Renovating your home to make it more functional and appealing can be a pleasant experience.

However, like with any significant project, there are several ways for things to go wrong.

These projects aren't always as simple as they appear, and they might be difficult to complete on your own.

In order to avoid costly mistakes, do a lot of research and planning ahead of time, and talk to a renovation contractor before you start to make sure the job goes well.

When it comes to home renovation, many homeowners (especially first-time homeowners) usually regret taking the wrong steps or making certain decisions that will cost them later, during the project or after. 

Here are some renovation choices you'll come to regret.

1. Choosing the First Contractor You Discover

Not thoroughly screening your home renovation contractor is one of the greatest mistakes you'll make.

If you're considering a large home renovation, make sure you give yourself enough time to do your homework.

Make a list of questions to ask each contractor or designer you meet, and keep track of their answers.

- Is the company bonded, licensed, and insured? 
- What kind of experience do they have with projects like the one you're planning?
- How long has the company been in operation?

2. Purchasing Low-cost Materials

It was Benjamin Franklin that said, "The bitter taste of low quality lingers long after the sweet taste of a low price."

Take this statement to heart when you plan your home renovation budget.

It's all too tempting to cut corners and use less expensive materials.

However, you should be very careful about which parts of your home you remove or replace with cheaper alternatives.

If you're looking to save money, avoid elements that won't change the general style of the area and can be simply added later.

A kitchen backsplash, cabinet hardware, a concealed water bubbler, superfluous built-in cabinetry, or high-end marble flooring are just a few examples.

Don't skimp on items like high-quality cabinet construction or hardwood floors, which have the most "staying" power.

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3. Trying to do Everything Yourself

Painting walls, hanging wallpaper, moving furniture, and even some light wood staining or finishing are all tasks that are ideal for a DIY enthusiast.

After all, it's a fantastic way to save money and cut your renovation expenditure in half.

However, there are some tasks that should be left to the house renovation contractor.

Large-scale projects, such as structural improvements, electrical, plumbing, or roofing, are time-consuming and possibly hazardous.

If not done correctly, it might lead to bigger, more expensive problems in your home. Spending the money now to work with a professional is a better option.

4. Failure to Obtain the Correct Permits (or not getting a permit at all)

While obtaining a permit for a simple renovation may appear to be a waste of time and money, it is necessary for many areas for a variety of home modifications.

A permit verifies that the work was performed to the required standards and convinces potential purchasers that the work was done safely.

Without the proper permission, your property might be demolished whole or in part, costing you time and money.

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5. Choosing Fashionable Colours and Finishes

If you want to stay at home, that is OK.

If you're redecorating to sell, though, stick to neutral hues.

Grey tones are the current neutrals.

They may appear uninteresting to you, but the neutral colour scheme will appeal to a larger spectrum of purchasers.

Colours that are bold or trendy limit the number of people who will buy them.

Before you start any remodelling project, think about why you're doing it. 

- Is it for the sake of form and function, or is it for the sake of design and decoration? 
- Are you going to live there or sell the house?

6. Ignoring the Plan

Before you commence work, make sure you have a detailed, documented plan.

Runaway quickly if a renovation contractor says they don't do it!

The plan should include exact specifics, even down to the model number and finish option for each product.

And once you've devised a plan, stick to it.

Even modest modifications might increase the cost and cause the timeframe to be pushed back.

That said, keep in mind that problems will certainly arise, necessitating modifications along the route.

Make a list of them and try not to get stressed. 

Takeaways 

Before you ever swing a hammer or sign a check, choose the right home renovation contractor, do your homework, and plan your renovation.

Knowing how to avoid these typical renovation errors will help you make the best decisions possible.