A fixer-upper might seem like a new adventure when you buy your first house, especially if you’re searching for something that needs some TLC. Whatever your reason for wanting to restore an old building to its former splendor, you need to find the tools and expertise to help you get the job done. First-time renovators want to make sure that their dream project doesn’t turn into a nightmare, no matter what their motivations may be.

You’re going to make a few errors when you’re doing something for the first time. The motto “live and learn” may apply to certain new businesses, but when it comes to your house, you’ll definitely want to be a little more cautious about it. As a precaution, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most typical remodeling blunders to keep in mind.

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Buying Without A Survey

If you’re looking to purchase a home in need of some TLC, don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper. Even if you’re willing to put in a lot of time and effort on the surface, there may be hidden expenses lurking in the shadows that you’re unaware of. This is why a survey is so important. 

When you’re looking at a house, it might be difficult to see potential problems with the remodeling process, but some that a survey will pull up include: 

• Foundations 
• Plumbing 
• Electrics 
• Roof

A significant portion of your money could be devoured right away should any of these elements need major repairs. That is why bringing in a surveyor is beneficial. When a pre-sale survey is carried out, they will identify any of these difficulties before you sign the contract.

Not Budgeting

Not having adequate money is one of the most common blunders first-time renovators make. Even if this mistake just delays your project, the worst-case situation is that you will be forced to incur debt as a result of it. As a result, it’s best to consult with an architecture service in order to get a clear picture of the renovation’s total cost.

Once you know how much your plans are going to cost you, you can decide what to do next. If you want to get a loan, that’s your choice, but it won’t be what’s right for everyone, and if you would prefer to save up, you’ll need to have finances in place before you begin to ensure there are no delays. 

Overestimating Your DIY Skills

Despite the fact that DIY renovations might save you money, they should only be handled by those who possess the necessary expertise to deliver high-quality work. If you take on more than you can handle, you run the risk of spending thousands of dollars to fix your errors, and your home’s value may even suffer as a result.

In general, do-it-yourself projects are best suited to the very last details, such as yard décor and landscaping. If you’re proficient with a power tool, consider carefully which elements of your job you’ll take on if that’s the case.

Choosing The Cheapest Contractor

If a contractor offers you a price that seems ‘too good to be true,’ you can bet it is. If you see costs that seem too cheap, stop and think:

• Is the quotation inclusive of all aspects of the project?
• Approximately how much time should we expect the project to take? 
• Is there anything suspicious about the company’s past? 
• Are they requesting a significant sum of money upfront?

Consult with your architect to ensure the quotation offered by your contractor is accurate. You should be able to rely on the expertise of a third party to identify any red flags, which could save you a lot of heartache and trouble in the future. 

No Project Management

If you’re taking on a large-scale project for the first time, hiring a project manager can be extremely beneficial. However, they’re not inexpensive. Because of this, many homeowners choose to oversee the construction themselves.

The advantages of being in charge of your own project do count for something. You’ll save money, but you’ll also have more control over the building process and be able to check that every component is of a good quality. It’s not for everyone, though. What should you ask yourself before becoming your own project manager? 

• Does it take up too much time of your day? 
• Would you be able to fire someone?
• Do you know how to tell shoddy workmanship from good work? 
• Do you have a great deal of time management skills?

If the majority of your answers were ‘no,’ then working with a professional could be the best option for you.

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