Home renovations by Mike Holmes
#1 Rushing to Hire a Contractor
Hiring the right person for your home renovations is crucial. Get it wrong and the whole project can be a disaster. Take your time. You’re about to spend your hard-earned money on upgrades to your home so don’t rush to hire the first person who answers the call.
Once you’ve found the right contractor for your home renovations, get a contract. A contractor is not a contractor without a proper contract. The contract should contain every detail of the job so you know exactly what to expect. Details like materials and products being used, as well as subcontractors that will be working on the project should all be listed on the contract. And don’t forget the payment schedule which should be tied to milestones rather than dates. Review the contract carefully, and don’t sign anything until, you’re sure.
#2 Not Getting Proper Permits
I often hear of homeowners saying that a permit is just a cash grab and with the increase in value of their home due to home renovations, they want to keep it off the record so their taxes don’t go up. This is just not smart. Trust me when I tell you that a building permit is your protection. It’s is your guarantee that the job is safe and has been done at least to minimum code.
Think about it – if you’re having electrical work done, wouldn’t you want to make sure that it’s done safely and to code?
In most areas, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to get permits.
#3 Not Budgeting Properly
Always budget for unexpected surprises that may pop up during your renovation. I recommend budgeting about 20 percent to cover these unexpected surprises. Making a list of your renovation priorities will also help to decide on where you’d like to splurge and where you’d like to save.
If your dream cabinets are out of your price range, then hold off on your renovation until you can afford them. You don’t want to settle on something only to turn around 5 years later and spend money on a redo. Be smart about where you allocate your costs; don’t waste money on cheap materials that won’t stand the test of time. Make it right the first time.
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About Delonix Homes and Holmes Approved Homes:
Owning a Holmes Approved Delonix home means that Mike Holmes Inspectors have inspected the homes during various stages of construction to verify the quality behind the walls. Framing, structure, electrical, air sealing, foundation and HVAC was checked to ensure each Delonix home is built to Mike’s standards.