The truth is that most of the home renovation videos and DIY projects you see online are misleading. Perhaps not intentionally, but they do raise your hopes that achieving a new look for your home is as easy and cheap as they’re advertised to be.
While it is possible to renovate on a small budget, it’s not advisable for those who are looking to make big changes. Neither is it a good idea for those who are amateur DIYers. If you’re doing more than changing wallpapers and reupholstering your couch, here are three reasons a big budget will fail-proof your project:
You get what you pay for
You’re lucky if you discover affordable contractors and suppliers that deliver top-notch services and products. These finds, however, are few and far between for most homeowners. Many will claim they’re the best, and by the time you discover they’re not, they’ve already turned your dream house into a nightmare.
With home renovations, it’s always true that you get what you pay for. This doesn’t mean that you should go for the most expensive choices. It’s simply caution against going for the lowest bidder. Instead of searching online and deciding on prices alone, schedule time to drive around to canvas options.
This is particularly true when deciding on options for high traffic areas like living rooms and kitchens. Canvas reputable shops. Kitchen cabinets, countertops, sinks, and faucets that are top-quality are worthy investments. These are the things you should allot the most budget for because they’re the most frequently used objects in the house.
Your safety is on the line
In any renovation project, your safety is on the line. You may not think that replacing your kitchen cabinets, bathroom sink, and showerheads can cause extensive damage until you start noticing leaks. This is often the risk with amateur handling of plumbing, either because you DIYed or you hired a novice plumber.
The same is true for renovations that affect the structure of your house. Anything to do with the roof, ceiling, and walls should be handled by professionals. Compromising the structural integrity of your house puts you and your family at risk. Certain parts may collapse and cause extensive damage. Worse, they may result in injuries.
Hiring reputable contractors isn’t just about achieving your desired aesthetic. It’s about assuring the integrity of your home and the safety of your family. Nothing is too expensive when you consider what’s at stake.
It’s costly to fix mistakes
Let’s say you did get your expected outcome with a small budget. That’s great, except how sure are you that it’s going to last? How well will these renovations serve their purpose? When things start chipping away, malfunctioning, and breaking down months after the renovation, you’ll incur costs that are higher than your initial renovation budget.
Mistakes are expensive, mainly because they usually lead to further damages. They can also cause your bills to spike. Faulty wiring may lead to electricity leaks that will reflect in your staggeringly high electric bill. Leaks, too, are notorious for ruining walls, ceilings, and inflating your water bill.
Just the right budget
Having a considerable budget for your home renovation project is always a good idea. You don’t need to allot millions in order to guarantee your success. You simply need to forego the notion that a small budget is your best option and start viewing quality alternatives as worthwhile investments.
