5 Errors to Avoid in Home Improvement Projects

With housing prices soaring across Australia, many first homebuyers choose a home with renovations in mind. Refurbishing areas like the kitchen or bathroom can significantly increase the value of their home, and property owners who undertake these projects themselves can save heaps of money and have a fun and rewarding experience as well. DIY home improvement projects have taken off in Australia with roughly two-thirds of homeowners undertaking some type of DIY projects last year.

The problem is that not all homeowners are competent in performing these types of tasks and often make costly mistakes which can easily be avoided. While the internet has an enormous amount of helpful information, turning these ideas into reality isn’t as easy as many people believe. Of course, outsourcing difficult tasks to professional contractors is often required, however there are many simply mistakes that people make which can turn their home improvement projects into a nightmare! So, if you’re about to embark on a DIY project around the home, today we’ll be discussing 5 simple errors to avoid to ensure your project runs smoothly and efficiently.  

Accepting the cheapest quote

When selecting materials or contractors, never go for the cheapest alternative because the price usually reflects the quality. Always interview several contractors and clearly communicate your project specifications so they recognise exactly what needs to be done. Don't be shy to ask questions about the layout, the construction process, or the materials and always examine the terms and conditions carefully. Also, don’t forget to get references from previous clients! Investing a little extra time researching typically makes your project run smoother and more productive.

Jeopardising safety for a faster result

Whenever embarking on DIY projects around the house, safety must always be the number one priority. In many cases, using an old ladder is too unsteady and hazardous for working from heights and it's strongly encouraged to hire mobile scaffolding for a week or two to make certain you can accomplish your project safely and efficiently. Sadly, there are too many accidents when working from heights and if you're not adept in working with electrical systems, using power tools, or negotiating other technical aspects around the house, it's highly advised to delegate these tasks to a professional contractor.

Going above your budget

One of the biggest traps that folks fall into is going beyond their budget and in some cases running out of money before their project is accomplished. As a general guide, you should budget for a minimum of 20% more than your anticipated costs to leave room for unforeseen circumstances, extra materials, and additional labour which require urgent attention. Sometimes, folks discover troubles with their plumbing or electrical system which must be dealt with before they cause even more high-priced damages down the road.

Underestimating time-frames

Much the same to going above your budget, many individuals underestimate the time it takes to finish their DIY projects. What may appear to be a weekend job can be delayed for a number of reasons so it's imperative that you're adaptable with your time-frame. Whilst we always hope everything goes to plan, unfortunately it seldom does and budgets can be escalated very quickly! Plan extensively, be flexible, and always make room for roadblocks!

Modifying plans mid-project

Whether or not you're refurbishing your bathroom or kitchen, it's important that you plan carefully and stay with these plans irrespective of whether you believe you can make improvements along the way. Everybody who carries out DIY projects is tempted to add extra items or modify their design a little, however these alterations not only inflate the costs but also increase the time-frame. Although they may appear to be an impressive idea at the time, it's important to be cautious and remember that it's just the infectious bug that is home improvement!

Home improvement projects require loads of planning and preparation to ensure they run smoothly and are cost-effective. Always make certain that you have the relevant licenses and council approvals before you get started and never risk your safety for a cheaper outcome. If you're not fully confident in any elements of your home improvement project, always utilise a licensed contractor.

DIY projects are enjoyable and fulfilling, however it is essential that you get the job done right the first time. If you need any scaffolding or formwork for your next project, don't hesitate to consult the specialists at Uni-Span by calling 1300 882 825.