Renovation mistakes come with serious financial consequences, especially in big urban environments such as Sydney and its suburbs. Even if you can afford some setbacks, it is absolutely crucial to organize well for the renovation in order to avoid them. After all, such projects are, by their very nature, unavoidable because the integrity of each household tends to decline over time. If you think your house is ripe for an update, here are the seven most common renovation mistakes to avoid.
- Know what you want
The most common and the most dangerous mistake many people make when they embark on a household renovation can be boiled down to changing their mind all the time. This is why you should stick to the established plan as soon as the project is a go. Preparations and considerations are lifesavers, especially if you develop a plan B for each iteration of the project during this pre-production. In fact, there is a golden rule you should follow in order to avoid renovation disasters due to capriciousness – don’t make decisions while waiting for the project to commence and don’t listen to anyone after it begins.
- Permits come before the work
In very ordered urban areas, such as Randwick, certain building parameters have to be respected. This is why you need to have all the permits that serve as legal backup. It is a necessary step, especially if you are surrounded with nosy neighbors who would rather report your construction than go about their day. Tearing down the work that has already been commenced and starting from scratch will definitely hit you hard on the pocket.
- Choosing the cheapest materials
Quality materials are very expensive, almost by a rule, but the biggest mistake would be to opt for the cheapest variants. If you can, locate the closest recycling establishment to reuse high-quality material for the fraction of its price. It is by far the best case scenario if you want to retain the integrity of your household. If you live in Sydney or Randwick, it can be quite tempting to use the cheaper goods, and nobody would blame you for it. Still, this is the primary area of the project your budget should be allocated to. Frugality is not always the answer.
- Consider layout as you update the electrical grid
The electrical grid and the piping system in your household are the two most important matters to consider as you plan your renovation. Find the blueprints of your house and try to arrange the best possible updates based on the layout. First and foremost, you need to understand where the weak spots are located when it comes to shadows and dark areas. Find the most efficient electrician in Randwick who will be able to reinforce these weak spots with permanent light fixtures.
- Measure twice
Inaccurate measurements, even if they are off by the tiniest margin, are a disaster in waiting. Centuries and centuries of experience have produced one of the most universal proverbs in the whole world – measure twice, cut once – due to such disasters. The margin of error should be no more than 1.5 centimeters, and even that should be absolutely avoided. Thankfully, most experts in Sydney use cutting-edge instruments that can ameliorate such mistakes.
- Aesthetics are not everything
The integrity of your household does not lie in the aesthetically pleasing design. It’s merely a façade that can be altered according to the homeowner’s wishes. The cornerstones of the household are the structural integrity, electrical wiring, quality piping, etc. The way these elements are arranged according to the layout of the household should be subject to comfort and convenience before aesthetic too. Only after these first two parameters are fulfilled should you think about the aesthetic aspect of your renovation. This will also increase the resale value of your home.
- High expectations are a killer
The last thing you need is to end up in your living room, surrounded with freshly renovated walls, elements and furniture, and feeling bitter. Having high expectations is a real killer and a big mistake since what you have imagined will probably not be realized. Simply speaking, the way our imagination works is not how practical application works. Plan for your dream home but curb your enthusiasm and listen to reason if something simply cannot work.
Learn from the pitfalls and mistakes of previous renovations and the experience of other people. If you are collaborating with seasoned professionals in their field, beseech their advice as they will definitely know what sorts of precautions are needed for maximum results without hiccups. Above all else, if you are not a professional renovator in the Sydney area, avoid relying on your own DIY capabilities so the probability of mistakes is brought down to a minimum.