When it comes to Remodeling a house, there are many things that can go wrong. From ignoring prep work to setting unrealistic budgets. Angi recently surveyed homeowners who’d undergone home renovations and found that 49% regretted not planning their projects more thoroughly in advance.

So before you start busting through walls like Kool-Aid Man, here are the top  mistakes to avoid:

Not Having a Clear Vision

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when remodeling their home is not having a clear vision. It’s important to sit down and think about how you want your house to look once the project is complete. This includes identifying your priorities, what you want to keep and change, and how you want them to function for you and your family. Even the painting and color of your house must be thought of. Moreover, you need to make sure that the lead contents do not exceed what is good for your family. That’s why you must buy a lead detector that can help you.

Once you have a vision, it’s easier to communicate that with your Contractor and design team. This ensures that every decision is made with your desired outcome in mind and that the finished product will be exactly what you want.

It’s also important to understand that a remodel isn’t a quick fix. It will take time and money, and there may be unexpected issues that arise along the way. You need to be prepared for this and set aside a buffer in your budget.

When choosing a designer or contractor, it’s essential to research their work and past projects. Look for a team that has experience with full-home remodels and can bring your vision to life. This is especially important if you’re planning a larger, more extensive renovation that involves changing the layout of your home.

You should also consider the impact a home remodel will have on your neighborhood. A home that looks out of place can be distracting to the eye and can lower your property value. Look at the other homes in your neighborhood and choose a style that complements them. Finally, don’t forget to consider your landscaping when choosing a new look for your house. It’s a great way to add curb appeal without spending too much money.

Not Having a Budget

It’s easy to go over budget on a remodeling project, so it is important to make sure you have a set amount that you are willing to spend before beginning. That way, you can avoid the temptation of buying a few extra items that may not have fit into your original plan. It’s also helpful to have a clear idea of what you need before interviewing contractors so that you can get an accurate estimate. Pricing can vary based on the type of product or fixture, so you should always compare prices to make sure you are getting the best deal. It’s also a good idea to ask contractors about any hidden costs, like permitting fees or extra materials.

When it comes to choosing products for your remodel, don’t be afraid to buy a few higher-quality items that will last longer than less expensive ones. This will save you money in the long run, as you will not need to replace these items as frequently. However, you should still be mindful of your budget and try to stick to it as much as possible.

Remember to factor in other expenses, too, such as building permits, electrical work, and knocking down walls. These can be expensive, but they are necessary to ensure that your remodel is done correctly and in accordance with local zoning laws.

Not Having a Schedule

A remodeling project can be a long, drawn-out process. It is important to have a schedule to help keep the work on track and prevent any delays.

This schedule should include everything from the materials to be used in your home renovation, the estimated timeline and what you will do if any issues arise.

If you don’t have a schedule, it can be easy to lose track of the project and make mistakes that could cost you money. This is especially true if you hire a professional contractor. Be sure to have a clear plan of action for your home remodel and ask your contractor to provide a detailed, written estimate of the time and costs.

Another mistake homeowners often make is adding too many fancy fixtures to their home, which can add a lot of unnecessary expenses. In some cases, these fixtures can even detract from the overall value of your home. In general, you should try to focus on increasing livable space rather than adding fancy fixtures.

Lastly, it’s also important to have a schedule when it comes to scheduling your daily routine during the remodeling process. This is especially true if you have children. Having tradespeople in and out of your house can be disruptive to your family’s everyday life, so it’s important to have a plan for how you will cope with this.

It’s also a good idea to make a schedule for your trash pickup, as this can be costly if you don’t plan ahead. It’s best to get your garbage and building debris removed early in the remodel so that you can save on waste disposal fees. It’s also a good idea to start researching your neighborhood’s zoning regulations and whether or not you will need a permit for your home remodel.

Not Having a Contractor

When you have a contractor on your side, it makes the entire process easier. They can help with scheduling, ordering materials, and even hiring subcontractors. They can also give you insight into things that may not have been considered. Moreover, they can help you stay within your budget. This is especially true if you compare bids from different contractors and consider what each one includes or excludes. For instance, a low bid may include inferior fixtures that will probably break or become damaged quickly.

It’s also important to work with a contractor that is licensed, insured and bonded. Hiring a contractor that cuts corners in these areas can add up and lead to other problems. For example, if they don’t have workers compensation insurance, you could be left holding the bag for any injuries that occur during your home remodel.

Additionally, working with a contractor who doesn’t respect you or your property can be very stressful. They might not clean up after themselves, or they may damage your home and leave you with a mess to deal with. Moreover, they might not have proper communication skills and may not respond to your questions promptly.

You should also avoid hiring a contractor who doesn’t require building permits. Not obtaining a permit for remodeling can cause major issues later on. For instance, it might be necessary to redo any work that isn’t up to code when you decide to sell your house.

You should also keep your belongings safe while the crew is at work. It’s best to give them a key or put them in a lock box. This will help prevent theft and ensure that the crew works efficiently.

Not Having a Plan for Your Pets

Pets are part of the family, and it’s important to think about how your furry friends will fare during a remodel. If you’re not able to keep them in an area away from the renovations, consider boarding them with a friend or petsitter until the work is done.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your contractor before the project starts about how you’ll be handling pets. Some jobs involve heavy demolition or construction that may make it impossible to keep your pet safe at home. They’ll be able to let you know if there are any days when it will be too risky and recommend other arrangements.

Your pets may be curious about the workers in your home, and if you don’t have them contained or kept away from dangerous areas, they could get hurt. It’s also possible for them to get into paint, chemicals and other products that may be used during the remodel, which can cause irritation to their skin or respiratory tract.

Some remodels require sanding and scraping, which can create dust particles that can be inhaled. These can cause a range of health problems for your pets, from mild irritation to breathing difficulties and even respiratory failure. It’s a good idea to mist down surfaces before these jobs are carried out to help reduce dust inhalation.

Uncovered electrical wires are another danger for your pets during remodels. They can look like toys to your pet, and they could chew through them or be electrocuted if they come into contact with them. It’s a good idea to cover up exposed wires with sheets or put them behind gates so your pets can’t reach them.