There’s something really wonderful about transforming a blank space, an outdated property or a simple room, but the road to a flawlessly renovated home seldom runs smoothly.

It can be easy to fall into the pit of renovator blues by creating and overlooking easily avoidable errors.

Whether you’re planning on renovating to flip or are striving to transform something simple, renovating is a monumental task.

To prepare you for the journey ahead, we have accumulated five well-known renovating mistakes, with tips and tricks on how to avoid them.

NO. 2 – UNDERESTIMATING THE COST

While a full-house makeover seems simple enough on TV, the reality is a bit more frightening – and so is the cost. 

We recommend working backwards. Begin with the property’s value, then get an idea of how much you think your house will be worth, and finally, understand how much you are willing to leverage into the renovation.

Really assess what you would like to do with your renovation and build concepts around a specific budget to avoid overcapitalisation. 

Be sure to shop around your local contractors and get quotes in writing from at least three builders and trades. Ask them to be clear about what their craft does and does not include.

NO. 3 – NOT HIRING THE PROFESSIONALS

“How much can I actually do myself?” is the question hanging over every eager new homeowner’s head.

Many first time homeowners jump into new projects with little-to-no knowledge of what each task requires, only to discover halfway through that they haven’t purchased the appropriate supplies or don’t have the tools and experience necessary. 

A professional builder will tell you exactly what materials you will need and how much everything will cost. The professionals will be equipped with essential and much-needed tools, which saves you from buying equipment.

DIY jobs can often lead to paying more than a professional would charge, subsequently devaluing your property if they aren’t accurately amended. 

Research what best suits your skill set and resources, but we can almost say every time – leave it to the professionals.

NO. 4 – BUYING CHEAP FIXTURES

Saving a few dollars in the present moment may not be so wise in the long term. 

Consider investing in quality fixtures in your home such as bath spouts, cabinetry pulls and kitchen mixers. Items that are for everyday use are worth spending big on to guarantee that you have a good quality product.

Boasting a luxurious appearance and sturdy, long-lasting construction, ABI Interiors fixtures guarantee a more enjoyable home to live in when you move around each space.

Investing in high-end fixtures will mean fewer repairs and replacements, leaving you with good looking pieces that last longer.

An added bonus for renovating to sell is that fitting your home with high-quality fixtures will encourage a greater price from the market and better incentive for eager buyers.

NO. 5 – TRYING TO FOLLOW EVERY TREND

We’ve said it before, and we will say it again, stay cautious of the Pinterest House. 99% of the time, that look will only remain popular until the next aesthetically pleasing trend comes along. 

Bringing together a home full-to-the-brim of every trend under the sun can, at the least, produce a very disorienting and disordered looking home. And at the most, a very expensive letdown.

We too, fall victim to wanting every gorgeous home that we see on Pinterest to manifest it into a reality in our space. However, make sure you design for function first and looks second. There is no point in having a flawless home if it doesn’t work for you and others who live here. 

But it will be so worth it. Be prepared for the unexpected, life’s distractions, the inevitable mistakes and things that sometimes we just can’t control.

When you’re in the middle of a renovation or remodel, it may seem that the process is taking longer, costing more, or becoming more stressful than it’s worth.

But in reality, each day brings you closer and closer to the dream home you’ve always wanted—and that’s something to look forward to.

We would love to see your renovation journey slowly come to life – send us your progress pictures on Instagram @abiinteriors.