It seems when attempting renovations DIY style, chaos and catastrophe are sometimes accepted as par for the course – but it doesn’t need to be this way. Many wide-eyed ‘weekend’ renovators attempting to overhaul their kitchens and bathrooms do so with the best intentions however they come unstuck (along with their work) by overlooking important considerations and neglecting to properly plan.
While some renovation tasks can be completed by the homeowner without cause for concern, other more specific tasks should always be completed by qualified tradespeople. Find-a-Builder has access to a range of builders, electricians, plumbers and other qualified tradespeople that can assist with your next renovation project. Today we’d like to share some advice about what NOT to do when attempting DIY renovations, to spare potential budget blowouts, heartache and other grief from renovations gone wrong. After all your home is not a television series – its real life.
Neglecting to Properly Plan
Would-be renovators usually have the right vision, but lack the required knowledge of how to schedule specific tasks in a logical order so the project travels smoothly and things are completed within set timeframes. Crucial elements are often overlooked or even forgotten about completely in the planning stage including measurements and other specifications. This can bring even the most promising renovation project unstuck before the renovation even gets off the ground.
Cutting Corners
Cheap fittings and a slap-dash approach are where inexperienced renovators run into trouble in their projects. For example, while budget laminate flooring may save money now, cheap materials won’t add any significant to a home’s value and could end up costing more money if they are not laid or installed professionally. Often cheaper materials need to be replaced sooner rather than later, defeating the purpose of a renovation that is built to last.
Practicality forgotten about in favour of looks
DIY renovators often run into trouble by forgetting about functionality in their design in favour of new fit outs and trying to achieve the latest ‘look.’ While looks are important, a successful renovation should have a functional design that makes the use of space more effective. DIY renovators often don’t consider elements of functionality in their projects.
These are just a few of many possible areas where aspiring renovators can go wrong. Often the time and stress involved in a DIY renovation project makes people wish they had hired a team of professionals from the beginning. Budget blowouts are common with DIY attempts and errors expensive to fix.
Unless you really know what you’re doing, hiring a professional from the outset will ensure you know what to expect in regard to cost, and what timeframe to expect it in. Find-a-Builder has built our business from knowledge and expertise across a variety of projects, with renovations proving to be continually popular. Let us take some of the stress out of your renovation project and gain the results you’ve been looking for – without the nasty surprises along the way. Call us today – 1300 166 101.
