6 RENO MISTAKES… and how to avoid them
KEEP YOUR RENO ON SCHEDULE AND ON BUDGET
Reno experts and authors of Nail Your Renovation, Steve and Suzanne Burke have seen the same mistakes being made over and over. Here’s what to avoid:
USING FRIENDS OR FAMILY AS YOUR TRADIES
There always seems to be a family member, friend or mate of a mate who will offer to help you out. Unfortunately this scenario is fraught with potential pitfalls. Could unsatisfactory work lead to a breakdown in your relationship? Will you agree on the costs of the work upfront? These are ingredients for a nasty disagreement. SOLUTION:
We don’t recommend engaging family, friends or a friend’s mate. We have seen it go wrong so many times.
DOING A POOR DIY PAINT JOB
Painting is a classic finishing trade and provides the final polish to your home. When this is done poorly it can ruin a fantastic renovation project. The risks for DIY painting include leaving unsightly brush-marks, paint drips and messy edges or taking forever to actually finish. SOLUTION:
Be honest about your own abilities and time. If you think you might be caught short in both areas, consider outsourcing to a professional.
BUYING CHEAP FIXTURES
Saving a few dollars in the short term is not always wise in the long term. We recommend investing in the best quality fixtures that you can afford in high-use areas such your kitchen and bathroom. SOLUTION: Consider the lifetime cost of the fixture, not just the initial purchase price. If a cheap choice now means replacement in the short term, it is probably not the best choice.
TILES ON SALE? BUYER BEWARE!
Tiles can be expensive and finding a tile that you like which is on sale can save you big bucks. But, there are some ‘gotchas’ that you need to look out for before you jump in. SOLUTION:
Ask the supplier two questions. Are the remaining tiles all from the same batch? Tiles from different batches can have vast colour variations which can ruin your final look. Then ask whether there are enough tiles remaining in stock for future repairs and wastage. Tiles on sale could be end-of-line stock. Don’t get caught short.
HAVING AN UNREALISTIC BUDGET
Can you afford what you have set out to do? If you do not have a realistic budget, you will probably run out of money before you finish. Think it won’t happen to you? Think again. SOLUTION:
Plan and budget for your renovation in advance. If you have no idea, ask a professional to provide a quote for the complete scope of works before you start.
IGNORING EXISTING ISSUES
When you tear down walls and rip up floors in an older home, there is always the chance that you will find something unexpected. Common problems are the discovery of dodgy electrical or plumbing work done in the past. SOLUTION:
Even if the cost is unexpected it will usually save you money in the long term by fixing it now.