If you’re planning on doing some DIY home improvements this year, read about our 7 common property remodeling myths to consider. As a general contracting company in the GTA, we’ve seen it all. We know what will help you up the value of your property, and what unfortunate DIY myths can lead you astray.
A home can suffer a lot of damage if an inexperienced renovator tries to do something. And with so much information out there, it could be hard to know what the right thing to do is.
1. You can do it by yourself
We’ve all seen the DIY YouTube videos telling you that you can build your dream home alone. And while there are some projects you can tackle; you’ll need the right tools to do so. Some jobs could cost you more if done alone, and not done right. These include knocking down a wall, electrical wiring, and fitting flooring.
2. Renovations will always give you good ROI
Getting a good return on your investment is about doing a renovation smart. Bigger is not always better when it comes to renovations. Knowing how to strategically upgrade a few low-cost things, can help your home increase in value, without putting a major dent in your pocket.
On average, you may get back 60% – 80% of the cost you spend. So, it’s best to invest in upgrades that will make your home more comfortable rather than splurging on a major stylish bathroom makeover.
3. Paint covers up everything
No. This is a common myth, but paint does not cover up anything. Preparing the walls before painting them is crucial to getting blemish-free finishes. So, you’ll have to fix the holes, blemishes and cracks before you can lay on a layer of paint that won’t chip away. Sanding walls is imperative – and we would call a professional to do it.
4. Repairing is cheaper than replacing
Maybe. It depends on the item in question, and the damage done. If something breaks, figure out if it can actually be repaired. If repairing it doesn’t address the underlying issue of why it broke down in the first place, it would be worth buying a brand-new version to avoid recurring costs.
5. Renovate with current home trends in mind
Just because something is trendy, doesn’t mean you have to do it. Current décor styles don’t work in every space. You could create a home that doesn’t end up matching your
lifestyle, so we would avoid expensive or permanent changes. You can try to incorporate trends on a smaller level that are easier to change through accessories. Remember, trends don’t last forever.
6. Remodeling is a fast process
Depending on your project – expect that remodeling takes several months (if all goes well). Typically, with larger homes, it could take 9-15 months for a full remodel to be done. As a professional company, we could do the work quicker and more efficiently than if you do it alone – so try not to start something you can’t finish.
7. Good planning eliminates surprises
Surprises will happen, no matter how good your plan is. No plan is iron clad. Every renovation will have a way of exposing a problem you didn’t know existed. While you should plan your renovation and stick to the plan, make sure you factor in at least 10% above your budget for those “just in case” scenarios.
Final Thoughts
While we love supporting homeowners taking charge of their homes, we know what it takes to remodel one. If you’d like to handover your workload or would like some help planning out what you can and can’t do alone, contact us today and let’s book you a consultation!