Is it time to give your Kennebunk, ME home a much-needed upgrade? Renovations are a superb way to give new life to your property and make it more functional, more attractive, and more valuable.
Of course, every home remodeling project is unique. But while nothing ever goes 100% smoothly, you can definitely ease the renovation process by planning ahead and knowing what to expect.
Here’s how to avoid the biggest pitfalls homeowners face when they upgrade their property.
Stay Alert to Potential Problem Areas—and Know the Solutions
1. Poor Use of Space
One key to a remodeling project that delights you is smart use of existing space, add-ons and build-outs. The last thing you want is to make errors that don’t give you the interior layout you need.
How to address this issue:
- Consult an engineer or designer—Get input on ways to achieve a modern layout, including what walls are safe to tear down and how to add square footage.
- Choose practicality—Be sure the planned design will give you the right flow and space for your needs.
2. Budget Woes
Properly planning for your home upgrade includes carefully calculating the estimated expenses involved. Too many homeowners get stuck because they run out of budget—but there are ways to avoid that.
How to address this issue:
- Know your deal-breakers—Size, scope, materials and labor all affect your overall cost. Know which areas you can compromise in to meet your preferred budget.
- Communicate—Share your vision with your builder so they can guide you in making savvy, cost-effective choices. Pro builders can help you set realistic expectations.
- Pad the budget—Add 20% to the estimated cost and put that aside to cover unexpected added expenses.
3. Old Electricity, Plumbing and HVAC
Older homes tend to have outdated systems that may need to be upgraded to the latest building codes. If you’re not willing to change these systems, your remodeling plans may need to be altered.
How to address this issue:
- Know your current situation—Ask your builder to evaluate these systems so you know what needs upgrades before you begin.
- Embrace changes—New wiring, pipes, and air systems can dramatically improve your home lifestyle and add major resale value.
4. Skimping on Products
It’s tempting to cut expenses by opting for inexpensive building materials. While some compromises may be acceptable, others can leave you with higher maintenance, costly repairs and constant replacements in the future.
How to address this issue:
- Do research—Find out how different products, such as vinyl vs. fiber cement siding, compare.
- Be willing to invest—Higher-end materials may cost more initially to install, but they usually last longer and save you on upkeep.
5. Investing in Upgrades that Don’t Fit Your Home or Neighborhood
Your dream home may include exciting luxuries such as a brand-new upper floor, high-end pool and hot tub, or an indulgent five-car garage. But if those features are “too much” for your location, they could end up causing problems down the line.
How to address this issue:
- Blend with architecture—Make sure any additions match the character of your existing house, or you’ll dampen curb appeal.
- Consider your neighbors—If your home is too different from surrounding houses, you risk getting less in resale value, plummeting your expected return on investment.
6. Underestimating the Timeline
Experienced builders and trade professionals are skilled at providing reliable estimates on how long your project will require. But it’s wise to be prepared for the unexpected to occur—such as materials being on back-order, shipping mistakes, poor weather and other causes of delays.
How to address this issue:
- Schedule during the off-season—Builders tend to be less booked during the winter, meaning they’ll have more time for your property.
- Be realistic—The bigger the fixes, the more time it’ll take to get to completion. Do your research, then mentally add at least a few weeks to the timeline to account for possible delays.
7. Not Planning for the Lifestyle Impact
If you’ll be staying in your home while upgrades are performed, be prepared for the disruptions that will arise in your day-to-day activities. Even in the best of circumstances, the process of remodeling can get noisy and messy.
How to address this issue:
- Stay elsewhere—If it’s practical and possible, find someplace else to stay while the property is renovated.
- Get out more—Coordinate errands and other activities so you’re out of the house during the day.
- Protect possessions—Pack up breakables and sentimental items, and hang plastic sheets to “wall off” work areas from living spaces.
- Be flexible—At times, you may have to head to the coffee shop to take a business call, or order pizza because the kitchen is temporarily off-limits. Breathe through it, and be patient! The temporary inconvenience will be worth it in the long run.
8. Failing to Work with the Right Builder
There is no substitute for professional expertise and guidance when it comes to having your home renovation done right. And there’s no greater hassle than choosing a company that does the work poorly and doesn’t care about you as a client.
How to address this issue:
- Interview several companies—Get several estimates, and pay attention to how easy it is to communicate with them.
- Choose a professional design-build company (like us!)—Design-builders do it all, from engineering and design to craftsmanship and completion. Every detail gets addressed by the same team, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
Get the Home Remodel of Your Dreams
If you’re dreaming of upgrading your Kennebunk home to add space, improve performance against the weather, or get modern, low-maintenance features, now is a great time to get started.
Our team at Auld Building Company loves answering questions and helping homeowners like you achieve high-end home remodels that delight you. Learn more about our trusted home remodeling process, and picture how gorgeous and easy-to-care-for your property can be!