A living room has many functions to fulfill in your home. It’s the place where we engage our guests. It’s where we play games and socialize. It’s the room where we unwind and spend quality time with our beloved ones. Some living rooms are used for eating, homework or watching television.
However, like many homeowners commit mistakes while selling a house, they make mistakes when it comes to revamping a living room. Some opt for unnecessary massive changes. Some are not aware of the expenses. Some choose the wrong contractors.
That being said, if you manage the renovation smoothly, it can be a great investment you make in your home. So before opting for a remodeling, go through this list of top living room renovation mistakes you should avoid.
Going for the Lowest Estimate:
When you opt for professional help, one of the first things you need to do is get estimates from a handful of remodeling contractors. Once you get the quote, it can be tempting to choose the lowest one to save some money. But that low cost is less likely to give you quality work. A contractor may be cutting corners or utilizing low-quality materials.
Always look for the common numbers on all estimates. If there’s a number that keeps occurring, this likely the real cost. If you feel caught between the two same options, choose the one whom you feel most comfortable with.
Doing Remodeling on Your Own (without experience):
Many of us might think to do it on their own to save money, thanks to the renovation shows on TV and DIY blogs on the Internet. But renovation is a complicated task, requiring skills and experience. You might end up with a stained floor if you paint the walls inappropriately. You might damage the walls in order to install some shelves over there. The guesswork can put you in trouble and mess. Therefore, it is better if you leave remodeling jobs to professionals.
Throwing Out Your Old Furniture:
What to do with this old furniture? This thing bothers us when it comes to deciding upon the living room furniture. It’s okay if you can afford new furniture. Otherwise, you can revamp your living room furniture rather than tossing them into the trash. You can give them a whole new look with some nice upholstery. Moreover, paint can give them a fresh lease of life.
Sacrificing Your Vision:
Let’s admit it. Sometimes we take a backseat and let others decide for our home renovation. A designer might not agree with your way of remodeling. Then there is a store employee who comes up with their own idea. Or your friend criticizes your choice of colors. Although some of these ideas might be right, don’t let them steer you towards something that’s not what your heart is set on.
Also, you shouldn’t let the frustration caused by the project delays to accept undesired changes.
Not Using a Designer:
You can source design ideas from the issues of Interior Design, Dwell and Architectural Digest. However, a magazine-idea can’t replace professional help. Interior design for your living room goes beyond what rug would look great with what sofa. It’s all about building a functional and attractive space that can fit your lifestyle.
What is the optimal design solution if your living room is always packed with people? Is it possible to achieve a chick living room with limited resources? How to create a spacious room with low ceilings?
A professional designer also helps you fixing or downplaying the unattractive elements of your room and accentuating its attractive features.
Not Reserving Money for Unexpected Costs:
A renovation might be looking simple and under your budget on the paper. However, you should be ready for unexpected costs. Maybe the contractor digs through the walls just to find damaged electrical wires. Or there might be termite damage behind the TV cabinet. What about those structural water damages that are hidden until you tear into your walls and floor?
The older the property, the complicated the job and the more walls or ceiling you’ll be digging through, the greater the risk of ending up with hidden problems that can ambush your renovation budget.
Therefore, set aside at 10-15% more than the estimate you have got from your contractor. If you can’t afford to put some money into a reserve, see if you can get the work done with less expensive materials.
Not Having the Plan:
Make sure to have a thorough, written plan from your contractor before you start work. The plan should include everything, from project summary, architect’s plan, designer’s plan, deadline and details like tile and paint. This plan will keep you on the top as well as help you avoid unexpected service charges later.
So these are some living room remodeling mistakes you should avoid. What do you think? Drop your opinion to the comment box given below.
Author Bio: Jennifer is an editor and author at nyrentownsell – A leading real estate company in New York.
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