one common mistake that most people make when planning a home

renovation. You will have to check the current value of real estate in your

community. Build according to the prevailing market value of homes in your

neighborhood. It is undoubtedly impractical to spend $150,000 in remodeling

your $150,000 home that is located in a $150,000 community.

Brought to you by:

Modern Style Construction LLCModern Style Construction LLCModern Style Construction LLCModern Style Construction LLC �Licensed �Bonded �Insured �MHIC #88345 �DCHIC #5914

2408 Sheraton St.

Silver Spring, MD 20906

301-560-6970

info@ModernStyleConstruction.com

ModernStyleConstruction.com

Modern Style Construction LLC (MSC) is not an average general

contractor. We will take your concept and make it a reality. With

competitive pricing and attention to detail, we will complete your

project within your budget and on schedule.

MSC maintains a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect

generated through positive relationships with clients, sub-contractors,

designers, suppliers, architects and engineers. Our company’s wide

policy encouraging shared performance responsibility ensures the

highest degree of professionalism service and result on all projects. Our

mission is to be the one you can turn to for the construction and

development expertise and bringing your project to life.

We have a talented and creative management, staff and partners

with extensive experience in all aspects of construction and

development - from general contracting and construction management

to planning and handling just about every type of commercial and

residential project. We are a low-overhead contractor with a record of

success in projects small and large. Excellence is not just our goal, it is

our commitment. We don't just sign contracts; we form relationships

that are built with integrity. We take responsibility for our role, actively

manage every component of the process and have expertise in every

aspect of facility development.

Truly Yours,

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT FROM OTHER REMODELING

COMPANIES?

� We always maintain our license and insurance up to

date.

� We stand behind our warranty and make sure our

customers are satisfied with our finished product.

� We protect and cover the surroundings of the place

we work on.

� We continue our work until the project is complete.

� Prompt project competition.

� We have numerous references, reviews, and a solid

reputation for the work we have done in the past.

� We always clean after ourselves when the project is

complete and the owner is satisfied.

� We stay involved with local charities and

communities and donate including your salvageable

appliances after a demolition.

� We pass on our deep contractor’s discounts to our

loyal customers.

In addition to all the standard features we also provide:

� All the bathroom fixtures are attached straight to the

wood backing behind the drywall instead of simply

attaching it to the drywall for longer lasting.

� We use cement boards instead of the simple green

board sheetrock behind the tiles.

� We seal the tile and grout that we install after the

job is complete.

• Short overview of our company:

� Established in 2004.

� Licensed, bonded and insured.

� Our team specializes in interior remodeling, such as kitchens,

bathrooms, basement remodeling.

� We work with about a dozen of vendors around the area and able to

provide great discounts on material and appliances.

� We make our money on our labor and will go out of our way to make

sure our customers save money on materials and appliances.

� We have our own crews including plumbers and electricians and rarely

subcontract, usually in case of bigger projects.

� We are very neat and take care of our customer’s belongings.

• We make sure to protect the areas we work on with plastic, drop cloth

and dust barriers.

• We do not leave construction debris on site, but take it all off the

premises.

� We take pride in our work and craftsmanship.

� We are the company that takes responsibility for our projects.

� Our team is very responsive and provides excellent customer service.

� We pay attention to all of our customer’s concerns and always open to

suggestions.

� We always provide thoughtful and honest opinions on the projects.

� We are the quarterback of the project and will guide with every step of

the way to complete the project successfully.

“MSC was extremely courteous while working on my bathroom. They were very

honest; patient; and understanding on my particular situation. MSC was also

willing to overcome potential roadblocks in a good spirit in order to begin work on

my bathrooms. The best part was how pleasant they were -- it is very refreshing

to work with such a happy team.”

Leo H

Reviewed on MerchantCircle.com

“I am a very picky customer but, I have been so pleased with the quality of their

work that I had to write a review for them. Modern Style Construction turned my

older kitchen into a jam. It is obvious that they know what they're doing. They

helped me visualize the whole project put together. I would definitely

recommend their services to everyone. Have fun with your project”

Tatsiana C.

Reviewed on Yahoo.com

“I agree with the other reviews here, I just want to add that their company is

neat, and protective of your belongings while working. They always made sure

that they left our place clean after each working day. Their painting is flawless. I

looked for mistakes and never found any. I doubt very much that you'll be

disappointed with their workmanship. They are friendly and pleasant people to

work with.”

Julia P.

Reviewed on Google.com