Be on the lookout for improvement opportunities. Be it for your job, your family, or your home, you can always choose to step it up. But do you know where to start?
More personalities are making a career out of home renovation tips and advice. Professionals and influencers alike are sharing thoughts on the current design trends. Someone thinks floral wallpaper should make a return; another thinks it may be too early. Whom do you listen to?
Before you swing the hammer, here are common renovation tips that you should reconsider:
1. Low-budget renovations are always best.
More than being low-budget, a home renovation should be cost-effective. When renovating, all improvements made should not be short-sighted. They should stand the test of time, while still amenable to simple decorative tweaks to cater to your whims. And to have classic, timeless sets, you need to use high-quality products.
Reality shows may have fooled people into thinking that renovation is inexpensive. In reality, a thorough financial plan should be done. A remodeling job can cost twice the client’s expectation.
Homeowners should remember to invest in their permanent fixtures. In particular, the kitchen should withstand wear and tear from daily cooking and cleaning. Install a high-grade granite countertop, as this is one of the most used fixtures in the house.
Designing for the long run also prepares you in the event you’d have to move. Stylistic architecture, filled with sturdy antique fixtures, can increase the value of your home even after years have passed.
2. Go big or go home.
A piece of advice to invest in quality can be mistaken as a chance to make all the changes you can think of, bringing in all the fanciest furniture you can find. Instead, you should stick to a guideline to avoid going overboard with styling. Focus on your goal of a cost-effective renovation.
3. Home improvements are easy; you can do everything by yourself.
Sure, choosing a paint color and painting the walls yourself are easy. But almost everyone has made a painting mistake by not consulting professionals. Painting mistakes include choosing the wrong color and spreading stains all over the furniture and floor.
People often buy paint based on their favorite color or what they’ve seen in the latest design magazine. They overlook the specific lighting and dimensions of their home, which can be different in every room. It is only when they’ve finished painting that they realize they liked the paint only under the fluorescent lights at the hardware store, but the warm lighting at home cannot make it work.
When renovating, your hands are bound to get dirty. Renovating involves working with chemicals and electronics, which need care, proper attire, and tools. Strong paint can be an allergen, and prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory problems.
4. Different designers can make it work; you should hire more than one.
It is not necessary to hire more than one designer. Sometimes, it can even lead to a stylistically confused aesthetic, where one room is minimalist, yet another is full of embellishments.
When choosing a designer, don’t be afraid to ask them lots of questions and look through their portfolios. This can ensure that your style and the designer’s vision are a match.
5. How it looks is what matters most.
Materials are important in interior design. It’s not all about aesthetics. There can also be theories on how materials work with each other: which are complementary, which do not work, and which could make it work on certain designs.
For example, wood can make a kitchen look pleasing, with amber tones and natural textures. However, beyond the visual appeal, wood doesn’t make a kitchen more convenient for use. It picks up the moisture in humid places, making the space look and feel unhygienic.
6. You don’t need a permit for minor renovations.
Some minor renovations can affect the support system of the house, such as the balconies, decks, and beams. In these cases, a permit may be required. Permits may also be required when you install or remove plumbing systems, or when you replace your water heater.
Renovation permits are mandated by local ordinances. It is your responsibility as a homeowner to check if your new passion project follows the local state codes and standards.
Generally, minor renovations do not need permits, as long as they do not alter the shape or form of the structure. If you haven’t had time to check with your contractor or city council, stick to the basics: painting, carpeting, installing countertops, and replacing the faucet, all of which you can do without a permit.
Deciding for Yourself
At the end of the day, your home is personal. Renovating it should be, too. Follow tips and tricks to assess what you want. But make sure to make an informed choice.
