Maybe your kitchen’s looking tired. Maybe you feel it’s finally time to finish that basement. Or maybe an additional bedroom beckons, now that a new baby’s on the way. Whatever project you have in mind, whether it’s out of pressing need or simply out of a sudden desire for change – there’s no doubt that home renovations have the potential to enrich the lives of homeowners, often making them feel happier with their investment.

Perhaps more importantly, residential renovations can raise the value of your home considerably. In fact, home renovations can often more than quadruple a homeowner’s return on investment – granted that the work is done correctly.

Unfortunately, many homeowners dive into projects hastily rather than taking the time to consider some basic factors to ensure a project is properly executed. The result of a home renovation gone wrong can lead to emotional and financial turmoil.

Of the many mistakes homeowners can make when it comes to tackling a home renovation project, here are the top 3 you should be sure to avoid:

1. Going DIY: Choosing to do a project yourself might seem like a great way to save money at first – but this decision could cost you serious money down the line. Incorrectly measuring kitchen cabinets, for example, is a common mistake many DIY-ers make, costing a lot of time, energy, and cash to remedy. Unless you have project-specific construction experience, it’s always best to hire a pro – especially crucial when it comes to projects involving plumbing or electrical considerations.

2. Setting the Bar Low on Budget: To partially quote Forrest Gump – home renovations are “like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get.” The work that goes into any given project can be unpredictable. Unexpected additional work can pop up from day to day – anything from electrical issues, to hidden defects, to problems with selected materials. It’s always best to plan your budget for mishaps. Some home renovation experts suggest setting aside at least an extra 20% above quote to be on the safe side.

3. Picking the Cheapest Contractor: If there’s one thing to be picky about – it’s your contractor. Shop around for several quotes, and carefully compare what each one says he’ll cover for the budget discussed. If a contractor’s quote is much lower than the rest, it should probably raise alarm bells – it’s likely that you’re getting someone who has less experience or cuts corners, and you may end up with a sub-par reno.

Planning home renovations can be a very exciting time in a homeowner’s life! Taking the time to evaluate your needs with a professional can give you the peace of mind needed to have a great experience from a project’s start to finish.

Phenix Experts prides itself on helping homeowners in the Greater Montreal and surrounding areas realize their home project dreams, handling every kind of renovation – kitchen, bathroom, conversions, terraces, expansions, transformations, and more!

Whatever your home renovation plans, contact Phenix Experts today to learn more about their highly personalized, professional service. Request a FREE in-home estimate today!