Make no mistake about it, a home Remodel is a colossal project that will require a lot of patience, and above all, a big financial investment. Whether you’re renovating a certain section of your home or taking on the whole thing, there are undoubtedly issues that will come up along the way.

These issues can not only delay your progress but also cost you a significant amount of money. Being aware of these potential hurdles ahead of time can help save you a lot of stress and frustration. If you’re about to start a home remodel, or you’ve just launched one, here are some unforeseen issues that may come up.

Accidental Damage

In some cases, a home remodel may require a significant amount of tearing down walls and demolition work. From drilling to hammering, if you accidentally strike the wrong area of your home, you could find yourself with a burst pipe, and up to your neck in plumbing bills. Not only will it cost money to fix the broken pipe itself, but you’ll also potentially find yourself with flooding which can add even more damage. Before you start taking a hammer or drill to your home, know exactly what’s behind the wall you’re knocking down.

Permit Issues

You may require certain permits to complete your work. You must comply with local building codes and regulations in order to carry out certain jobs. This is why it’s critical that you familiarize yourself with what permits you need in your particular area, and that you obtain these permits before starting the work.

You can often avoid this issue by working with licensed and knowledgeable contractors who know these regulations inside and out. You’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your remodel is compliant with all local laws.

Communication Issues

Communication between homeowners and their contractors and their contractor’s subcontractors can often be a huge challenge. Miscommunications, no matter how small, can make a big difference in the end result. Even something seemingly insignificant can snowball, and end up negatively impacting the entire project.

Make sure that everyone is on the same page, by clearly communicating in the same place. This will ensure that everyone agrees on the same goals and timelines, and is clear on what’s expected of them. You can do this by creating an e-mail thread, or even using a messaging platform like WhatsApp so everyone sees the communication in one place in real time.

Supply Issues

Sometimes we have a clear vision of what it is that we hope to carry out, however, when it comes time to carry out the project, the supplier may not have enough of what it is you need. Supply chain disruptions can cause significant delays, and impact your budget. This is why you should always allow a small buffer into your budget and timeline, in case you can’t track down the specific materials you need exactly when you need them.