First, it’s an investment: According to HomeAdvisor, a kitchen remodel—the most common home renovation—costs an average of $22,000, and even a smaller-scale remodel (like a bathroom redo) averages around $10,000. Beyond that, there’s the tricky task of managing a workforce that could consist of designers, architects, contractors, and subs for a project where you may or may not have any technical expertise. (Not to mention: You may already have your hands full managing a couple of kids and a dog.) That being said, if you can navigate a renovation smoothly, it can be one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your home. Just consider this list of renovation mistakes to avoid and how to get around them. “You have to respect the enormity of it all,” says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor’s renovation expert, who says that with proper planning, a 3- to 6-month window isn’t overkill for a big project. Building in enough time—and cushioning it with a few extra weeks—will give you room to plan a project, assemble a team, and work through anything that comes up with less stress. Get these people together as early as possible. “Often people make the mistake of working with the architect and getting far into a plan before consulting the contractor, and then you realize the project is out of budget,” DiClerico says. The sooner you assemble the team and get them working together, the better you’ll minimize or eliminate the risk of issues coming up later. “Every meeting is going to be an education; you’ll learn about the project and yourself,” he says. “But listen to your gut!” If you feel like that initial meeting seemed overly rushed, or they were rude or condescending, those feelings will only multiply during a renovation. Move on. If you have a strong rapport with your contractor, that person can help you and your partner work through any disagreements. Avoid having side conversations without each other. It’s also important to establish with your contractor how best to communicate. “Whether it’s by text, phone, or an email once a week, you want to know how to reach them once the work gets underway,” says DiClerico. Enlisting a professional designer to guide your choices could cost between 5 and 20 percent of your total budget, but it’s worth it to make sure you’re getting good-quality design and that all the elements will truly function together. As a general rule, you’ll want to spend more on things you interact with—like cabinets with doors you’ll open and close dozens of times a day—versus things you use less, like decorative tile. That being said, know that things will inevitably come up, and adjustments will have to be made along the way. Get them documented and try not to worry. “It’s probably never going to be perfect or work out exactly as you imagine,” says DiClerico. “So go easy on yourself and take the long view.”
