One. Not Thinking it Through

Since most homeowners aren't builders, it stands to reason they won't know certain aspects of remodeling. The subject has many facets that only a professional is trained to know. A few are:

• This is probably an important aspect of remodeling. Homeowners should know their base budget and then add 20 percent to it to cover the unexpected.
• A lot of homeowners are unaware that if they improve a portion of their property without the necessary permissions, their homeowner's insurance won't cover it if disaster strikes.
• DIY mistakes. Some homeowners begin working without having established a plan, a design or even a clear idea what they want. People who take a sledgehammer to knock out walls or tear off cabinetry, take a crowbar to pull up flooring or take tiles off walls without a clear plan with what to replace these things end up with a mess that will require a professional to fix.
• DIY mistakes 2.0. Homeowners who fail to remember to upgrade the electric and the plumbing are asking for major trouble. When they fail to take safety precautions such as goggles, gloves, hearing protection and a handy first aid box, they're asking for trouble of the ER kind.

Two. Buying Cheap Building Materials

Even if homeowners use a contractor, they might have picked up deals too good to pass up or materials they simply could not live without at yard sales, antique shops and such. Most contractors will work with things like this. However, one of the essential rules of remodeling is not to use the cheapest materials available. It is true that you get what you pay for. Contractors have access to building supply places from which they can get deals on materials that homeowners can't get. Let the contractor handle that part.

Another aspect of this particular rule is the homeowner who is too frugal. Saving money is a good thing. It's just not good when we're talking building materials. For example, single pane windows might be cheaper than double-pane or triple-pane windows. The homeowner, though, can look forward to paying out more on his power bill than he would have had he bought the much more energy efficient double- or triple-paned windows.

Three. Measurements

One of the most ignored yet essential rules of remodeling is measuring. Too many doorways, hallways and staircases are narrow when they didn't have to be. Too many bathrooms tucked into a corner are too small to turn around in when they didn't have to be. When a contractor sits down with homeowners to sketch out a design, these things are taken into account before the first nail is driven.

We'll be happy to discuss your remodel when you contact us for more information.