7 Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Considering remodeling your house in Santa Cruz? Or you want to rent your ADU in Scotts Valley, and you're researching the Scotts Valley real estate market to know which home remodels will maximize your return on investment and what blunders to avoid. When done well, remodeling can radically change your house, increasing its value and providing your family with a more pleasant and helpful living space. However, it could end up being a total mess if you get it wrong. Knowing which wrong turns to avoid will help you save time and money while keeping your project from crumbling completely. Fortunately, for you, here are the top seven common renovation mistakes to avoid.

Mistake #1: Picking the Wrong Contractor

Does your contractor have the required skills for the job? Picking contractors can seem like a daunting task. There is nothing like a one-size-fits-all contractor for every kind of work.

However, you can raise your odds of finding a winner by researching. It's like taking a test drive before committing to the car – you want to ensure it's the right fit. Read those testimonials, learn a little about their history and past projects, and read those online reviews.

Let's get down to the details. Verify their legitimacy by looking up complaints with the California State Contractors License Board. Remember to contact previous clients; they'll tell you the real story. Oh, and when it comes to being real, nothing compares to assessing their work in person. Examine their past work to make sure it meets your standards. And, yes, remember to quickly review any complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Finally, before the job begins, ensure you have all the data on paper. This way, everything will be clear to you once things start going.

Mistake #2. Trying a DIY Route with a Limited Skill Set

Let's talk about the DIY craze that's been taking over in recent years. Who has yet to be tempted to become handy after binge-watching a few home remodeling shows or hastily scanning through YouTube DIY tutorials?

But here's the thing – being handy doesn't always mean you're ready to tackle every project that comes your way. Even the most seasoned DIYers will tell you some jobs are best left to the experts. While it's tempting to channel your inner Bob the Builder and tackle everything yourself, there are some serious risks if you don't have a pro team.

Poor skill level. You might think you know what you're doing, but there's a whole world of things you might not even realize you don't know. And that's where things can get dicey.
You are prone to making huge mistakes: One wrong move and bam – you could end up with some severe damage to the structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems in your home.
Effect on warranties: Messing up a DIY project could void the warranty on many products and projects that are supposed to be installed by the experts. Talk about a costly mistake!
Time waste: DIY projects have a funny way of taking longer and costing way more than you initially planned.

If something goes kaput when you take the DIY route, guess who's on the hook for fixing it and facing the law? That's right–you. Imagine this: you invest significant money in a shiny new fence, only to discover it seriously violates city regulations. It's a real downer. Just play it smart and hire a professional who knows the ropes. They'll do all the necessary legwork, consult with the right people, and ensure your project complies perfectly with the code. It's a small price to pay to avoid a major headache later on.

Mistake #3: Poor Planning and Budgeting

Avoid the costly mistake of starting remodeling without a well-thought-out strategy in place. Give the project some thought, sketch out the desired result, establish a reasonable budget limit, and then get down to business with an elaborate plan. By doing this, you'll be able to prevent the inconvenient delays, unanticipated expenditures, and last-minute adjustments that come with not planning ahead.

Consider the importance of bringing in the pros for some design consultation. They are your renovation fairy godmothers, helping you figure out if you want to boost your home's value, up its functionality, or make it more customized to your preferences.

Not to mention budgeting, which is arguably the most crucial component. Renovations tend to throw curveballs; unforeseen expenditures may add up quickly if you do not prepare. Consider everything—demolishing, repairing, obtaining permissions, etc. You may need to set up a 10% to 20% emergency fund to meet unforeseen expenses.

Mistake #4: Ignoring codes and regulations

It is nice to avoid the bureaucratic process of obtaining planning clearance when possible. Some minor home remodels don't require any approvals. However, if you skip that stage and your specific project requires approval from relevant authorities this time around, you're asking for trouble.

Big remodel projects (think major extensions, any digging or building from scratch, like those cute ADUs or studios) are indeed a killer for adding space and value to your crib. But the kicker is that the bigger the job, the more likely you'll need to deal with the whole planning permission hassle. And if you don't follow the rules, the law won't be your friend. So, it's better to play it safe and cover all your bases.

Usually, you're good to go with internal changes unless you're messing with the structure. But for anything outside the four walls, like extensions or fancy new decks, you'll need the nod from the council. But sometimes, even small projects like sprucing up your deck or putting up a fresh fence might require a thumbs-up, depending on where you live.

Different jurisdictions have their own sets of rules for like fences, decks, sheds, you name it. They might have restrictions on height or size or how close you can build to your property line.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Your Home’s Natural Style

The natural style of a property plays a significant role in Santa Cruz's real estate market. Yet, many homeowners in areas known for their vintage appeal, like Soquel, Aptos, and Capitola Village, California, overlook its importance during renovations.

As you prepare to give your home a fresh look, you're probably buzzing with ideas, which is fantastic! But don't forget to keep the vibe of your place in mind. Take Scotts Valley real estate, for example – those homes vibe perfectly with the whole mountain scenery and warmer weather deal. Now, trying to turn one of those into a property fit for folks who love agricultural scenes and horseback riding, as you'd find in Watsonville, CA, is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Just doesn't quite match up with what they're all about or who they're made for, you know?

However, there are ways to blend different styles tastefully, and that's where an Interior Designer from ASID (the American Society of Interior Designers)can swoop in to save the day. An interior designer is like a style wizard, helping you seamlessly weave your favorite design elements into your existing space's vibe. Whether you're into rustic charm or modern chic, they'll ensure your home makeover is on point.

Mistake #6: Over-focusing on Aesthetics and Trendy Elements

A significant home renovation is not just about making things look pretty. Sure, aesthetics matter, but don't forget about functionality– splurging on fancy finishes might not actually up your home's value or make it comfier.

Focus on projects that boost your home's worth and make it a cozy haven. Think about improving efficiency, durability, and overall comfort.

Those trendy touches are fun, no doubt. But remember, what's hot today might be old news tomorrow. So, instead of going all-in on flashy trends, aim for timeless designs for the big stuff – think flooring, cabinets, fixtures, and appliances. Then, sprinkle in some trendy flair with accessories and decor. It's a smart move that'll keep your home looking fresh without breaking the bank.

Plus, in places like Aptos, Beachfront Santa Cruz, and many other small towns near Santa Cruz, we have noted that folks forget the significance of adding energy-efficient upgrades when sprucing up their homes. In California, we're all about being eco-friendly and keeping our planet in mind. So, adding energy-efficient upgrades to your home is about more than just saving on bills. These upgrades are worth considering, especially when it comes to boosting the appeal of your home in the competitive Santa Cruz homes for sale market.

Mistake #7: Doing Remodels that Clash with the Neighborhood

Before you go all-in on that ultra-modern remodel design, please take a second to think about how it'll jive with the vibe of the 'hood. You don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.

And when it comes to adding extra space, do just what is necessary. It's all about blending in and keeping things chill. The pro tip is that don't go overboard with your renovations. There's a sweet spot where splurging on fancy upgrades stops paying off in the long run. So, keep it classy, and don't break the bank.

The Bottom Line: Work with Professionals

Are you considering facelifting your holiday home at Beachfront Santa Cruz? Perhaps you're dying to renovate that adorable auxiliary housing unit you have hidden away in Capitola Village, California. Or a friend's friend scoping out homes for sale in Los Gatos got your contacts, and you want to make sure your place looks its best for them. Whatever the situation, teaming up with seasoned pros like real estate agents, contractors, and designers can make the renovation process a breeze and guarantee you get the results you're after.

Posted by Paul Burrowes on April 15th, 2024

What Home Renovations to Avoid