Don't Make These Renovation Mistakes

Whether you just bought a home or need a change, there are many home renovation mistakes to make. As a first-time homebuyer, you'll run into many problems, but not all of them will be major mistakes.
Buying your first home is one of the most important adventures to start; you'll have endless possibilities for home improvement. Whether you are buying a fixer-upper or just want to make a couple of changes, it will be a fun and exciting process. 

Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to being a homeowner. Still, it is imperative that you are aware of all the common mistakes and thoroughly research them to save money and time. 

Not Ensuring the Materials are Readily Available
While you may be excited to start the home renovation process right away, you need to ensure the materials you'll need are available. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many supply chain issues. Many things can cause this, and a shortage of certain materials is the last thing you will want to deal with. 
About 72% of U.S. homeowners who renovated teamed up with a general contractor in 2022, according to Statista. Unless you are a skilled contractor yourself, you should always use a contractor. Not only will they build what you need, but they will know where to get materials, permits, and more. 
In order to avoid this simple mistake, schedule a meeting with your contractor to go over your renovation plans and ensure it'll be possible at the time. If the materials aren't available but you still want to go ahead with the renovation, your contractor can tell you alternatives that would work. 

Rushing
Many homebuyers start looking for a home, knowing they will want to renovate after buying. This can cause problems if you don't plan correctly and try to rush the process. It is advisable to start with the necessary repairs before starting any cosmetic renovations.  
Don't start your renovation projects as soon as you move in, at least the aesthetic renovations. If there is a necessary repair that stands in the way of your home functionality, then start there. Most likely, you'll be made aware of these problems during the home inspection. 
The National Association of Realtors advises starting with the structural or foundation issues first. Once the home is in order, you will be free to direct your attention to the cosmetic renovations you have been waiting for. 

Ignoring or Skipping Over the Necessary Renovations and Repairs
As a first-time homebuyer, you might think your home is perfect in the beginning. Unfortunately, every home will come with some issues; most of the time, there aren't anything you can't get fixed. If you put off the necessary renovations and repairs for too long, it can lead to many problems and even more costs.
If you notice any broken appliances or unusable areas of your home, it can be taxing on your day-to-day life and wallet. We know you just made a huge financial investment by buying the home but try your best to get these out of the way as fast as you can.
Consider creating a checklist immediately after buying a house. This way, you can stay organized and prioritize what is most important. You will also get to enjoy your renovations faster, which should be your goal as a first-time homebuyer. 

Lack of Budgeting
Just like when you bought your house, hidden costs will appear, and you must ensure you are prepared for when they do. Only 3% of homeowners stay under budget after completing a renovation. 
According to Houzz & Home, 50% of Americans pay $15,000 or more on their home renovation projects. However, this means that half may pay much more. You should always budget for the latter because you never know what could happen. 
If you are buying a house with the purpose of renovating, make sure you have enough money in your savings for the renovation and more. The last thing you want to do as a first-time homeowner is get in over your head with projects. 

Give us a call at Carl Johnson Real Estate at 919-880-0904 to learn more about how we will help.