Whether you’re starting renovations on your outdated kitchen or remodeling your new home or you’re redoing a commercial property for your next business venture, there are a lot of decisions to make along the way.
With so many choices to make (things as small as what color the door hinges should be or as large as selecting new flooring), it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle and end up making decisions you eventually regret.
Here are a few tips to avoid making costly mistakes on your next renovation:
Renovate for You, Not for the Resale
It can be tempting to think about your future buyer when you are making an investment in your business or home, but renovations are just that: an investment. Don’t worry about choosing a backsplash that’s “on-trend” so you can sell later or finding the perfect open floor plan that ever homebuyer is after.
Instead, choose what you love and what works for your family or business to ensure that your renovations are what you really want. After all, you’re the one going to be living or working there! While it takes all sorts to make a world, chances are there is someone out there who will love your brightly-colored bathroom tile just as much as you do. Redo your space for you.
Know Thyself
Is organization not your strongest skill? While you may be dreaming of a kitchen with your ideal self in mind -you know, the one who never leaves mail or dishes on the counter- let your contractor or architect help you design a kitchen that will meet your needs, not the one straight out of the Konmari handbook.
If you’re remodeling your dental practice but know you’ve got a space issue, work with your design team so they can help you make the most of your space. You’re the dental pro, but your contractor is the remodeling pro. They can help you meet you where you are to make the most of what you’ve got.
Don’t Pass on Your “Gotta-Have-Its”
Some renovations can be very involved, and when you are taking the time and money to re-do your space, make sure you are getting what you really want. This is true of both home and commercial renovations. Are you debating on whether or not you should include the backsplash of your dreams at an added expense? Can’t decide if you’re business really needs that extra architectural detail or additional built-in workspace that you’ve been dreaming about for years?
Chances are, if it’s something you want badly enough, you will regret it if you choose not to include it. Keep what you really want in the renovation plans, and you’ll be glad you did. You can find other ways to make your plan fit your budget while still getting your dream backsplash.
Estimate, Don’t “Guess-timate”
Speaking of the budget, renovations can become costly if you aren’t careful. Even with the best contractor, there can be hidden costs. When you rehab an old home or office, there are frequently “surprises” that present themselves once you start to peel back the ugly wallpaper to uncover the newly-renovated home or business of your dreams.
We want you to be thrilled with your renovations, not caught off-guard by something unexpected that comes up once construction is underway, causing you to have to cut back elsewhere. We want you to have that dream backsplash!
When you are creating a budget, it’s best to allow 15% of your budget for expenses you didn’t anticipate, especially if your renovations are on an older building. Take it from the Property Brothers, the experts of unexpected expenses, leaving yourself some extra cash for surprises can never hurt.
Come Up with a Master Plan
If your project is larger than a few steps and includes moving walls or changing a floor plan, consider making your renovations in stages. Draft a master plan, but break up the renovation into parts. This will save you time and headaches down the road.
If you want to redo your kitchen downstairs, and you plan to renovate the bathroom the next year, you’ll want to make sure that your plumbing is established just the way you want it. This way you won’t have to open up one of your brand new walls to get the plumbing where you need it next year.
Take Your Time. Breathe.
Renovations can feel stressful. Not rushing the process and trusting the professionals is the best way to make sure you are happy with the outcome. Take the time you need to make the right choice for your space, and remember: it’s just a renovation. Your remodel will make a lasting difference in your home or business, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful process. In fact, it can even be fun!
A final tip? Let the pros help you. At BG Southern, we’re accustomed to difficult renovation projects, and we can make your next remodel one you’ll never regret. Check out some of our past commercial work, see how we can make your home a masterpiece, or contact us today so we can save you from potential remodeling remorse.